Wildflower Nursery Trainee
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.
Staff Benefits:
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Life assurance
• Hybrid working
• Wellbeing support including Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Discounts
• Wildlife Trusts Diversity networks
• Paid volunteering day
• Training and development
• One free Avon Wildlife Trust run course day per year
• Minimum 33 days of holiday (25 annual leave + bank holidays) pro rata plus long service loyalty scheme
• The opportunity to make a real and positive difference to nature
Full time, 37 hours per week,
Fixed term - 12 months
Contact Details and How to Apply
If you are interested in applying, please download the Application Form and Job Description at the bottom of this page. CVs may be supplied as additional information but will not be used for initial shortlisting, rather used in subsequent steps.
Fill in your Application Form before proceeding to 'Apply Now'.
Please fill out the application form paying particular attention to the details of your relevant experience, knowledge and skills, which is used for shortlisting against the person specification. It is best not to assume prior knowledge and higher scoring is more likely if you explain carefully why you meet the person specification in the Job Description.
You will be asked three screening questions, have your answers ready to upload with your application form:
- Please can you tell us about a space in nature that you enjoy? And why?
- If a customer asked you about a wildflower that you did not know about, what would be your process to find out?
- In the context of the Bristol Ecological Emergency, why do you think Wildflowers are important?
When you click 'Apply Now' you will be asked to attach your completed document via our HR portal as part of the submission process. The portal will stay open for 24 hours to allow you to upload your documents. If the portal has closed to you, please email your documents to HR@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
Follow the link to complete the anonymous Equity & Diversity Monitoring form.
Equity and Diversity Monitoring 2026 (Wildflower Nursery Trainee) – Fill in form
To apply by post, please send applications marked confidential to HR, Avon Wildlife Trust, 17 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5QT to arrive by the closing date.
Closing date: 11:59pm Sunday 1st November 2026
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview on Monday 9th November 2026.
(Please let us know in your application if you are unable to make any of these dates - we may be able to arrange a suitable alternative)
If you would like to discuss this role or have any questions, please email hr@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk and a conversation can be arranged.
For equal opportunities purposes, we are unable to accept only CVs.
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No agencies please.
Registered Charity 280422