Job Purpose
- Work with Lambhill Stables staff to plan and implement a seasonal growing plan, clearly setting out visible plans within the Community Garden so that volunteers can work together and independently.
- Work with existing volunteers and young people to co-create a progressive volunteer programme so that those volunteering have a clear pathway to progressing into designated roles that support the effective community learning programme.
- Implement a hands-on, experiential learning programme to enable volunteers, residents and workshop participants to acquire new and develop their skills and knowledge so that they can carry out their role with confidence, and independently.
About the role
We are seeking to engage an experienced community gardener who is passionate about involving the community in growing plants, herbs, vegetables, and composting. The Community Gardener will support the implementation of a year-round programme of planting. The proactive engagement of volunteers, school children and families is integral to this programme, so that they can engage confidently and work independently, understanding the practicalities of gardening and horticultural practices.
You will be responsible for planning and facilitating practical workshops, engaging and leading volunteers, and helping to maintain the Community Garden working alongside out Landscaper and trainees. Workshops and hands-on sessions will focus on facilitating the development of basic gardening skills, with an emphasis on plant cultivation and habitat development. Additionally, you are encouraged to incorporate creative elements engaging in nature-based crafts, for example, making seasonal festive wreaths, bug hotels and bird feeders.
Lambhill Stables has an established and well-developed community garden incorporating food growing and nature-based projects that seek to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, including:
- Weekly volunteer groups that encourage community participation and provide a restorative space for those who with additional needs or socially excluded.
- Seasonal food growing for use in our Community Cafe
- Environmental education for visiting school aged groups who learn about food growing, horticulture and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
The ideal candidate will be a confident communicator and an organised self-starter with demonstrable experience in sound horticultural practices (particularly food-growing) who thrives in taking the initiative to deliver creative workshops within a community setting.
The successful candidate should be able to communicate clearly, work methodically to encourage participants to improve their confidence and ability learn new skills and exchange their know-how with others.
A key aspect of the Community Gardener role is the engagement and training of local volunteers – some of whom may be vulnerable – to grow and learn in a practical and experiential context. You will relish the challenge of getting people of diverse backgrounds excited about gardening, nature and food growing.
This is an immensely rewarding role working in a dynamic community setting built on an ethos of dignity and inclusivity, that would suit a committed individual who is willing to go the extra mile.
We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people. The post is subject to pre-employment reference and PVG check.
Additional Duties
- Support with maintaining the garden space to ensure it is safe, secure, and well-presented at all times.
- Ensure all organisational health and safety policies and procedures are followed, reporting and mitigating any risks as they arise.