TORBAY COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE TRUST

VOLUNTEERROLE DESCRIPTION

POST TITLE:Trainee Estate Gardener

RESPONSIBLE TO:Head Gardener

LOCATION: Cockington Country Park, Torquay, Devon

WORKINGHOURS:Ideally 30-37 hours per week

DURATIONOFPLACEMENT:Ideally 9-12 Months

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:This training opportunity offers the chance to gain valuable hands on experience withCockington Country Park’sEstate Team. Assisting with the Park’s management and maintenance efficiently and effectively, in accordance with the overall aims of the Trust.

Thegeneralduties and responsibilities involvedin this role will be as follows:

  1. Observe all Health and Safety requirements as directed by the Head Gardener
  1. Help with the development and presentation of The Park and Memorial Rose Garden, work to a high standard as directed by the Head Gardener
  1. Assist with the continued restoration and soft landscaping of The Lakes, for theGreen Heart Project and help deliver programmed works throughout The Park
  1. Engage with community volunteersand assist with the delivery of a wide range of tasks
  1. Carry out inspections of the park, assisting and advising visitors, whilst presenting a positive, helpful image at all times
  1. Help on occasion, with the planning and delivery of The Green Heart Project’s events, and others run by The Trust
  1. Help on occasion, in the Visitor Centre
  1. Undertake any other tasks, as may be assigned from time to time

What this volunteering role offers you

The Trust gives you the opportunity to:

  • Broaden your knowledge and understanding of the management of a 30 acre Country Park
  • Gain experience of gardening and horticulture in a publicly accessible green space
  • Achieve recognised qualifications
  • Develop your leadership skills and knowledge of working with volunteers
  • Learn how to utilise resources, effectively and efficiently
  • See the results of your efforts, take pride in your contribution and gain confidence

About You

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust are looking for a self-motivated individual, who enjoys working outdoors, can this be you?

Volunteer Estate Gardener Role Specification

ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
QUALIFICATIONS /
  • Relevant Degree / training

EXPERIENCE /
  • . A keen interest in gardening and horticulture
/
  • Practical/ Theory Horticulture experience
  • Amenity park management

KNOWLEDGE /
  • Ability to demonstrate knowledge of gardening
/
  • Awareness of the management green spaces and gardens

SKILLS /
  • Ability to use initiative and good decision making
  • Good verbal communication, organisational and time management skill
  • Ability to work as part of a team
/
  • Ability to work with and motivate volunteers and the wider community
  • Aptitude for working with tools & machinery
  • Confident at working independently and under their own initiative
  • Can give and follow instructions

DISPOSITION /
  • Enthusiastic
  • Willingness to learn
  • Physically fit
  • Sense of humour

OTHER /
  • Flexible approach to working hours
  • Willing to work in the field in all weather
/
  • Full clean driving licence

Other Information

Accommodation

Volunteers will be offered free accommodation on site, in the heart of Cockington Country Park. ‘Gamekeepers’, a traditional 16th century thatched cottage, has been newly refurbished, fully furnished and now hasplenty of modern conveniences, including: central heating, Wifi, sixen-suite bedrooms, all with showers and a large communal open-plan fully equipped kitchen/diner/lounge living space.

Training/support

All our volunteers receive an induction and given appropriate training for the role.

You will receive continued guidance during your placement and be fully mentored.

We offer a training budget of £1000 for externally certificated training, e.g. NPTC/Lantra, for the

9-12 months placement. This will be relevant to the Park and role specific.

Throughout your volunteering, you will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills, further your knowledge and partake in reviews for your personal development.

Days/Hours

Monday- Friday.Minimum of 4 days per week, 5 days for the most beneficial learning experience.

30-37 hours per week, with a degree of flexibility.

On occasion, a weekend day and/or evening, for Trust events.

About Us

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust is an independent conservation charity based at Occombe Farm, Paignton. We are dedicated to looking after some of Torbay’s most important wildlife and heritage sites. Our aims are to protect land, conserve nature and strengthen the bond between people and the natural world of Torbay. We manage 1750 acres of country parkland, nature reserves, woodland, farmland and coastline across Torquay,Paignton and Brixham. Our main sites include Cockington Country Park, Occombe Farm, the Seashore Centre and Berry Head National Nature reserve. Located in Torbay,we care for and manage three SSSI sites are also part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.

If You Are Interested

If you would like further information about the role or have any questions, please contact Mardie:

Email:

Landline: 01803 606858 Mobile:07786 388019

You can also download a registration form from the vacancies on our website:

and return to or by post to

Occombe Farm Visitor Centre, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN

Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Monday March 30th 2018

Interview date: Wednesday 11th April 2018

Start date: Between 30thApril- 14th May 2018