Job Package
Band: B
Contract Dates: Considering successful pool applicants for various contract lengths between February and October 2025
Closing Date: 29/10/24
Interview Dates: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in January 2025
Hybrid Working: Bristol office base, location and remote.
BBC Studios is committed to having a diverse range of skills, experience and talent working on our programmes, and as such we’re keen for applicants from underrepresented groups to apply particularly those who are neurodivergent, have a disability, are from an ethnic minorities background and lower socio-economic groups to ensure we are representative of all.
Job Introduction
BBC Studios is a global creative powerhouse for the development, production and distribution of bold, British, content. We produce more than 2,500 hours of content per year, operate in 22 markets globally and generate revenue of £1.4bn, returning around £200m profit to BBC Public Service each year.
Factual Entertainment Productions produce a wide range of original, well-loved and highly acclaimed TV productions, such as Bargain Hunt, Weatherman Walking, Antiques Roadshow, Gardeners’ World and Countryfile.
BBC Gardeners’ World is the UK’s best loved and most respected gardening programme on TV. A flagship BBC Two series about to celebrate its 58th anniversary, it forms a key part of BBC Studios slate of programmes.
If you have a passion for gardening and would like to share your enthusiasm with like-minded people, Gardeners' World is inviting applications from highly motivated Horticultural Researchers who would like to be considered for future opportunities to work on the programme in 2025. Joining our Gardeners' World pool of successful candidates will enable you to be offered work to join our busy production team in Bristol as and when opportunities arise on the production.
Main Responsibilities
Required
Working closely with the Series Producer, Horticultural Planning Producer and Director, you will provide specialist horticultural support to the Gardeners’ World team. Normal office hours will generally apply, but a flexible approach is required, subject to BBC policies and guidelines. Duties will vary according to the nature of the output, but are likely to include the following:
- Undertake independent research to a specific brief using whatever resources are available, evaluating and presenting the information in an easy to understand format.
- Identify suitable locations, stories and contributors.
- Liaise with presenters, contributors and organisations, both in the office ahead of a shoot and out on location.
- Source plants or props for filming within BBC editorial guidelines, often at short notice.
- Provide support for the edit, ensuring factual accuracy throughout and tracking down archive from a variety of sources.
- Contribute ideas for future episodes and assist in any other general programme duties as required.
- To carry out all duties in accordance with Health and Safety regulations.
The Ideal Candidate
- A passion for horticulture with a relevant qualification and an excellent working knowledge of plants and all aspects of the gardening calendar.
- Exceptional research skills with a good nose for a story and an ability to turn complex information into accurate, engaging summaries.
- Great communicator with the confidence to build strong working relationships with a wide range of contacts.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills, with a track record of meeting tight deadlines in a fast turnaround environment.
- Good team player.
- A strong desire to make engaging television.
- Excellent attention to detail and factual accuracy.
- Ability to plan ahead for all likely eventualities and suggest / implement on agreement solutions to potential situations.
- Ability to keep accurate records on a shared computer drive for others to refer to.
- Desire to learn new technical skills as required.
- Confident driving various vehicles with a clean and valid driving licence (and for insurance purposes be over the age of 23 as there will be a requirement to drive using BBC issued vehicles)
- Able to travel, overnight and work on location across the UK frequently.
