Natural Environment Trainee

Background information:

PECT is an independent charity that is helping to protect and enhance the environment. Our vision is to create sustainable places, where the natural environment is healthy, communities are involved in their area, health and well-being is improved for all, and where resource use is responsible and doesn’t compromise the needs of others, now and into the future. We champion sustainable practices to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Purpose of role:

PECT delivers a range of activities to enhance and improve the local natural environment, including the creation of new community green spaces, enhancement of existing habitats and the increase in use of these spaces for education and wellbeing.

Previous activities have included the development of wildflower corridors in schools throughout Peterborough and Cambridgeshire, the training and creation of community groups in woodland management and the improvement of existing community spaces through new and enhanced planting.

PECT established the Forest for Peterborough project with the aim of planting a tree for every resident in the city by 2030, which equates to 230,000 trees. To date the charity and its partners have planted over 110,000 trees.

The trainee role, which is funded through the DEFRA Green Recovery Fund, will support PECT’s Natural Environment lead on the delivery of Forest for Peterborough programme. The role will be involved in tree planting, arranging event days, providing training and support to volunteers, and helping with the administration of the project.

The role is for 3 days per a week, with the trainee encouraged to undertake a formal qualification at the same time.

Employer: PECT

Based: This position will be based at PECT’s offices: Ham Lane House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU,

with regular work outside in Peterborough. There may be opportunities to work from home on some days.

Salary: £18,100 (pro rata £10,880)

Closing Date for applications: 03/01/2021

Interview Date: Week commencing 11/01/2021

Contract Length: 14 months

Hours/Week: 3 days / 22.5 hours a week (days and times can be flexible)

Work outside normal hours: Occasional evening and weekend work will be required

Reports to: Natural Environment Lead

Key responsibilities:

• Recruit, induct and manage volunteers to support the delivery of Forest for Peterborough
• To keep accurate work planning data and other record and files
• To undertake appropriate administrative duties relevant to the project
• Organise, and supervise planting days
• Organise training and equipment needs for volunteers (including producing training plans)
• Produce and maintain risk assessments for all works with volunteers
• Work with PECT’s Marketing Manager to promote the project.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Ability to transport equipment to events, undertake physical work and manual handling
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Able to work independently and use own initiative, and within a small team
• To be able to relate to people of all backgrounds and ages
• A positive attitude to working outside
• A willingness to learn and undertake training where appropriate
• Enthusiasm for/understanding of environmental/sustainable development issues.

Desirable:

• Experience of working with volunteers
• Local knowledge of Peterborough and the surrounding area
• Experience of organising and promoting events.