Job Description
The role involves assisting Westray Development Trust on a range of projects designed to develop the social, economic, and cultural sustainability of our community and so help the Westray community to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
The primary project the graduate will be working on is the development of the Westray Community Garden in order for the project to better support the needs of the community during a time of rising food prices, increasing supply chain delays, as well as the climate crisis. This will involve researching development options for the project, engaging with the local community and businesses, creating content for WDT online and print publications, and more.
The Westray Community Garden project was initially established in April 2017 for an initial two-year pilot project. The information gathered during this study was planned to determine the physical infrastructure of a Community Garden Project that supplies affordable, quality fruit and vegetables to the Westray community. Since then the project has continued to grow and innovate, sharing learning with the community and providing a wider range of fresh produce to a community at the end of a long food supply chain.
The successful graduate will be given three core objectives for their graduate placement.
- Complete a feasibility study that investigates several development options that the Community Garden could undertake. This should be with the goal of achieving financial sustainability for the project in a manner in line with the garden’s objectives of environmental sustainability and addressing community need (affordability, variety, etc.).
- Improve community engagement with the project. This will involve arranging micro-volunteering opportunities at the garden, arranging community events, as well as exploring other means of sharing learning and promoting discussions around food security, nutrition, growing, and sustainability.
- Develop a new project marketing and sales strategy/process.
The graduate will also have the opportunity to take part in other WDT projects and works to help them gain a broader experience of working in a third sector organisation. This will involve gaining experience in project management, community engagement, and applying for funding.
The graduate will be supported by the Operations Manager in their role and provided with training opportunities.
This post will involve attending evening meetings with volunteers.
The successful graduate must be available to start in post in Westray by mid-November 2021 at the latest. Ideally, the week beginning 15th November 2021.
About Us
Westray Development Trust is a charity based on the island of Westray in Orkney, Scotland with a mission to develop Westray Development Trust (WDT) is a community development trust based on the island of Westray in Orkney. Established in 1999 with a mission to develop the economic, social, and cultural sustainability of our community, WDT has over two decades of experience. In order to support the island population of approximately 600, the Trust has established a range of projects and programs for the benefit of the community. This includes activities such as; establishing the Hofn Youth Centre, the Bargain Box community fundraising shop, and Westray Community Garden. WDT is also currently developing affordable housing to address the shortage in Westray.
WDT is a community-led organisation with free membership open to all Westray residents over the age of 18. WDT’s volunteer Trustees are elected from the membership by the membership to represent the needs of the community.
Qualifications
Applicants must have graduated with a minimum of an HND in a relevant field within the past 5 years.
Preferred subjects: Agriculture, Horticulture, Rural Management, Geography, or Environmental Studies. Other relevant fields will be considered.
We are looking for…
We are looking for a graduate who is passionate about the environment and growing food with an HND, degree or postgraduate degree in a relevant field. Salary will be determined within £21,000 – £24,000 depending on the graduate’s level of qualification and experience. The successful graduate must be able to relocate to Westray if not already based here and begin work by mid-November at the latest.
Essential
- Strong written and spoken communication skills – as this placement will involve significant community engagement.
- IT competency. Particularly use of Microsoft Office programmes and web-based research.
- Willingness to learn, try new opportunities, and take part in a range of projects.
- Experience in growing food, climate change, and sustainability.
- Ability to work well independently and with others.
- Social media skills.
- Self-motivated.
Desirable
- Driving License
- Experience in rural/ remote rural communities.
- Project management experience.
How to apply
To apply please email a copy of your CV and a covering letter to Isobel Thompson by 25th October 2021.
Interviews will take place via Zoom between 27th-29th October 2021
[email protected] 01857677858
To chat informally about the post or to ask any questions please contact Isobel Thompson.
75% of this post is funded by Highlands & Islands Enterprise.
