At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain an eight-acre site, ensuring cleanliness and safety indoors and outdoors.
- Company: Join a charity dedicated to supporting young people and promoting green skills.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, supportive team environment, and access to development programmes.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to contribute to a positive safety culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while working in a beautiful outdoor setting.
- Qualifications: Basic maintenance or horticultural skills and a passion for teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32833 £ per year.
Part-time (15 hours per week spread over 2 – 4 days)
Location: Green Skills Centre, West Lothian
Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to shape a new role at our Green Skills Centre and maintain an eight-acre site for a charity? Do you have the practical skills to keep indoor and outdoor spaces and equipment clean, fit for purpose and keep records to ensure compliance? Are you looking for a job where you work with a team who are passionate about making our Green Skills Centre an outstanding space for everyone? If so, this may be the perfect opportunity for you!
About the service
Our Green Skills Centre offers group training and development work to young people (ages 14-20) and other groups at risk of experiencing homelessness. We realise that many 'at risk' groups can suffer from a nature deficit and sense of disconnection which can intensify and compound the struggles people face. We aim to be a restorative and supportive influence. We deliver trauma informed and person-centered outdoor learning and wellbeing opportunities, including workshops, accredited training & client-led learning pathways such as sustainable horticulture, market gardening, woodland skills, peer-mentoring and outdoor education.
About the post
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape our new Site Maintenance Operative role. You will work closely with the Green Skills Centre team to ensure the general maintenance, safety and cleanliness of the Green Skills Centre. This is a hands-on, physical role that will involve the use of tools and other horticultural equipment, working in both indoor and outdoor spaces. You will support the Service Manager to ensure the site is compliant with health and safety, fire safety, and COSHH regulations, while actively promoting a positive safety culture. You will also work alongside the Market Garden Coordinator to support with seasonal upkeep of the green spaces, site and tool maintenance, and completing ad hoc horticultural tasks. It would be desirable if the successful candidate has experience of basic maintenance and/or horticultural skills.
About you
You will have knowledge and experience of site compliance, general maintenance tasks, basic IT skills and cleaning to a high standard. You will have the ability to follow training and guidance, keep records in line with policies & practices and will be a supportive team member working across the site. This is a varied role that will require you to be well organised, able to work on your own initiative; and be positive, creative and flexible whilst working with the team.
How we’ll support you
You’ll be working independently as part of a team with a supportive manager. You will have access to wider Cyrenians support, including our learning and development programme, and staff wellbeing services.
Site Maintenance Operative employer: Cyrenians
At the Green Skills Centre, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive learning and development programme, ensuring that you not only contribute to maintaining our beautiful eight-acre site but also enhance your skills in a meaningful way. Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of young people while enjoying the unique advantage of working in a vibrant community-focused charity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Maintenance Operative
✨Get Involved with Local Gardening Groups
Join local horticulture clubs or community gardens. It's a fantastic way to meet people in the industry, learn about available part-time opportunities, and get tips on what local businesses like Cyrenians are looking for.
✨Attend Horticulture Fairs and Events
Keep an eye out for gardening fairs, farmers’ markets, or plant festivals in your area. Not only can you learn a lot, but these events often have job boards or local employers looking to hire part-time help.
✨Leverage Social Media for Opportunities
Follow local horticulture accounts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. There are often postings about part-time jobs that might not make it to traditional job boards, plus you can connect with other enthusiasts who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like Cyrenians.
✨Tap into Your University’s Resources
If you're a student, your university might have links with local horticulture firms. Check out your career services; they might list part-time opportunities with companies like Cyrenians that are specifically looking for students eager to gain experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Maintenance Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:When applying for a part-time job in horticulture at Cyrenians, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with plants, gardening, or landscape maintenance. If you've got a knack for nurturing plants or knowledge about different species, don’t keep it a secret—let it shine in your CV!
Include Certifications and Courses:If you've completed any horticulture-related certifications or courses, be sure to list them in your application. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you're serious about your passion for plants. If you’ve got any coursework on plant biology or sustainable practices, include that too!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Cyrenians:In your cover letter, make sure to express why you want to work specifically with Cyrenians. Are they known for their beautiful gardens or innovative horticultural practices? Mention these points and how they resonate with your own interests and experiences—this shows genuine enthusiasm and helps you stand out.
Flexibility Matters:Since you're aiming for a part-time role, emphasise your availability in your application. Whether you can work weekends, evenings, or even during peak seasons, make it clear! Flexibility can be a huge plus, so highlight how you can fit into the team at Cyrenians and support their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cyrenians
✨Know Your Plants
As we're diving into horticulture, it’s crucial to brush up on your plant knowledge. Be ready to discuss different species, their care requirements, and maybe even tackle some plant identification questions. Having a few examples of your past gardening experiences or plant projects can really show your passion and expertise!
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since this is a part-time gig, your practical skills might be just as important as your theoretical knowledge. Think about any previous jobs, volunteer work, or personal projects related to gardening or landscaping. Highlight those experiences in your answers – showing what you've physically done can leave a strong impression.
✨Seasonal Awareness is Key
In horticulture, understanding the seasons and how they affect plant behaviour is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach gardening tasks at different times of the year, and share your approach to seasonal planting or maintenance strategies – it'll show your practical understanding of the field!
✨Bring Your Tools (and Portfolio!)
If you have a portfolio showcasing your previous work, such as photos of gardens you've designed or maintained, definitely bring it along. For a part-time role, sharing your creative ideas and how you use tools for different tasks can set you apart. It's about showing how you can bring value to Cyrenians with your unique skills and passion!
