Thank you for your interest in a post at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT). Below is some additional information about employment at CAT.

Some of this information may vary for different roles and is subject to change so this document is intended for guidance only. 

About CAT

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 technologies and 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 and has a visitor and conference centre. We attract around 60,000 people a year and employ more than 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 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 approximately 3 miles from the local historic town of Machynlleth in Pantperthog. 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 up to 160 staff, including seasonal and academic staff. We also run volunteer programmes, including local volunteers, a short term volunteer scheme in the summer and long term 6 month volunteer scheme in both the summer and winter (see under volunteering section on the website).

Salary

There is a relatively flat structure with staff salaries generally falling into 3 pay bands; £17,472 being the senior salary grade, £13,895 being the junior grade and £12,647 for the General staff, most of whom work on a rota basis in the trading areas.

Historically over the years, the 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 now entering 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 diplomas and their salaries, hours of work and holiday entitlements follow nationally negotiated academic pay scales.

Pension

Staff 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 - 9-5.30, 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 10am-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 and our wholefood shop and café in town. Additionally we offer staff courses per year (subject to availability).