Hometree charity is a landscape restoration charity with a national scope. Our work is to establish and conserve permanent native woodland, encouraging land regeneration and biodiversity through afforestation, restoration and education.
We're a small but rapidly growing charity, at an exciting stage of its development. We have a committed team, and an experienced group of eight board members. Hometree owns sites across the country and delivers workshops, and environmental services throughout Ireland.
What began as a tree-planting charity is growing into a project which endeavours to deeply connect people with nature, and facilitates a wide variety of projects that are fundamental to addressing both Ireland’s declining biodiversity and the unfolding climate challenge.
Our current fundraising comes from partnerships, people and businesses who share and wish to support Hometree’s goals and those who are curious to educate themselves and connect to their sense of stewardship for the natural world. We’ve worked with over 50 businesses, from small startups to multinational organisations like Medtronic, the global leader in medical technology.
Roles
Nursery Operative
Hometree’s nursery is Ireland’s only organically certified native tree nursery. Situated at the HQ in Ennistymon, it plays a vital role in achieving the charity’s mission. The nursery produces a wide range of native species that have been grown from seeds and cuttings sourced from the local area.
The nursery operative will work independently, with direction from the nursery manager. The main tasks will include weeding, watering, bed preparation, seed sowing, potting, plant health monitoring and pricking out seedlings whilst maintaining high standards of biosecurity and good record keeping. Occasionally, the nursery assistant will work with Hometree’s seed bank co-ordinator to collect, process and store seeds. The role may also occasionally help with other site maintenance tasks. This will be a predominantly hands-on, outdoor role, so we’re looking for someone who is hard working, happy in all weathers and has experience and knowledge of horticulture, plant propagation and operating light machinery.
Core responsibilities include:
Bed preparation and seed sowing.
Using nursery machinery including quad bike, trailers and small tractor.
Monitor plant stock condition in response to weather, nutrient requirements and signs of pests/diseases and take appropriate action.
Watering and weeding within the nursery when required.
Manage general care of the nursery grounds.
Carry out maintenance of hand tools and nursery equipment.
Implement a watering schedule and polytunnel ventilation, which includes the effective and appropriate use of irrigation and fertilisation techniques.
Assist in planning nursery activity and preparation for volunteers in carrying out nursery activities.
Maintain biosecurity measures protecting nursery stock as far as is practicable.
Responsible for keeping accurate records of job activities.
Essential Requirements:
Experience of horticultural work, farming or market gardening.
Skills in horticultural techniques, especially seedling care, weed control, irrigation and the use of tools and light machinery.
Reasonable levels of numeracy and literacy.
Able to follow detailed instructions.
Able to work thoroughly with excellent attention to detail for accurate labelling and record keeping.
Good dexterity or fine manipulation skills for detailed work with small and delicate seedlings and cuttings.
Good interpersonal and communication skills enabling effective communication with volunteers and staff.
Genuine enthusiasm and a passion for nature conservation
Full driver’s licence
Desirable Characteristics & Experience:
Knowledge of factors involved in plant health and reproduction
Knowledge of the identification and propagation of native trees and shrubs.
Due to the nature of the role, good physical health is essential. The successful applicant must be committed to the ethos and values of Hometree.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Ireland.
Salary: €30,000 for 4 day working week
Probation period: 6 months
Initial contract duration: 12 months
Core work Hours: 9am - 5:30pm Monday-Thursday (flexible working may be required)
Location: Hometree HQ, Ennistymon (essential)
Please send queries and/or applications (CV and cover letter) to Louise Murphy, Administrator - louise@hometree.ie
Nursery Operations Manager - CLOSED
We are looking for an Operations Manager for our nursery and seed bank. This individual will oversee timelines, schedules, strategy, and delivery. Our nursery and seed bank has four staff members with high-level expertise. This new role aims to support and drive the growth and development of these areas.
Hometree’s Nursery is Ireland’s only organically certified, native tree nursery. Situated at our HQ in Ennistymon, it plays a vital part in achieving the charity’s mission. We are seeking an experienced and organised individual to join our team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to be central to daily operations while also contributing to planning and expansion in line with Hometree’s overall organisational goals.
Core responsibilities include:
Coordinate the overall operations of the nursery, ensuring smooth and efficient processes.
Communicate effectively with nursery manager, wider Hometree team, volunteers, and stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
Manage projects related to the nursery’s development, from conception to completion.
Oversee the planning and development of infrastructure.
Coordinate maintenance and improvements to facilities.
Ensure financial efficiency and accountability in operations.
Develop and implement effective planning strategies for growth.
Measure and evaluate the success of operations.
Handle administrative tasks including stock and sales management.
Ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with relevant regulations.
Essential Requirements:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with staff, stakeholders, and customers
Ability to clearly convey operational strategies and goals
Strong teamwork skills and a demonstrated ability to manage projects and teams effectively
Ability to self-motivate and self-organise
Ability to foster a collaborative and positive work atmosphere
Strong analytical skills to assess operational performance and identify areas for improvements
Experience in strategic planning and the ability to align operational strategies with organisational goals.
A passion for environmental conservation and a commitment to Hometree's mission.
Desirable Characteristics & Experience:
A background or experience in horticulture or a similar field
The ideal candidate should be agile and adaptive, capable of aligning with the organisation's bigger picture and goals. They should be able to thrive in a dynamic environment and adjust to changing circumstances.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Ireland.
Salary: €42,000 for 4 day working week
Probation period: 6 months
Initial contract duration: 12 months
Core work Hours: 9am - 5:30pm Monday-Thursday (flexible working may be required)
Location: Hometree HQ, Ennistymon (essential)
Please send queries and/or applications (CV and cover letter) to Louise Murphy, Administrator - louise@hometree.ie by 1st September 2024.
Both the Nursery Operations Manager and Nursery Operative Roles have been made possible by generous funding via the Community Foundation for Ireland.
Facilitator - Forest Restoration and Tree Planting Days - rolling
Hometree is seeking an experienced facilitator to join the panel of contractors for Forest Restoration and Tree Planting Days at our Avcoa site in county Wicklow.
This person will work as part of a team of 2-4 people delivering days at this site. The role will involve working directly with groups of adults and young people looking to contribute to the restoration of the site and to learn about Ireland's woodlands. The days required will vary month-to-month depending on the schedule of events.
Core responsibilities include:
Educating groups on Ireland's wildlife/biodiversity, working outdoors, and gaining confidence in nature
Holding space in a safe and informative way that is in line with Hometrees values
Short written report of the day
Setting up and closing the site
Managing groups of people
Maintaining a strong relationship with your teammates
Essential Requirements:
Excellent people skills and ability to speak to large groups of people
Extensive knowledge of Ireland's ecosystems, identification features of common trees and plants.
Good communication and organisational skills
Ability to transferring knowledge in a fun and informative way
In date First Aid Responder Certified before first day of work
Drivers licence and access to own vehicle
Proven experience working and facilitating groups
Available to work any day of the week
Fluent in English
Ability to take direction
Located within an hour and a half drive of the site
Desirable Characteristics & Experience:
Experience working in an outdoor environment
Experience leading Forest meditation or similar activities
Teaching or facilitation experience. demonstrating how to use tools
Education or background in community engagement, group facilitation, environment or ecology
Applicants must be eligible to work in Ireland. Rates negotiable.
Location: Hometree Avoca, Knockanree, Avoca, County Wicklow.
Please FILL IN THE FORM to apply.