National Wildflower Centre Project Assistant England
Job description
£10.90 per hour
35 hours per week, Monday - Friday
12 months, fixed term, starting on Monday 17th April 2023
Thank you for your interest in this New to Nature placement.
New to Nature is an exciting programme of paid work placements in nature-focused roles. This is one of 70 roles that will be created across the UK to encourage young and diverse talent into the Natural Environment sector.
We’re particularly interested in receiving applications from young people (aged 18-25) who are from ethnically diverse backgrounds, who are living with a disability or are from low-income households.
You’ll get paid a good wage from a placement that helps the environment, learn loads of skills to boost your CV and get access to a Youth Employment Coach to help you plan your future career. There’ll also be opportunities to learn about potential careers in the natural environment, and (should you wish to) connect with the other young people working in New to Nature roles across the country.
This is a unique opportunity to try something new, and to take a first step on a career path where you can make a real difference. The natural environment needs you!
We hope you will join us on this exciting journey!
The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on Friday 17th February 2023. Please apply by following the link below and not by using the red Apply now button
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NTNPlacementApplication22
ROLE DESCRIPTION
This role involves taking part in all aspects of the NWC’s work, with a particular focus on assisting the seed bank manager with the running of the seed bank. This will include seed harvesting outdoors by hand in remote locations all over Cornwall, keeping records, database management, plant identification, seed cleaning, preparing seed mixes for use and working on small scale conservation projects.
As we are a small team, when large harvests come in or field maintenance is required we all club together, and this involves raking over seed to dry, bagging up seed into one tonne bags, cutting back pernicious weeds and planting plugs. You will also take part in community outreach days, whether this is hosting a stand at a local event or participating in sowing days.
It is important to note that in the summer we are often working offsite in remote locations so it is necessary that you are able to travel independently around the county. However, we pay mileage expenses at 45p a mile and can advise on schemes to enable independent travel around the county.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
A passion for plants and love of wildlife
Willing to be flexible and work reactively
Happy to work both physically and on a computer
Attention to detail
Basic Microsoft Office skills
A good communicator
Happy to work outdoors in challenging weather conditions
A can-do attitude
SUPPORT AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
This placement is part of a national programme - New to Nature - funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This will include additional elements of training and personal development support provided by Groundwork UK and partners, as well as on the job training and support from the National Wildflower Centre.
Each young person will complete an in-depth induction programme with input from The Prince Trust, along with tailored advice and guidance from a Groundwork Youth Employment Coach at key points during the placement. This may include identifying skills and training opportunities or help with your CV and job search skills.
The National Wildflower Centre will also be providing support for participants, including: plant identification and database skills training.
All young people on the New to Nature programme, will be invited to participate in a learning Network. This will create opportunities to take part in different talks, workshops and discussions focused on the environment sector, hosted by Groundwork and our partners.
