Advanced Technician in Horticultural Management for Native Wildflowers

Job title:

Advanced Technician in Horticultural Management for Native Wildflowers

Company

Durham University

Job description

The UniversityAt Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.Further information about the University can be foundThe Role and the DepartmentWe are seeking an enthusiastic individual to help push forward a potential new spin-out company that will produce native wildflower species for use in regional conservation projects. You will be joining a team led by Professor Stephen Willis, in the Department of Biosciences. The role will necessitate an ability to work independently, and will require an individual with prior experience in growing native plants from seed. The role will also entail collection of native seeds, so a good working knowledge of the UK flora is needed. You will be responsible for the growth, daily maintenance and timely provision of plants for external clients.The role is part-time (17.5 hours a week) for a period of 10 months, with the possibility of continuation after this period.Working at DurhamA competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 Days annual leave per year for full time staff, in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year (or equivalent pro-rata for part-time staff). The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• We offer generous pension schemes.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusionOur collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a university equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.QualificationsWhat you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person SpecificationWhen you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criterion has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.Your application should cover the following criteria:Essential CriteriaQualifications/Experience1. Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics, or a Post-16 qualification, or equivalent experience.2. Experience of working in a team.3. Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.4. *Experience of working within a conservation horticultural environment associated with the growth of native plant species.5. *Experience of the native plant flora of the UK, and an ability to identify plant species in the field.6. *Experience of field work associated with finding and collecting native plant species and their seeds.7. Experience of monitoring own activities and others to ensure health and safety regulations are adhered to.8. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.Skills/Abilities/Knowledge9. Excellent spoken and written communication skills.10. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including digital communication tools and Microsoft 365 applications.11. *Industry, academic, or professional knowledge/recognition relevant to the role, supported by relevant courses or certification. The ideal candidate would already have a horticultural qualification.Desirable Criteria12. * A passion and enthusiasm for nature conservation, and a working knowledge of regional habitats and their management.13. Experience of working on plant conservation projects in the region.14. Experience of working with volunteers in a horticultural setting.How to applyTo progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.Submitting your applicationWe prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emailsWhat you are required to submit:

• A CV
• A supporting statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification

Contact detailsIf you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Professor Stephen Willis would be happy to speak to you. Email Professor Willis on s.g.wills@durham.ac.ukTypical Role RequirementsService Delivery

• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values
• Respond to queries and provide information/advice, while raising more specialist or complex queries with more experienced team members.
• Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role, such as successfully germinating problem plant species, and make recommendations based on your findings.
• Continually review what is required from people who you work with and with potential clients to make sure the best possible service is provided.
• Monitor the stocks of plant species to maintain stock in good health, potting on as required, and sowing out new seeds to maintain anticipated future delivery of plants to clients. Prepare reports to share your findings with senior colleagues.
• Provide supervision for activities across the team, including students and staff.
• Construct and/or repair equipment and tools under the supervision of more experienced colleagues.
• Ensure the smooth running of a range of laboratories and plant growing facilities.

Planning and Organising

• Plan and organise your own workload to deliver the role.
• Organise and schedule assigned resources, activities and event, including ordering of consumable, scheduling planting regimes and taking delivery of and maintenance of equipment.
• Monitor processes and activities to ensure product quality and delivery deadlines are met.
• Record, monitor and collate information, and analyse patterns and trends in relation to seed germination and plant growth metrics.

Teamwork

• Provide specialist support and advice to volunteers and other team members on matters of horticulture.
• Make changes to the services provided by your team in discussion with other team members.
• Identify opportunities and contribute to decisions on how to improve services being delivered by the team.
• Seek feedback from client and potential clients on their requirements from your service and recommend improvements to senior colleagues.

Communications/Liaison

• Use your knowledge and expertise to provide advice and guidance to resolve problems and respond to a wide range of queries.
• Provide instruction and demonstrations to others within area of working beyond immediate team.
• Keep accurate records of stock levels and liaise with other colleagues to identify resource requirements, store and deliver resources.
• Create good working relationships with other team members and anyone else that you come across as part of your role to work together on joint activities.
• Liaise with Estates and Facilities staff and Biosciences staff to ensure that services are being delivered in a smooth and efficient way.
• Create good working relationships with internal and external partners and suppliers to work together on joint activities.
• Build relationships with contacts and contribute to internal and external networks to share good practice and exchange information.

· Any other reasonable duties.Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Expected salary

Location

Durham

Job date

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 02:18:56 GMT

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