Location
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, GL8 8QS

Hours
Part Time - 21 hours per week

Salary
£30,105 (pro rata)

About the Role
Forestry England is dedicated to growing the nation’s forests for everyone, adapting landscapes for tomorrow and creating amazing places and experiences today. Westonbirt Arboretum is home to one of the world's most significant tree collections, recognised internationally for tree conservation, scientific collaboration and public engagement. As a Propagator, you will work within the Westonbirt Tree Team, reporting to the Curator, to deliver propagation activities that support the long-term resilience and development of the living collection. Your focus will be on the propagation and cultivation of tree species that underpin Westonbirt's collection development, conservation programmes and future planting needs. You will also support volunteer engagement, knowledge sharing and public understanding of tree conservation. Maintaining the highest standards of nursery hygiene, plant health and biosecurity will be essential to ensure all propagated material entering and leaving the nursery is healthy and free from pests and pathogens. This is a fixed-term appointment for six months, with the possibility of extension but no guarantee of permanency.

Benefits
Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards your pension through the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. You will receive 25 days holiday per year, increasing by one day per year of service up to 30 days (pro-rated for part-time employees), plus bank holidays. The STaR employee benefits scheme offers discounts on everyday shopping, holidays, gym memberships and more. Free parking is available at Forestry England sites, along with free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury. Forestry England supports lifelong learning and career development through professional development opportunities, individual learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Experience relevant to propagation and nursery work is desirable to support the cultivation and conservation of tree species within a significant arboretum setting.

About you
You will be passionate about tree conservation and propagation, with a commitment to maintaining high standards of plant health and biosecurity. You should be able to work collaboratively within a team and support volunteer engagement and public education. A flexible and proactive approach to a fixed-term part-time role is essential.

Qualifications
Specific qualifications are not explicitly stated; however, relevant horticultural or forestry qualifications or experience would be advantageous. A willingness to learn and contribute to the conservation and propagation objectives of Westonbirt Arboretum is essential.