Maternity Cover - Glasshouse Assistant

Job Description

The Role
What you’ll do
Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required
How to apply
Benefits
Employment Visa

The Role

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.

The post holders will work as part of a multi-skilled team of support, academic and research staff to ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of the Glasshouses to meet the needs of research experiments and field trials

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Dai Morgan at dgm@aber.ac.uk.

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

What you’ll do

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

• To carry out detailed maintenance and upkeep of plants and plant material and to prepare experimental material in readiness for new projects, liaising closely with scientific staff to ensure that the plants are at the required stage of growth in accordance with project specifications.
• To prepare pots / boxes for scientific experiments (to include precision mixing of special composts) to support projects undertaken in a controlled environment.
• To assist with the relocation and disposal of scientific plant material / disinfection of pots and boxes to specification and in accordance with established protocols, operating procedures, COSHH etc.
• To undertake chemical spray application within the spray team, both in and around glasshouses and polytunnel areas in accordance with COSHH and Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• To assist with the organisation, allocation and application of Integrated Biological Controls throughout the Venlo facility and other associated areas on a fortnightly basis.
• To assist with the irrigation of scientific experiments if required.
• To undertake weekend irrigation responsibilities on a regular basis throughout the year.
• To assist with maintaining effective and fully functioning glasshouses in regard to temperature regulation, health & safety aspects, risk avoidance and plant health.
• To ensure strict adherence to SOPs to ensure successful project completion. Maintaining manual and computerised records to provide the necessary audit trails to satisfy the requirements of all interested parties including commercial partners, academic staff and students.
• To communicate and interact with Research staff to understand plant requirements and growing conditions.
• To inform staff, students and colleagues etc. of any relevant information pertinent to the successful delivery of the project.
• To contribute to the delivery of high quality plant materials for research and teaching purposes
• To escalate issues about general maintenance of the glasshouses to the Manager and Senior Assistant, that the glasshouses and potting areas are maintained to the highest standards of repair and functionality.
• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

Essential Criteria

The position is physically demanding therefore it is essential that the successful applicant has an appropriate level of health and fitness. Appointment to this position may be subject to a satisfactory fitness assessment.

Qualifications
1. GCSE Maths and English grades A – C or evidence of literacy and numeracy to this standard.
2. Full valid UK driving licence or equivalent right to drive in the UK.

Experience

3. Experience of working with plant material (grasses, clover, cereals or other crops)
4. Accustomed to physical work and working outdoors

Skills

5. Ability to use standard computer software (i.e. Microsoft Word, Outlook)
6. Ability to be flexible according to work and team requirements.
7. Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
8. Ability to work to, and to follow detailed written instructions.
9. Ability to work with accuracy and have attention to detail.

Welsh Language

10. An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

1. Relevant Horticultural or similar qualification.
2. Chemical spray certificate PA1 and PA6.

Experience

3. Familiarity with computerised glasshouse / controlled environment systems.
4. Experience with growing plants in glasshouse environments is highly desirable.
5. Knowledge of horticulture / agriculture would be advantageous.

Welsh Language

6. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A1 or evidence to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to learn Welsh to this level.

*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/

How to apply

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.

Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus. 

Please keep reading

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.