Orchard management & planting roles
Brighton Permaculture Trust has promoted and managed sustainable orchards since 2006. We currently manage five small orchards at Stanmer and Racehill Community Orchard.
Working with our partners, we have supported the planting of over 180 school and community orchards in Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, and West Sussex. We have also planted forest gardens, edible hedges, and shelterbelts.
We run courses related to fruit growing and have run apple themed events since 2007.
Since 2009, our scrumping project has collected fruit that might otherwise go to waste turning it into juices, ciders, etc; now collecting 30 tonnes per year.
Our orchard projects are delivered working with a range of partners including local authorities, donors, national bodies and many local groups.
We are now seeking orchard workers to plant and maintain orchards around the city and its environs. We want to grow our team of workers to plant and manage new and existing orchards with volunteers and local community groups, to fulfill our vision of creating an orchard city.
We are looking for skills in orchard and fruit management but also the ability to work with volunteers and groups and communicate effectively with the community orchard development team. You will have your own suitable vehicle and be willing to travel up to 20 miles from the city.
We are offering up to 2 days/week, all year, but this will vary seasonally and is dependent on funding.
We would particularly like to hear from anyone living within our current key focus areas: Bates Estate, Bevendean, Coldean, Craven Vale, Hollingbury, Hollingdean, Moulsecoomb, Whitehawk.
How to apply
Please read the job description and background information about the role and the project.
Fill out the application form giving as much detail as you can about how you meet the competencies for the role and email us your completed application form.
Closing date for applications: 5:00pm Monday 31st July 2023
Interviews for the post will be held on 11th August 2023.
Download the Orchard management and planting application form
Download the Orchard management and planting job description
Essential competencies
1. Orchard and fruit growing skills and experience
Knowledge of basic orchard management & tree planting; physical ability to carry out regular practical sessions. Experience of tool use and how to maintain them, including power tools. Enthusiasm for local fruit growing and an appetite to learn.
2. Communication skills
Proven ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people in delivering community projects. Good verbal, written and interpersonal skills; ability to use a variety of forms of communication to motivate and engage at all levels. Ability to keep accurate records, document progress, and write clear concise and effective reports. Ability to deliver practical training.
3. Relationship building ability
Experience of delivering projects with local groups, in particular engaging effectively with volunteers and members of the community. Experience of managing flexible work schedules and working within a team of part time workers.
4. Computer literacy
Knowledge and experience using email, phone applications, Microsoft Word, Excel and video conferencing in order to communicate with Orchard Team effectively. Willing to engage with changing technologies, platforms and devices to enable most effective ways to communicate.
5. Driving licence and own suitable vehicle
Desirable Competencies
1. Qualifications & Training
Recognised training qualification, in particular in fruit growing and arboriculture. Knowledge of traditional orchard management and a permaculture approach to fruit growing or willingness to undergo training.
2. Local knowledge and connection
Familiarity with Brighton and Hove/surrounding parts of Sussex, knowledge of local communities, and an understanding of local issues would help roll out the right projects in the right places.
3. Conservation & Biodiversity
Experience within conservation; knowledge of flora, fauna and habitat; surveying and identification skills.
Job description
- Provision of regular work sessions in community orchards, working with fruit & nut trees, other tree crops, edible edges/hedges, shelterbelts (+ food & wildlife), forest gardens around the city
- Leading engaging practical volunteer sessions in community orchards with training element in tree planting and maintenance
- Providing timely feedback from each session to Community Orchard Development Worker
- Reporting accurately using technology accessible in the field
- Liaising with Volunteer Coordinator in setting up and reporting back on volunteer sessions
- Participating in team meetings
- Undertaking group development and training as necessary
- Ability to work weekend days, particularly Saturdays, highly desirable if not essential
Terms
- Part-time freelance work, to be paid at varying rates £13.50 – £25/hour, paid monthly in arrears. Invoices should be dated the last day of the month and will be paid within 21 days.
- Working 1-2 days per week, but no minimum guarantee. Workload throughout the year varies depending on season and funding.
- Training on the job provided.
- Essential to provide own reliable transport which can accommodate long ladders and other equipment, including heavy loads during tree planting season. Preferred vehicle: Pickup with tail lift OK: Medium/large Van with tow bar Considered: Large estate car / small van
- Ability to travel to work sites. Current projects are within a 10-mile radius of the city of Brighton and Hove, but we have an interest in developing projects within a 20-mile radius.
- Local travel costs will not be covered, but essential travel further than 10 miles from the city will be paid at cost or 45p per mile for vehicle use.
- Hold current DBS or prepared to apply prior to commencing work
- Hold current First Aid certificate or prepared to undertake training prior to commencing work
Download the Orchard management and planting application form
Download the Orchard management and planting job description