SPAIN / Sunseed

General information on the Sunseed Trust can be seen on http://www.sunseed.org.uk

WHAT THE JOB IS ALL ABOUT:

Sunseed Desert Technology aims to develop, demonstrate and communicate accessible, low technology methods of sustainability in a semi-arid environment. The Sunseed Trust is its parent charity.

The project is set in a small, what was once abandoned, village in one of the driest parts of Europe, having less than 300mm of rain per year, and temperatures ranging from –7 to 40+ degrees centigrade. Specific techniques in horticulture are required to work the terrace system, irrigated by an irrigation channel that dates back to Moorish times. The project currently uses seven terraces to produce a wide range of food crops such as tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, garlic, broad beans etc., as well as herbs and tree fruit.

The gardens are maintained for three reasons: – To provide some of the project’s food – Education and research – To improve environmental integration by maximising the cycling of our waste materials.

Our gardens are run strictly according to organic principles. Careful soil management is especially important because of the type of soil (alkaline) and the effects of flood irrigation. Our soil is maintained using compost made on site and manures. No artificial chemicals are used, neither to increase fertility nor to combat pests.

Working in the gardens is always popular with volunteers and it is therefore important that the co-ordinator can effectively supervise volunteers at all times.

SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KNOWLEDGE:

Essential Skills

Experience and knowledge of all aspects of organic growing Tolerance of hard physical work in hot conditions Ability to lead and motivate volunteers, who range from those with a wealth of experience to those with little or none. Ability to work in co-operation with other departments

Desirable Skills

Experience of Organic Growing in a Dryland environment Ability to communicate well in Spanish and English Computer Literacy Clean Driving License

A commitment of one year is usually preferred for this post.

Salary: food, accommodation and a small weekly allowance are provided.

For further information relating to general skills required, please contact Sunseed.

sunseedspain@arrakis.es or tel.(00 34) 950 525 770

Nationalities Accepted: We cannot help with work permits visas for applicants outside of Spain

EXPIRED

SPAIN / Sunseed

Sunseed Desert Technology aims to develop, demonstrate and communicate accessible, low technology methods of sustainability in a semi-arid environment. The Sunseed Trust is its parent charity.

The Sustainable Living department co-ordinates the smooth running of Sunseed’s low-impact lifestyle. This includes overseeing shared cooking and cleaning duties, implementing the Sunseed Food Policy (to ensure an ethical, local, healthy and low-cost vegetarian diet), running extensive introductory tours of the project for new volunteers and helping them to settle in, organising accommodation and communal living spaces; and monitoring health and safety.

Sustainable Living works closely with other Sunseed departments, for example with Organic Growing to ensure our fresh produce is widely used in the kitchen and that any excess is preserved; with Eco-Construction and Maintenance on accommodation and living space improvements; and with Appropriate Technology on solar cooking and other alternative food preparation techniques such as the haybox and solar dryers.

The Sustainable Living Coordinator plays a central role in promoting low-impact, sustainable living in everyday life at Sunseed and in developing relationships with the wider local community.

Essential skills

* Commitment to and a personal interest in promoting low-impact living * Excellent organisational abilities, including ability to set own workload and to delegate responsibility * Excellent communication skills, including ability to work as part of a closely-integrated team; and the confidence, sensitivity, patience and open mindedness to work with all members of the Sunseed community * Ability to supervise volunteers * Ability to contribute to the education of Sunseed volunteers in varied ways – for example running guided tours; giving short talks; written information; etc. * Awareness of need for economy, including in resource use – e.g. energy consumption and waste management * Awareness of need for hygiene, health and safety, and general cleanliness and tidiness * Experience of vegetarian cooking * Understanding of / interest in food issues – e.g. nutrition; vegetarianism; horticulture; solar cooking etc. * Ability to make a comfortable living environment for all with limited resources * Ability to document and evaluate work undertaken * The initiative and imagination to play a central role in the Sunseed community

Desirable Skills:

* Good spoken Spanish is especially desirable for the SL position, owing to the central role the department plays in communications * Experience of bread making and preserving * Experience of catering for groups

A commitment of one year is usually preferred for this post.

Salary: food, accommodation and a small weekly allowance are provided

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, JOB DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM:

www.sunseed.org.uk sunseedspain@arrakis.es or tel.(00 34) 950 525 770

Nationalities Accepted: We cannot help with work permits visas for applicants outside of Spain.

EXPIRED