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The Kingfisher Project is part funded by the
European Social Fund
Trainee Conservation and Gardens Estate Worker
Dartington Hall Trust
Information for Applicants
Introduction
The Dartington Hall Trust is a registered charity, occupying a 1200-acre estate, near Totnes in south Devon. The Trust has several different strands of activities in ecology, the arts and social justice and is recognised as an international centre for the generation and application of new ideas in these fields.
The Woodlands and Conservation Department is responsible for the planning and day-to-day management of the estate to retain and where possible enhance the potential for wildlife diversity alongside a working environment. Specific habitats include ancient deciduous woodland, mixed woodland, the river Dart, floodplain grazing marsh, wetland areas and calcareous grassland. Permissive paths are provided across most of the estate and are heavily used throughout the year.
In addition, other areas of the estate are managed by the Grounds and Gardens department who are specifically responsible for Dartington Gardens, a listed 2 star garden as well as roadside trees and hedges.
The Trainee Estate Worker
Time will be split between departments, with approximately 60% of time spent with the Woodlands and Conservation department and 40% spent with Grounds and Gardens.
The Trust is now part of a partnership of organisations who have secured funding to enable trainees to receive a training allowance of £110/pw. In addition trainees will receive training and assessment to attain an NVQ Level 2 in Environmental Conservation, a qualification that is very relevant for anyone seeking employment in the conservation sector.
The Trainee Estate Worker placements are part funded by the European Union Social Fund. Trainees will start on 26th January 2007. The scheme will run for 36 weeks. 2 places are available.
The Training Experience
Either operating as part of a small team or working independently, the Trainee Estate Workers will operate within a framework of work experience and practical training.
Although some time may be spent in the office and workshops, the largest proportion of work is on the estate and in the gardens, this means working in all weathers. Experience and training will be gained in the following areas:
Estate Management – practical estate management tasks such as scrub control, tree felling, bracken management, footpath maintenance, installing countryside steps, tree planting, and young woodland maintenance such as tree weeding and formative pruning.
Horticultural Management – practical garden management tasks such as lawn mowing, lawn edging, tending borders, feeding and mulching, pruning, planting and spraying.
Some biological survey work – specifically on dormice, butterflies and badgers to provide necessary information to support management plans and work programmes.
Working with volunteers and dealing with public – trainees will take part in on going volunteer programmes one day a week. This will involve dealing with the general public and school children (16-19 year olds) under close supervision.
Training
Full instruction and guidance will be given for all tasks as necessary. This will include the use and maintenance of tools such as brushcutters as well as a wide range of hand tools. In addition, trainees will be given proper instruction in the use of 4 wheel-drive vehicles. The member of staff in charge of each task will usually give this training, although at least one day each fortnight will spent with an external NVQ assessor.
Formal training courses will be arranged for some of the following: Use of Chainsaw; Use of Pesticides; First Aid.
Schedule
We will expect a commitment from trainees for the full placement period in order that both the NVQ modules are completed and that the estate work programme is fulfilled.
Trainees will normally follow a 7.5 hour / five day week. The working week will normally be Monday to Friday although occasional weekend days will also be required. Time off can be taken in lieu of weekend work.
Transport
Trainees must make their own arrangements for reaching Dartington in the mornings and returning at the end of the day. Any estate management work to take place off the core estate will require travelling and the use of Dartington’s vehicles.
Eligibility/Qualifications
Dartington is looking for enthusiastic individuals who are committed and need work experience and a vocational qualification to enhance their chances of finding a permanent post in a relevant field.
A full driving licence and driving experience are essential.
Candidates should be physically fit and prepared to work in all weather conditions and must be available to start in January 2007.
For further information please contact Tom Stevens 01803 847028
Interviews
Any applicants who have not heard from us by the date of the interview should consider their application unsuccessful.