CAT is still recruiting for its 6 month Long Term Volunteer Placements in the Gardens Department to start in March 2011.
Long Term Volunteers (LTVs) come every March and September to work full time for 6 months in various departments across CAT. Whilst gaining hands-on valuable work experience and learning more about sustainability during their unpaid placement, individuals make a valuable contribution to the work of CAT which is highly appreciated.
LTVs find accommodation locally and need to be completely self funding. Anyone is welcome to apply but you must be over 18 years old. Benefits include: work experience and training, lunch, travel expenses (currently upto £16.50 a week), two free CAT courses (subject to availability), a year’s free subscription to CAT’s membership magazine, discount for CAT shops & restaurant.
Gardens LTV Role
The Gardens at CAT provide fresh, organic fruit and vegetables for the staff lunches and to supply our visitor restaurant and café in town, as well as being a showcase of sustainable food production and biodiversity for visitors. The 1 acre productive food field has been managed since the establishment of CAT. Alongside this main growing area, there are productive food areas across site including a hobby allotment, polytunnels, an orchid and woodland areas. The department works on composting, including food waste composting, woodland management and weather monitoring.
About the job
You will be working on all aspects of growing at CAT, onsite as well as on the 1 acre productive food field, in liaison with the Garden Staff and other volunteers. Full training and supervision will be given.
Responsibilites
Tasks may include the following:
• All the various tasks involved in growing food at CAT.
• To help carry out all aspects of organic gardening in CAT’s 1 acre field, including planting, watering, weeding and harvesting.
• To help maintain ongoing research projects and establish new ones as required (with Biology Dept.).
• To help with the upkeep of designated fences, hedges and trees.
• To maintain garden tools and keep shed to required standards.
• To help maintain and improve biodiversity and wildlife at the Centre.
• To collect compost as required from designated local areas (i.e. Quarry Café) for composting waste on site and maintaining garden soil using compost produced.
• To carry out composting in liaison with the Biology Dept, ensuring compliance with CAT procedures.
• Other tasks as required.
Person Specification
• Flexible with an enthusiastic and positive disposition
• Capacity to work in a team and on own intiative
• Empathy with the ethos and core values of the organisation
• Keen and willing to learn
• Able to work outside in all weathers
• Able to do heavy physical work
Interested individuals should get intouch if they are interested in this placement as we can give you more details.
Information generally about the LTV scheme at www.cat.org.uk/volunteers
Closing Date for Applications: ongoing
Start Date of placement: Beginning of March 2011
