Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI): Amenities and Conservation - HM[...] in City of Westminster

Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI): Amenities and Conservation - HM[...] in City of Westminster

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

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Instruct and support prisoners in gardening and conservation activities while maintaining grounds.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking establishment focused on rehabilitation and skill development.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to meaningful projects.
  • Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a difference by helping others learn and grow in a unique environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in horticulture and grounds maintenance is essential.

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

Overview: This is a non-operational instructional job in an establishment.

Summary: The job holder will be responsible for the day to day maintenance of the grounds and conservation areas within an establishment and will deliver and assess accredited vocational qualifications to prisoners. This is a non-operational job with no line management responsibilities.

Responsibilities, Activities and Duties:

  • Carry out a full range of gardening activities, giving instruction to prisoners on all gardening duties including use of machinery.
  • Carry out soft landscaping - turf laying and hard landscaping – laying patio stones.
  • Maintain establishments grounds and conservation areas including maintenance of lawns, ponds, water features and external grounds to the establishment including woodland.
  • Deliver all actions in the establishment’s bio‑diversity action plan with reference to the development of the conservation area.
  • Monitor flora and fauna work within the establishment.
  • Work inside/outside establishment grounds, cutting, mowing and maintaining areas in accordance with accepted practice.
  • Submit surveys for Land Based Activities specific to site.
  • Carry out preventive pest control measures across area of responsibility.
  • Act on wildlife and conservation group’s recommendations and implement those within the establishment’s grounds.
  • Undertake small project work as advised/requested including soft and hard landscape development including erection of horticultural support structures where the situation warrants.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Complete Violence Reduction Incident Reports (VRIR) and Security Information Reports (SIRs) when required and contribute to Incentive Earned Privileges (IEP) reports.

The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and are 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.

Behaviours:

  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Working Together
  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Developing Self & Others

Requirements:

  • Must have relevant work experience in Horticulture.
  • Must be conversant with grounds maintenance practices in areas of grass maintenance, turf culture, drainage, soil husbandry, areas of ornamental horticulture including aquatics, bedding, perennial, tree and shrub culture and a working knowledge of different types of habitats and the support each provides for insects, creatures and animals.
  • Must have experience of using horticultural machinery/tractors.
  • Preferable for candidate to have some supervisory experience.
  • Must have current knowledge of all relevant Health and Safety and Control of Substances Hazardous to health (COSHH) regulations.

Technical Requirements:

  • Must possess a full current United Kingdom (UK) driving licence.
  • Currently hold or be prepared to work towards Level 3 qualification or equivalent in horticulture.
  • Currently hold or be prepared to work towards PA1 PA6 spray certification.
  • Currently hold or be prepared to work towards a recognised workplace assessor qualification.

Ability:

  • IT Skills
  • Basic Maths
  • Basic English

Hours of Work: Allowances information about hours of work and allowances is provided by the organization and may vary. Applicants are expected to work unsocial hours as required.

Civil Service Nationality Rules:

  • UK nationals
  • Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Equal Opportunities: MoJ is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered fairly and equitably. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ is committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, and to make adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace.

Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI): Amenities and Conservation - HM[...] in City of Westminster employer: Ministry of Justice

As a leading establishment in the field of conservation and vocational training, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values employee development and growth. Our team enjoys a range of benefits, including opportunities for professional qualifications and a commitment to biodiversity, all while working in a unique environment that combines horticulture with meaningful rehabilitation efforts for prisoners. Join us to make a real difference in both the community and the lives of individuals seeking to learn and grow.

Ministry of Justice

Contact Details:

Ministry of Justice Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI): Amenities and Conservation - HM[...] in City of Westminster

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 Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI): Amenities and Conservation - HM[...] in City of Westminster

Horticulture
Grounds Maintenance
Soft Landscaping
Hard Landscaping
Machinery Operation
Health and Safety Regulations
COSHH Knowledge

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 Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI): Amenities and Conservation - HM[...].

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.