SPAIN / Sunseed Desert Technology
Sunseed Desert Technology is set in a small , once abandoned village, in one of the driest parts of Europe, having less than 300mm of rain per year, and with temperatures ranging from –7 to 40+.
Specific techniques in horticulture are required to work the terrace system, irrigated by an irrigation channel that dates back to the Moorish era. The project currently cares for twelve gardens which produce a wide range of food crops such as tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, garlic, broad beans etc as well as herbs and fruit.
The role of the gardens are:
To provide food for the project
Education and research
To improve environmental integration by maximizing 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 combat pests.
Working in the gardens is always popular with volunteers and it is therefore important to be able to work and communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
The gardens team consists of one coordinator (responsible for the overall planning and management of the gardens) and one or two assistants.
This position is a learning opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in the running of an established NGO, in working closely with different departments, and in off-grid, sustainable, community living. The assistant will work closely with the coordinator in the Gardens team to ensure the educational potential of her or his responsibilities and overall experience are fulfilled.
Please note, the successful applicant will work and guide volunteers in the gardens, and simultaneously learn from our current Gardens Coordinator over the summer period and into the autumn with a possibility of becoming the Organic Gardens Coordinator for the period of one year if our current Coordinator were to leave.
The period of appointment in this role is for 6 months.
The Assistant position is remunerated with a small stipend of 40 euros every 3 months to cover the very basic needs and expenses that can incur. All food, accommodation, and amenities are provided (internet, soap, eco-detergent, etc.).
Organic Gardens Assistant
Responsibilities and activities of Organic Gardens Assistant:
Planning and production of vegetables and fruit
Using a mixture of methods such as crop rotation, companion planting, intercropping
Planning sowing and transplanting times
Plant propagation
Preparing beds
Fruit tree care
Soil Management
Starting and maintaining compost heaps
Crop selection
Mulching
Irrigation techniques
Nutrient Cycling
Managing humanure
Storing and using urine
Preparing liquid feeds from local plants
Pest Control
Using and developing organic methods for prevention and treatment of pests and diseases
Desirable skills
Good working knowledge of different horticultural practices based either upon academic study, practical experience, or a mixture of both
Previous work experience with volunteers ideally in a support role
Good communication skills
A strong affinity with Sunseed’s vision and mission
Ability and drive to do physical work in a wide variety of weather
conditions including extreme heat in summer, and rain/cold in winter
Motivation to succeed the current gardens coordinator when she leaves in November. Thereafter, you will become the Organic Gardens Coordinator with a commitment to stay in the position for 1 year. For more information on the Coordinator role, please visit our website.
Ability to self-organise and motivate others
Good spoken Spanish and English
Clean driving license if over 25 years of age
To apply for this role, please send an email with the subject line ‘Sunseed staff application’ and your CV and letter of motivation stating how you meet the responsibilities of the post, to admin.coordinator@sunseed.org.uk. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and the position will be appointed once a suitable candidate has been found.
Nationalities Accepted: EU nationals or European work visa holders
Expires: Mar 5, 2016
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