National Wildflower Centre Operative - Par, United Kingdom - Eden Project

Eden Project

Verified Company

Par, United Kingdom

1 week ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Zero-hour, fixed term contracts

£10.90 per hour

We are looking for Wildflower Operatives to support in seed harvesting and processing and in the delivery of various wildflower projects.

The role holder will be required to assist with land management activities such as, weeding, sowing seed, brush harvesting, hand collecting seeds, planting plug plants, and seed cleaning.

This is a very hands-on and field-based role that may require the odd long day and weekend working during the Summer months.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt

Job Family Definition
The National Wildflower Centre (NWC) has been part of the Eden Project since 2017.

The NWC sits within the Communities & Development Team, which explores new and exciting opportunities to connect people with nature, and increase biodiversity across the UK.

The NWC uses wildflowers to bring biodiversity, delight and colour into the lives of communities across the UK.

From hedges, fields, and woodlands to roundabouts, housing estates, churchyards and cemeteries, we want everyone to experience the glory of wildflowers.

Our projects combine conservation, creativity and colour to make new wildflower habitats that support wildlife and connect people to the natural world.

Wildflowers were once a significant part of the British landscape until WWII when huge amounts of meadow were ploughed for arable farming.

Today, they account for less than 1% of the British countryside.

Wildflowers:
❖ connect people with the natural world
❖ transform underused spaces into vibrant living landscapes
❖ help pollinators that are currently under threat
❖ contribute to pride of place
❖ show your community is actively doing its bit to increase biodiversity
❖ provide opportunities to learn about nature and biodiversity.

Role Purpose

Key Accountabilities

Assisting with the annual wildflower seed harvest, which involves working alongside contractors and agricultural machinery, brush harvesting, and preparing seed for cleaning and storage. Activities involve drying, raking, bagging, and storage of seed;
Supporting all aspects of managing the NWC's wildflower fields at various locations across Cornwall including using hand tools to weed, plant plugs, sow seeds, and mark out plots;
Preparing for and assisting with all aspects of wildflower seed collection by hand onsite at the Eden Project and in the field, at various locations across Cornwall;
Assisting with seed cleaning and seed bank activities to set standards and preparing seed for wildflower projects and sale;
Preparing, cleaning, and maintaining kit and equipment for use in the field;
Consider the Health & Safety of the team and volunteers at all times;
Ensures all work is done as instructed, on time, and to the required standards.

Education & qualifications
Understanding of ecology and conservation, land management, or similar environmental related discipline is desirable, but not essential.

This is a field-based role that will require physical work outdoors in all weathers, and at the Eden Project Growing Point Nursery.

A clean, full driving license essential. Tractor, brush cutting, and forklift tickets are desirable.
Knowledge, skills & attributes
Recent practical field work and/ or voluntary experience would be advantageous. Botany experience desirable, but not essential. Self-motivated, passionate about the environment, conscientious, and diligent are essential personal attributes. Someone who enjoys working outdoors in changeable weather conditions. Health & Safety awareness is essential.
Resourcefulness
Collaborates with NWC team and volunteers to complete practical tasks efficiently. Helps to resolve unusual challenges / situations, which demand adaptive and creative thinking when working in the field. Reacting and adjusting to challenges as they arise, such as equipment failure or changing weather conditions. Innovative, flexible, and can-do attitude is essential. Car-pooling will be required where possible and as Covid-19 restrictions allow.
People & asset management
Is jointly responsible for the teams' tools, materials and asset storage. Shared responsibility for Health & Safety, as is everyone on the team. Enjoys working in a small team. Emotionally intelligent, friendly and approachable.
Communication & visitor experience

May be required to liaise and communicate in person with landowners, estate managers, farmers, non-profit organisations, members of the public and contractors.

Cross-team cooperation and collaboration where required. Regularly interacts with colleagues, students, and volunteers in the field and across the Eden Project site.
Operational environment
Required to work between NWC workshops, Growing Point Nursery, and across the Eden outer estate. Extensive travel and work across Cornwall required during busy Summer months. Occasional evening and weekend working required in order to meet tight deadlines and seasonal demands.

Additional features