At a Glance
- Tasks: Instruct and support prisoners in gardening and conservation activities while maintaining grounds.
- Company: A unique establishment focused on rehabilitation through vocational training.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop teaching skills, and contribute to environmental conservation.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to work in a dynamic, impactful role.
- Why this job: Make a difference by helping others learn and grow in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture and a passion for teaching and conservation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is a non-operational instructional job in an establishment. 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 establishment's 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 these 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.
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.
- 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.
Behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions.
- Working Together.
- Managing a Quality Service.
- Developing Self & Others.
Must have relevant work experience in Horticulture.
Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI): Amenities and Conservation - HM[...] in Maidstone employer: Ministry of Justice
As a Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor, you will join a supportive and dynamic work environment that prioritises personal growth and development. Our establishment fosters a culture of collaboration and respect, offering unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of prisoners through vocational training in horticulture and conservation. With a focus on employee well-being and a commitment to biodiversity, this role not only enhances your professional skills but also contributes to the greater good of the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Land Based Activities - Specialist Production Instructor (SPI): Amenities and Conservation - HM[...] in Maidstone
✨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 Maidstone
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.
