Wildflower Nursery Trainee

Are you interested in plants, wildlife and helping people connect with nature? We’re looking for a Wildflower Nursery Trainee to join our friendly team at Grow Wilder in Bristol.

Brief description of role

This 12-month traineeship is a practical learning opportunity for someone who wants to develop skills in native wildflower growing, wildlife-friendly gardening, nursery production and working with volunteers and community groups. You do not need to have worked in horticulture before. What matters most is your enthusiasm for nature, your willingness to learn, and your interest in supporting people to feel welcome and confident outdoors.

You’ll be supported by experienced staff and will receive training throughout the year, including basic horticultural skills, wildflower identification, seed collection and propagation, plant health, sustainable growing, health and safety, customer communication and record keeping.

The role will involve working in our nursery, greenhouse and wider Grow Wilder site, supporting plant production, helping with sales and enquiries, welcoming visitors, assisting events, and working alongside volunteers and community groups. Some work will be outdoors in different weather conditions, and occasional evening or weekend work may be required, with time off in lieu given (TOIL).

We particularly welcome applications from people who are currently under-represented in the environmental and horticultural sectors. This may include people from racially minoritised communities, disabled people, neurodivergent people, people from lower-income backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, carers, and people who have not followed a traditional education or career path. If you are excited by the role but are not sure whether you meet every point in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.

Avon Wildlife Trust is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment. We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and in the role.

Who are we?

Avon Wildlife Trust is the longest established charity working towards nature’s recovery across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.

We were established in 1980, and have a strong track record of creating, restoring, and protecting vital habitats for nature.

Our region has an amazing array of different habitats, and we are working across them all. From our urban roots to the breathtaking Levels and Moors, through magical woodlands and precious grasslands.

As the first urban Wildlife Trust, we are leaders in engagement and community organising for nature within our cities, helping to sustain vital green corridors and connecting people with nature within urban areas.

We’re supported by an active membership from across our region, and more than 350 volunteers, including our trustees, who share their expertise and time to help us achieve our goals.

We are part of a wider network of 46 Wildlife Trusts across the UK and work with many partners to protect our natural environment and secure a flourishing future for wildlife and people together.

Avon Wildlife Trust values diversity. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. We also have robust child safeguarding policies, and this role requires two work references and an enhanced DBS check.