17126 - Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI) - Commercial Horticulture

17126 - Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI) - Commercial Horticulture

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ministry of Justice

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Cultivate and maintain gardens while training prisoners in horticulture skills.
  • Company: Join a unique establishment focused on rehabilitation through horticulture.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop teaching skills, and contribute to meaningful change.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by helping others learn and grow in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in horticulture and a passion for teaching and mentoring.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The job holder will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, harvesting and cultivating of the establishment's gardens, ensuring protected cropping is grown and harvested to the highest standards and assess accredited vocational qualifications to prisoners. This is a non-operational job in an establishment with no line management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

  • Maintain correct field-scale soil husbandry, ensuring all stages of crop development are followed in accordance with good horticultural practice.
  • Maintain the growing plant/crop to ensure optimum development and/or cropping, ensuring that the plants needs are fully met.
  • Maintain effective biological pest control measures and any necessary chemical crop protection programmes.
  • Resolve any prisoner work issues, setting tasks to match their ability whilst ensuring safety and production is maintained at all times.
  • Ensure produce grown on-site is prepared and packaged appropriately, taking into consideration appropriate labelling, grading and overall presentation.
  • Maintain sports fields as per agreed plan with both the Farms and Gardens Manager and PE Department.
  • Carry out preventative pest control measures across area of responsibility.

Other Instructor Tasks

  • May participate in the selection process of prisoners for the workshop/area of work.
  • Induct prisoners to the workshop/area of work and train them in aspects such as Health and Safety, Control of Substance Hazardous to health (COSHH), machinery and tools usage.
  • Provide support for prisoners where required; tailor learning and training requirements to individual needs.
  • Set work schedules and manage targets/quality standards, maintaining delivery of contractual arrangements.
  • Assess and evaluate skills of prisoners up to national qualification standards.
  • Supervise and maintain discipline of prisoners within workshop/area of work, responsible for performance, motivation, discipline, appraisal and development of prisoners.
  • Maintain regular communications via radio net in accordance with Local Security Strategy (LSS).
  • Open and complete Assessment Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) forms, Violence Reduction Incident Reports (VRIR) and Security Information Reports (SIRs) when required and contribute to Incentive Earned Privileges (IEP) reports.
  • Will conduct a metal detector scan or rub down search of prisoners attending and leaving their own workshops.
  • Provide quality assurance against product specification.
  • Log attendance and approve prisoner hours worked and wages including recording piece work where appropriate.
  • Carry out fabric and tool checks of workshops and maintain security of areas, logging any tool/equipment faults.
  • Undertake planned maintenance programme on machinery.
  • Contribute to prisoner reports including parole and sentence planning.
  • Complete regime monitoring information and update prisoner training records.
  • Contribute to Health and Safety risk assessments relating to the workshop/work of area and specialist areas.
  • Request materials and estimate usage in order to meet work targets.
  • Initiate product development reviews to maintain workshop/area of work output levels, and to provide variety of work and experience for prisoners.
  • Participate in self-audit and in achieving Service Delivery Indicators (SDIs).
  • Complete administration activities to support the smooth running of the workshop.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. Significant adjustments may require re‑examination under the Job Evaluation Scheme and shall be discussed in the first instance with the job holder. An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English or (where specified in Wales) Welsh.

17126 - Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI) - Commercial Horticulture employer: Ministry of Justice

As a Specialist Production Instructor in Commercial Horticulture, you will thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment that prioritises personal growth and development. Our commitment to fostering a positive work culture is reflected in our focus on tailored training for prisoners, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional advancement. Join us in a role that not only enhances your skills but also contributes to the rehabilitation of individuals in a unique and rewarding setting.

Ministry of Justice

Contact Details:

Ministry of Justice Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land 17126 - Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI) - Commercial Horticulture

Get Hands-On at Local Events

Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Ministry of Justice.

Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities

Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Ministry of Justice.

Show Off Your Green Thumb

Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.

Apply Early and Often!

The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Ministry of Justice; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.

We think you need these skills to ace 17126 - Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI) - Commercial Horticulture

Horticultural Knowledge
Soil Husbandry
Crop Management
Biological Pest Control
Chemical Crop Protection
Health and Safety Training
COSHH Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Ministry of Justice.

Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like 17126 - Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI) - Commercial Horticulture.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Ministry of Justice is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.

Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Ministry of Justice a clear picture of your capabilities!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ministry of Justice

Get to Know Your Plants

Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.

Show Off Your Portfolio

If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!

Be Ready for a Plant Quiz

Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!

Passion for Sustainability

Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Ministry of Justice might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.