Horticulture and Environment Assistant

JobStart Scheme; Derry/Londonderry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

An environmental nonprofit organization in Derry/Londonderry seeks volunteers to support local conservation projects. Responsibilities include assisting the TCV team, planning projects, and maintaining gardens. Ideal candidates should have an interest in horticulture and conservation, with a capacity for outdoor work year-round. Flexible hours are available, making this a great opportunity for those looking to connect with nature and their community.

Qualifications

• Must have an interest in horticulture, conservation, and environment.
• Willingness to support individuals and communities connecting with nature.
• Physical capability to undertake practical outdoor tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support the local TCV team in practical environmental projects.
• Assist in planning, preparing materials, and tools for projects.
• Help create and maintain gardens for schools and communities.
• Assist in habitat management on bogs, woodlands, and wetlands.
• Support TCV staff in delivering projects and learning events.
• Promote TCV's profile and recruit volunteers.
• Learn and maintain health and safety standards.
• Attend training sessions on horticulture and gardening.

Skills

Interest in horticulture and conservation

Willingness to support community engagement

Ability to undertake outdoor tasks year-round

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: THE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS - DERRY/LONDONDERRYEstablished in 1959, the Conservation Volunteers (TCV) are one of UK’s leading environmental volunteering charities, in 2024 we transformed over 1,500 green spaces for the benefit of local communities. The post is based at TCV’s office at Brooke Park in Derry/Londonderry, where TCV has new purpose-built premises including office, training room, workshop and a garden with polytunnels. From Brooke Park we work throughout Derry City and surrounding area with occasional work in Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh. We undertake a wide range of projects including: Habitat management of bogs, woodland and upland habitats. Supporting 400 households per year to grow food at home as part of the Acorn Farm Project, mitigating the impacts of climate change. Green Gym and health projects. Supporting communities to improve their local area. Tree planting projects. Improvements to school grounds for learning and play. Training and qualifications in horticulture.

Responsibilities

• Support the local TCV team in the delivery of practical environmental projects and helping to lead volunteers.
• Assisting in the planning of projects, including helping to prepare materials and tools.
• Helping to undertake creation and maintenance of gardens for schools and communities.
• Helping to undertake habitat management work on natural habitats such as bogs, woodlands, wetlands and sand dunes.
• Assist TCV staff to deliver projects and learning events to local communities and schools.
• Helping to promote TCV’s profile and achievement in the local area, raising awareness of TCV’s activities and helping recruiting volunteers.
• Learning about and maintaining good standards of health and safety.
• Attend training sessions to learn about horticulture environment and gardening.

Skills and Qualifications

• Have an interest in learning more about horticulture, conservation and environment.
• Willing to support our team connecting individuals and communities with nature.
• Able and willing to undertake practical outdoor tasks all year round.

Further Information

Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week. Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach. Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.