At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of Acorn Farm and engage with the community through horticultural activities.
- Company: The Conservation Volunteers, dedicated to building sustainable food systems.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in horticulture and community engagement.
- Other info: Temporary role with opportunities for career advancement in the green sector.
- Why this job: Be part of a flagship project promoting sustainability and learn valuable skills.
- Qualifications: No special experience needed, but passion for horticulture is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
- The Conservation Volunteers – Trainee, Acorn Farm (ID358)
- Details
- Organisation: The Conservation Volunteers
TCV is a partner in The Acorn Farm which is a major project helping to build a more sustainable food system in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.
This post is funded on a fixed-term basis until 30 September 2027 and provides opportunities for learning and skills development to support the opening phase of the Acorn Farm at St Columbs Park.
The Acorn Farm is a new flagship site to promote sustainable food growing and is nearing completion of the construction phase at a cost of about 6 million pounds.
The Acorn Farm includes a range of green houses and growing beds across a two-acre site.
The apprentice will help with the initial development of the site during winter/spring 2027 and then support a programme of community involvement, learning and education activities at the Acorn Farm during summer 2027.
- The apprentice will be involved in a wide range of horticultural and activities including:
- Support the Acorn Farm team in the development and commissioning of the new facility.
- Preparation of greenhouses, beds and planters for the growing season.
- Growing vegetable plants from seed, planting out and caring for them.
- Helping to plant and maintain a range of tropical fruit plants in the main dome.
- Learning the daily maintenance of green house plants including watering and ventilation.
- Helping to welcome the public to the Acorn Farm.
- Helping to run learning events for visiting school and community groups.
- Delivering practical horticultural projects and helping to lead volunteers.
- Assisting in the planning of projects, including helping to prepare materials and tools.
- Learning about and maintaining good standards of health and safety.
- Attend training sessions to learn about horticulture and gardening.
Experience
This is a temporary role to give work experience in horticulture and no special experience is required, however applicants need to show how the role will help advance their career in this sector, so experience in horticulture and growing plants or vegetables growing is helpful, as well as experience of working with volunteers and the public.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Locations
The Conservation Volunteers – Trainee, Acorn Farm (ID358) in Derry, Londonderry employer: Northern Ireland Environment Link
Groundwork NI is an exceptional employer that champions community engagement and development, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation meets impact. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, collaborative teamwork, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in diverse communities across Northern Ireland. With a focus on strategic partnerships and sustainable funding, this role provides a unique platform for personal and professional development in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Northern Ireland Environment Link Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land The Conservation Volunteers – Trainee, Acorn Farm (ID358) in Derry, Londonderry
✨Join Local Horticulture Groups
Getting involved in local horticulture clubs or community gardening projects is a fab way to meet people in the industry. These connections can lead to trainee opportunities that aren't always advertised, so get out there, roll up your sleeves, and show your enthusiasm!
✨Attend Gardening Workshops
Look for workshops and events in your area focused on horticulture. Not only will you learn valuable skills, but these gatherings are great for networking with professionals who might know of trainee positions, including potential roles at companies like Northern Ireland Environment Link.
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Volunteering at local gardens, parks, or even botanical gardens can build your experience and help you stand out. Many trainees secure positions by showcasing their practical skills and passion for plants, so don’t shy away from getting your hands dirty!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check out our website for trainee opportunities with companies like Northern Ireland Environment Link. Applying directly often puts you ahead of candidates from large job boards, so take that extra step and show your genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace The Conservation Volunteers – Trainee, Acorn Farm (ID358) in Derry, Londonderry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Plants:When applying for a trainee role in horticulture, it’s essential to highlight your enthusiasm for plants and gardening. Mention any experiences you have, whether that's volunteering at a community garden, growing your own plants, or relevant courses you’ve taken. This will show Northern Ireland Environment Link that you're genuinely interested in the field, which is super important for this role!
Include Relevant Qualifications or Courses:Make sure to list any qualifications or courses related to horticulture. If you've taken any short courses in botany, landscaping, or plant care – even online – include those details! Tailoring your CV with this kind of information will demonstrate your commitment to learning and growing in the field and will look impressive to Northern Ireland Environment Link.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:When it comes to your cover letter, don’t forget to express what excites you about this trainee role with Northern Ireland Environment Link specifically. Talk about what you hope to learn and how you see yourself contributing to their projects. This is your chance to showcase your eagerness to grow and adapt in the horticulture space.
Demonstrate Soft Skills:Horticulture isn't just about knowledge; it’s also about working with teams and customers. Highlight any soft skills you have, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are essential in a trainee role. Let Northern Ireland Environment Link know you’re a team player who’s ready to learn and collaborate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Ireland Environment Link
✨Dig Deep into Plant Knowledge
Brush up on your plant biology and horticultural practices. Expect questions about identifying plants, pests, and diseases, so having that foundational knowledge will really help us stand out during the interview with Northern Ireland Environment Link.
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
If you've done any hands-on work with plants or gardening before, be ready to chat about it! Bring along any photos or examples of projects you've worked on to showcase your practical skills. This can really show that we're not just book smart, but we can get our hands dirty too!
✨Express Your Passion for Horticulture
As a trainee, we need to convey our enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Discuss what drew us to horticulture and any experiences that inspired us. This could be a great way to connect with the interviewers at Northern Ireland Environment Link, showcasing that we’re excited to grow in this field!
✨Be Ready for a Practical Task
It's common in horticulture interviews to have a hands-on task or assessment. This could involve planting, propagating, or even identifying various plants. Being comfortable with practical tasks will show that we’re ready for the trainee role at Northern Ireland Environment Link, where practical skills are key.
