Jobs

Horticultural Projects Coordinator

Are you someone with a positive attitude to new opportunities in life? Do you have a passion for working in the outdoors? Are you someone who is actively involved in exploring models for healthy sustainable living with an understanding of the principles of Permaculture? Do you have experience in growing and selling produce? Are you someone who is enthusiastic about learning new skills and also passing on your existing skills to others? Then you might be just who we are looking for!

Overview:

Furnace Brook consists of 15 acres of land and lakes in the High Weald, East Sussex with an overall role as an Arts and Ecology Innovation Hub. The site is managed through Furnace Brook CIC, working with a number of partner organisations.
The current operations at Furnace Brook consist of hosting and facilitating Individual and Group day and overnight visitors (who visit for fishing and/or nature-based stays).
The new operations at Furnace Brook consist of:

a) the establishment and support of local micro enterprises (some being on site) and

b) New land based Arts/Educational activities (largely led by partners) founded on practicing resilient living, regenerative land management practices and ecosystem restoration.

Role Summary

The successful applicant will be tasked with three primary roles
1) To develop and expand the food growing areas
2) To establish horticultural-based sales (Inc. willow, aquatic plants and compost)
3) To contribute to on site Arts and Educational programmes
The Horticultural Projects Coordinator will have outstanding leadership and ’teamship’ skills with a commitment to the delivery of high standards in the areas of horticulture and permaculture.
They will implement a regular programme of work to include the development and planned maintenance of all food growing areas at Furnace Brook. They will lead the collaborative design and implementation of these areas, where the designs will be expected to integrate with the existing overarching site wide designs and plans, based on agro ecological systems thinking and models for localised resilience.

Benefits of the role and working at Furnace Brook

 A diverse role within a growing organisation with clear accountability.
 Ability to make a significant difference to the lives of others and see the direct impact of your work.
 21 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.
 Flexible working approach.
 Coaching and support.
 Opportunity to undertake further learning and training.
 Opportunity to grow the role and build partnerships with other organisations
 Opportunities for learning about and showcasing sustainable solutions in the environment, countryside, horticulture and food.

Essential

 Basic DBS Check
 Familiarity with organic & permaculture principles
 Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a horticulture role

Desirable

 Experience of working in a social enterprise with similar mission, purpose and values
 Experience in establishing a micro enterprise
 Level 3 (or equivalent) Diploma in Horticulture
 Permaculture Design certificate
Training, experience & qualifications
 Commitment to maintain confidentiality and a high degree of accuracy in all aspects of the role.
 Demonstrable evidence of commitment to environmental protection, conservation and nature
based activities outdoors

Annual Salary: £26,000

Furnace Brook – A Brief Introduction

Furnace Brook operates as an emerging ‘Arts & Ecology Innovation Hub’. The land and lakes have been managed and reshaped over the past few years within this aim and where specifically the newly formed social enterprise, Furnace Brook CIC, operates to support and foster models of
resilience, health and wellbeing in connection with the natural environment.
The daily activities of the CIC are focused on –
a) The establishment and support of arts and creativity activities based at Furnace Brook
b) The provision of support to rural micro enterprises based either at Furnace Brook or in the nearby locality
c) Managing the land and lakes at Furnace Brook in order create a sustainable ‘naturally inspiring’ place for visiting individuals and organisations.
d) Onsite research activities regarding various facets of sustainable living and working. The main areas of research are currently energy generation, soil enhancement (Inc. Biochar led approaches) and regenerative design approaches regarding structures & shelters . The activities of modelling sustainable practices in the various research areas are also supported and enriched by inputs from undergraduates and post graduates on short/medium term work placements.
This work is undertaken through partnerships with The Carbon Free Group CIC , Helionix Designs and other social purpose organisations.
Furnace Brook CIC is a social purpose business. “A social purpose business is a company whose enduring reason for being is to create a better world. It is an engine for good, creating social benefits by the very act of conducting business. Its growth is a positive force in society” Coro Strandberg

All applications for the role are to be sent by email to gaynor@furnacebrook.co.uk

Please include your contact email and mobile phone

Closing Date for Applications: Friday 7th August 2020