Overview
Be part of a unique partnership project of landscape-scale restoration at Loch Arkaig. Arkaig Community Forest (ACF) is looking to recruit a Tree Nursery Assistant to help us grow a range of native tree species which will be used to restore Caledonian pine forest and expand native woodland in Lochaber. ACF has created a native tree nursery in partnership with Woodland Trust Scotland to help meet the growing demand for local provenance native trees. Further funding has been secured from the Nature Restoration Fund (NatureScot) for a landscape scale partnership project with Woodland Trust Scotland and Achnacarry Estate, enabling this role to support the running of the tree nursery.
This post will be a part-time position of 3 days / 22.5 hours per week and is subject to a flexible work pattern, including some evenings and weekends. Work in the tree nursery varies throughout the seasons and tasks will include ground cultivation, sowing, pricking out seedlings, transplanting, lifting and packing trees as well as weeding, watering and general maintenance. This is a physical role and manual handling will be required. You will work with the Tree Nursery Manager and the ACF team alongside Woodland Trust Scotland and the Beo Airceig Partnership.
Responsibilities
* Ground cultivation, sowing, pricking out seedlings, transplanting, lifting and packing trees, as well as weeding, watering and general maintenance in the tree nursery.
* Careful handling of plants to ensure optimum survival; maintenance of compost, ground preparation, sowing and transplanting activities.
* Maintaining high standards of hygiene within the nursery in accordance with our Tree Health Policies.
* Event assistance, supporting ACF volunteer sessions and being a welcoming face for daily interaction with the public.
* Accurate recording of tasks, maintaining stock inventory, seed materials and physical labelling; keeping a database and records up to date.
* Practical maintenance tasks around the Tree Nursery and Clunes Forest School, including cleaning tools after use and general groundskeeping.
* Working outdoors in all weather and sometimes in remote places; seed collection may be required.
* Team collaboration with the Tree Nursery Manager and availability to meet the nursery work schedule.
* Other tasks as may be required by the organisation.
Requirements
* Fixed-term role with start mid-November 2025 to end of March 2026; 0.6 FTE, 3 days / 22.5 hours per week. Some weekend and evening work required.
* Due to the remote location, a vehicle and full UK driving licence are essential.
* Experience or interest in nursery work, plant handling, and maintaining nursery hygiene is beneficial.
* Ability to work outdoors in all weather and in remote locations; good teamwork and reliable communication.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a personalised cover letter highlighting your experience & suitability to the role and how you meet the criteria in the job description. Interviews will be in person, during the week commencing 13 October at Clunes Forest School.
Contact and equal opportunities
For further information, contact the Tree Nursery Manager, Anna Macfie, at treenursery@arkaig.org or 07534 673 926. Arkaig Community Forest is an equal opportunities employer.
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