Job Description

CAT are seeking a Lead Gardener, for a 12-month fixed term contract, who will be responsible for ensuring that the garden areas on the visitor circuit are attractive, well-presented and represent CAT's core message of sustainability.

About CAT

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is an internationally renowned environmental charity, a world-leading eco centre, and one of the foremost providers of postgraduate environmental education in the UK, based near Machynlleth in Mid Wales.

CAT provides inspiration, education and training in solutions to the climate and biodiversity emergency.

Key activities include a visitor centre where groups can see solutions in action, residential short courses, vocational training and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of sustainability-related topics, with online courses and events offered alongside in-person learning.

Job details:

LG250516

Area of Responsibility:

CAT Gardens

Responsible to:

Estates Manager

Responsible for:

Volunteers and gardeners

Contract type:

Fixed term 12 months

Responsibility Grade:

4

Location:

Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) site in Llwyngwern.

Hours:

22.5 hrs per week minimum.

Working Days:

Hours to be agreed with employer (with a fair amount of flexibility)

Salary and employee benefits:

24,901.50 p.a. pro rata

CAT offers a generous annual leave allowance of 25 days p.a., plus bank holidays, plus additional allowance at Christmas (usually 3 days), plus 1 extra day for every year worked (up to 5 days).

CAT also offers an attractive package of employee benefits, including:

a free cooked lunch and free hot drinks from the cafe whenever working from the CAT eco centre

40% discount on retail goods purchased from CAT

Opportunities for CPD training, qualifications & professional memberships to be funded by CAT

Opportunity to take 1 CAT short courses per year free-of-charge

the opportunity to purchase additional holiday days

a 'Cycle to Work' scheme

5% pension contribution

generous maternity and paternity entitlement and Death In Service benefit

2 hours per month for general health & wellbeing & 2 hours per month for Welsh language tuition.

Work remotely

: See Location

Application deadline: 9am 07 November 2025

Interviews to be held: week commencing 10 November 2025

(on site)

Expected start date: 01 January 2026

Overview of Role

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring that the garden areas of the CAT site are attractive, well-presented and most importantly, represent CAT's core message of sustainability. They will lead in food production for our restaurant, garden activities and prioritising tasks.

Main Responsibilities

Leading existing members of the team and volunteers, the post-holder will:

Help to organise the management and maintenance of the gardens, including vegetable beds, and ornamental and wildlife-friendly plantings. This involves creating a schedule of work and delegating jobs to garden staff, volunteers, and other members of the Estates team Ensure the smooth running, effectiveness, safety, and wellbeing of the gardening team. Co-operate with the Woodlands and Estates teams to maintain the wider site, including carparks, drives, garden steps, orchard etc. Ensuring the safe composting of organic waste from the cafe, site bins, offices, tea chest and the garden; helping to oversee the active compost display. Ensure appropriate signage and labels throughout the gardens, work with other departments to ensure this is done in accordance with CAT branding and tone, and that information is accurate, up-to-date, and bilingual. Ensuring garden displays are maintained, interesting and educational. Any new displays must be created with consideration to the needs of other departments (especially Catering, Engagement and GSE) and how they use the site and ensure maintenance of garden tools and equipment Interact with visitors and answer garden-related questions, assist colleagues with garden related enquiries. Report faults and issues relating to the garden areas and supervise remedial work. Perform an occasional 'public engagement' role including responding to media requests, creating content for our website, social media, and Clean Slate Support Engagement activities with garden resources, by providing materials, tools, expertise and occasionally volunteers. Assist the Volunteer Manager with the development of the Volunteer programme. Work within Health and Safety regulations. Carry out any other appropriate duties as defined by the Estates Manager.
Applications should be forwarded to vacancy@cat.org.uk by the deadline stating the job title in the Subject line.

Any queries should be addressed to vacancy@cat.org.uk

Applications are required, CVs will not be accepted.

https://cat.org.uk/vacancies/

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 24,901.50 per year

Expected hours: No less than 22.5 per week

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company pension Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person