Green Jobs with the Centre for Alternative Technology

Posted in July 2015

With over 35 years’ experience, CAT is Britain’s leading centre for education and inspiration in the field of sustainability. Undertaking a wide range of activities including research, demonstration and education, we are concerned with the search for globally sustainable and ecologically sound ways of life.

CAT has a holistic approach to its work and a continuous commitment to the highest educational and environmental standards.

The Centre offers information, education from schools up to Masters level and has a visitor and conference centre. We attract around 60,000 people a year and employ around 100 dedicated and creative staff.
Location

Based in beautiful mid-Wales, the Centre overlooks the Snowdonia National park, renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Within easy reach of the local beaches at Borth, Ynyslas and Aberdovey, and University town of Aberystwyth, Machynlleth has a vibrant local community, has a lively arts and music scene and is a great place for families.

CAT is located in Pantperthog, approximately 3 miles from the local historic town of Machynlleth. You can get to CAT by train, then bus, walk or taxi. See our website under ‘Visit CAT’ for more details on getting to CAT.
The staff

We employ around 100 staff, some of whom are seasonal. We also run volunteer programmes in both the summer and winter (see under volunteering section on the website).
Salaries

There is a relatively flat structure with staff salaries generally falling into 3 pay bands; £17,472 being the more senior salary grade, £13,895 being the junior grade and £13,124 for the General staff, most of whom work on a rota basis in the trading areas.

Historically over the years, staff have opted not to take pay rises but to re-invest in the Organisation where there was a surplus of funds. We recognise now however that salaries do not reflect market rates and are hoping to enter into a pay review to determine where how we would like our salary and benefits structure to look in the short, medium and long term.

The academic staff deliver the accredited Masters post graduate programmes and Professional diploma in Architecture and their salaries, hours of work and holiday entitlements follow nationally negotiated academic pay scales.
Pension

Employees receive an additional 2% contribution towards salary after 3 month’s service. We are currently looking into setting up pension arrangements but in the meantime, staff are encouraged to look into making their own pension provisions. Academic staff are able to join the teachers pension scheme.
Working week

Full-time is based on a 40 hour working week - 9.00 -5.30, with ½ hr for lunch and two 15 minute rest breaks.
Flexible working

CAT recognises the importance of a good work/home balance and as such offers a flexible working pattern for staff. Staff work within core hours of 10-1200am, 2-4pm (this may be different for staff where set shifts are required within the trading areas). Time worked over the normal working week are accrued as ‘TOIL’ (time off in lieu) and can be taken back as per our working procedures.
Holiday entitlement

Grade 1 staff are entitled to 28 days (pro-rata), Grades 2-6 staff are entitled to 30 days (pro-rata) inclusive of bank holidays.
Additional benefits

Staff can take advantage of a discount offered by our on-site shop. Additionally we offer staff 2 short courses per year (subject to availability).

www.cat.org.uk/index.html.uk/index.php/working-at-cat

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