Part-Time Tree Nursery Assistant - Cairngorms Connect (Fixed-Term)

Job Description

Be part of landscape-scale habitat restoration in the Cairngorms! As part of the Cairngorms Connect Partnership, we are looking to recruit an Assistant to work in the Tree Nursery at RSPB Abernethy National Nature Reserve. This role will help produce a range of tree species which will be used to expand native woodland and restore montane scrub communities.

The Tree Nursery Assistant will work closely with the Tree Nursery Manager, Reserve Volunteers and the RSPB Abernethy Operations team to maintain the plant stock and infrastructure at the Tree Nursery at Forest Lodge. They will undertake the propagation of native tree species (primarily broadleaved) from seed and cuttings, working both on their own and with volunteers and practical work groups. The main tasks will include watering, weeding, plant health, pricking out seedlings and seed collection whilst maintaining high standards of biosecurity and good record keeping.

If you are a keen horticulturalist, this could be the role for you!

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge and experience of plant propagation from seeds and cuttings
• Practical skills to maintain the nursery infrastructure in a safe and tidy condition.
• Experience ensuring high standards of health and safety are observed in order to protect staff, volunteers, visitors and the RSPB.
• A proven track record both working independently and within a varied team.
• Happy to work outdoors in all weathers and in remote places.
• Good people skills and volunteer management experience.
• Data recording, writing and report compilation skills

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience:

• Lantra or equivalent qualification in using equipment such as brushcutter
• Knowledge of maintaining tools and equipment to agreed standards.
• Experience of managing plant pests and diseases.

Additional information:

• This role will involve lone working and working in remote locations.
• This role will require occasional weekend, early morning and evening working so will need someone who is able to be flexible.

This is a part-time, fixed-term contract for 22.5 hours per week until 30th September 2023. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position in the week commencing 24th October 2022. For further information please contact steve.blow@cairngormsconnect.org.uk

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.