Sustainable Food Project Worker

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Student Vocational Placement in CAT Biology Department starting October 2009

 To qualify for this placement you must: Be a UK National undergraduate studying for a degree with a compulsory and assessed work placement element Job title:                                Sustainable Food Project WorkerResponsible to:                    Head of BiologySalary:                                   £11,918 per annum, pro rata           Position:                               Full- time Fixed Term contract for 10-12 months                               

Introduction to CAT

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is Europe’s foremost eco-centre and demonstrates ecologically sustainable methods and technology to the public from its 40-acre site in the hills of west Wales.  It aims to inspire, inform and enable society to move towards a more sustainable future.  As well as being open to the public we provide a broad range of educational opportunities ranging from technical training courses to Masters programmes. We manage ourselves on co-operative principles.

 

We have a wholefood vegetarian restaurant on-site that caters for around 65,000 visitors year and a staff canteen feeding 60 people per day.  Some of the produce used in the kitchens is grown in our certified organic gardens and polytunnels, but because of the large food requirement we also need to import large quantities of produce from off-site.

 Job summary: Located within the ‘Biology Department’ the post holder will work with a range of departments and the ‘Food Group’ at CAT to devise and implement policies and systems that ensure CAT’s on-site food production, and procurement from outside suppliers is achieved in the most environmentally sustainable manner, and to contribute to the development of related educational resources and displays where necessary.  The project aims to reduce CAT’s food related greenhouse gas emissions; reduce our ecological impact related to food production and procurement; make the most efficient use of our on-site food production areas and facilities; create a ‘sustainable food production and procurement policy’ for CAT; and create new interpretation and displays. Responsibilities:

·         To assist the Biology and Gardens Departments, the Restaurant, Shops, and the Food Group with the design and implementation of a ‘sustainable food production and procurement policy’ for CAT.  

·         Undertake hands-on practical tasks as follows:

·        Planting and growing to make available more food

·        Working with on-site Gardeners to research and develop opportunities to maximise home grown produce

·        Working with the restaurant (and Quarry Café and CAT shops) to locate local producers and suppliers of sustainably produced food products.

·        Designing and helping to manage food production systems for CAT’s integrated energy and food production greenhouse (subject to the completion of this installation during the current student placement period)

·         Assist with the development and delivery of appropriate educational resources such as displays and publications to educate the public in sustainable food production and how they might promote this through their actions and purchasing. 

        Person Specification Essential                                                                                               Desirable

Full time student in the UK undertaking a compulsory placement	Knowledge of sustainability issues in horticulture and food production
A UK national	Practical experience of horticulture
Keen interest in sustainability issues in horticulture and food production	Experience in communicating environmental issues
Experience of report writing	First Aid at work qualification
Experience of undertaking research	Knowledge of Health and Safety issues
	Ability to speak conversational Welsh
Experience of managing own workload	driving licence
Experience of team-working
Commitment to co-operative working ethos
Commitment to CAT’s vision
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Familiarity with ‘Microsoft Office or similar

 

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic organisation and gain knowledge of a variety of sustainable technologies and approaches.  The successful candidate will enhance their knowledge of:

 

·         Ecologically sustainable food production methods and how to minimise associated greenhouse gas emissions.

·         The practicalities involved in managing a specific work place and gardens to maximise use of local produce and minimise environmental impact.

·         Practical gardening skills

 In addition, all CAT employees may undertake two of our training courses per year free