CERES Propagation staff are supported by a dedicated team of volunteers. Together we propagate and grow a wide range of vegetables as well as fruits and herbs. We also try to grow a small range of natives, ornamental plants that attract beneficial insects and some that just bring you joy.

Supervisors: Meg Stewart & Kelly Gillespie
Manager: Meg Stewart
Director: Melissa Lawson
Team: Honey Lane Organic Farm

In order to produce the number of plants required to meet the demand and help generate income to support the great work that CERES does we are looking for volunteers who are:

• Able to work quickly and efficiently with precision
• Hard working
• Self-directed
• It is important that you turn up for your shift and email us if you can’t make it

Other skills and personal qualities required for the role are:

• Able to work both independently and as a part of a team
• Able to understand and carry out verbal instructions
• Positive attitude and good work ethic
• Be respectful, polite and courteous to fellow volunteers
• A commitment to CERES values and code of behaviour
• A commitment to employ safe work practices as guided by your supervisor is mandatory

Specific tasks and duties:

• Propagating plants by seed, cuttings, division and transplanting
• Watering, fertilising, weeding and plant detailing
• Labeling plants for sale
• Helping to maintain infrastructure and propagation surrounds

Benefits:

• Learn how to grow a wide range of plants from seed and cuttings
• Meet and work with a social, friendly team with an opportunity to connect with both the CERES community and like-minded people
• Working outdoors
• Access to excess plant stock that we cannot sell to take home and plant in your garden
• Attend horticultural workshops at CERES as part of ongoing training*
• Gain horticultural/industry experience
• Industry placement references
• When we have time we’re happy to give free gardening advice

Training:

• Induction and training happens on-the-job
• Full day horticultural workshops are available to long-term* volunteers as professional development at no cost if places are available. These workshops include plant propagation, fruit tree pruning, market gardening, beekeeping, etc.

*volunteers who have been with us for at least three months and have committed to at least one regular shift per week.

Times/Days:

• Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday 10am – 3.30pm

Commitment required:

• We ask that volunteers commit to a full day (from 10am-3.30pm) for a minimum of one day per week for three months
• We ask that volunteers who cannot attend their nominated shift let us know by email in advance so that we can plan accordingly
• Should you wish to discontinue your volunteer role with us we ask that you notify us by email

You need to bring:

• Suitable, weather appropriate clothing for working outdoors including hat or raincoat
• Solid, enclosed-toe work boots are an WH&S requirement
• Drink bottle
• Your own sunscreen
• Your own gardening gloves when needed
• A love of working outdoors

We provide:

• Hand washing facilities and sanitiser
• All tools and materials
• Drinking water