Apprentice Horticulturist - University of Oxford - Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum

Through training and direct hands-on experience, the Apprentice Horticulturist’s main responsibilities and duties will include the following. 

Regular duties:

Developing skills in general maintenance of the area of the Botanic Garden to which they are assigned Working closely with the Horticultural Team to learn skills in cultivation of the plant collections Learning about safe use of machinery and ladders Answering enquiries from the public Attending botanical and horticultural training Attending staff meetings and staff events 

Intermittent duties: Learn compliance with procedures to manage risk to yourself, the team, volunteers, visitors and contractors Interacting with visitors e.g. Friends’ coffee morning guided tours With support, assisting with the preparation of the education programmes and outreach work Any health & safety training required, as identified by your line manager Any other duties supporting the work of the Botanic Garden and Arboretum at the request of line managers 
 
Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties:

This job includes the following hazards or safety-critical activities which will require successful pre-employment health screening through our Occupational Health Service before the successful candidate will be allowed to start work: 

Working at heights  Lone working Work in hot or cold environments Driving on University business Regular manual handling Working with allergens Work with substances 

Training:

Qualifications included:

Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship

Training Outcome:

Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been trained for after their Apprenticeship and that’s just the start of their career. 

Employer Description:
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum forms a collection of plants which today is more diverse and comprehensive than at any time since its founding in 1621. The plants grown at the Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum are not only grown for their amenity value, but are used for educational activities, reference, conservation and research. The University of Oxford Harcourt Arboretum was established by the Harcourt family in 1835 but has been managed by the University of Oxford Botanic Garden since 1963. The Arboretum has a diverse collection of trees and shrubs from around the World, which are complemented by native woodlands, parkland and meadows.

Working Hours :
You will complete an 18 month apprenticeship, including End Point Assessment within a 2 year employment contract. 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Weekend duties approx. once a month as part of a rota (overtime paid/time off in lieu granted as appropriate).

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Customer care skills,Team working,Physical fitness,Aptitude for horticulture,Keen to learn about plants,Awaren of OBG's public setting