At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver engaging horticulture lessons and support students in their learning journey.
- Company: Join a thriving college with ambitious plans for horticulture education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth and networking events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the next generation of horticultural professionals.
- Qualifications: Degree or extensive experience in horticulture, plus teaching skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
With significant change across the horticulture industry and ambitious plans for continued development at the College – including our prestigious RHS programmes and higher‑level FdSc courses – we are excited about the future. Over the last four years, our horticulture curriculum has more than doubled in size, and we are now looking to expand our diverse teaching team to meet growing student demand and support the sector in developing the next generation of skilled horticultural professionals. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and knowledgeable Lecturer in Horticulture to join a thriving and forward‑thinking department.
The successful candidate will deliver highly effective teaching, learning and assessment, supporting students to maximise their potential and make positive progress towards timely achievement, further study and employment. The role could include delivery across a range of provision, including study programmes, apprenticeships and adult learning, with some teaching at our satellite centres in Brighton and Hastings. Our award‑winning destination garden, One Garden Brighton, provides an inspiring showcase for our students. Combined with the diverse range of gardens across the Plumpton College campus, this helps cement our position as a centre of excellence for horticulture and creates an exciting opportunity for both experienced teachers and industry professionals considering a move into education.
What you’ll be doing:
- Deliver high‑quality teaching, learning and assessment in horticulture
- Plan and assess lessons to a consistently high standard
- Use digital tools and resources to enhance the learner experience
- Support student attendance, engagement, progress and achievement
- Provide constructive feedback to help students improve continuously
- Contribute to programme review, quality improvement planning and standardisation meetings
- Monitor programme KPIs and contribute to student progress reviews
- Support internal verification and awarding organisation processes
- Act as a personal tutor, tracking progress and supporting learner development
- Contribute to parents’ evenings and stakeholder updates where required
- Work collaboratively with employers and external stakeholders to ensure curriculum relevance
- Support student recruitment campaigns, college events and promotional activities
- Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding in all aspects of the role
- Maintain accurate destination data to support self‑assessment and quality improvement
- Engage fully in CPD, appraisals and the College’s Industry Insights programme
What we’re looking for:
- A degree, professional qualification, or equivalent extensive professional experience
- A relevant teaching qualification for the level of programme, or a willingness to work towards one
- Experience of teaching and assessing, with the ability to deliver consistently good or outstanding lessons
- Extensive sector or industry experience and strong specialist horticulture knowledge
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Level 2 or higher qualifications in English and maths, or equivalent competency
- Strong IT skills
- A flexible, adaptable and solution‑focused approach
- A clear understanding of student needs and how to support them effectively
- A strong commitment to safeguarding and student welfare
- The ability to develop curriculum content and teaching resources within your specialism
- Evidence of raising standards and achieving strong outcomes
- A collaborative approach and a desire to work as part of a high‑performing team
- A genuine passion for supporting students to succeed
Desirable:
- Supervisory or team leader qualification and/or experience
You’ll benefit from:
- Competitive salary alongside a generous benefits package
- 37 days' annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), and up to 5 efficiency days at Christmas
- Local Government Pension Scheme enrolment and comprehensive CPD opportunities
- Disability confident, committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge
- Structured induction and a supported six‑month probationary period
- Strong coaching culture with in‑house Level 5 trained coaches
- Eligibility for a TOTUM card and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of onsite gym, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted Plumpton wine and courses, free onsite parking, and an Employee Assistance Programme
- Regular networking events, active EDI and Sustainability committees, and social events at Christmas
We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high number of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non‑discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis. Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Horticulture Lecturer employer: AgHires
Plumpton College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters professional growth and development within the horticulture sector. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a strong commitment to employee well-being, including comprehensive CPD opportunities and a supportive coaching environment, we empower our staff to inspire the next generation of horticultural professionals. Our award-winning facilities and collaborative atmosphere make this an exciting place to work for those passionate about education and horticulture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticulture Lecturer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend horticulture events, workshops, and seminars to meet industry professionals. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your enthusiasm for horticulture and teaching. Let them know why you want to be part of their team and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the college and its programmes. Understand their values and how they align with your teaching philosophy. We want you to shine and show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Horticulture Lecturer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture:Let us see your enthusiasm for horticulture shine through in your application. Share your experiences and what drives you to teach the next generation of horticultural professionals.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to know how you can contribute to our thriving department and support our ambitious plans.
Highlight Your Teaching Experience:If you've got teaching experience, flaunt it! Detail your approach to delivering effective lessons and how you've supported students in achieving their goals. We love seeing evidence of your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AgHires
✨Know Your Horticulture Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and developments in horticulture. Familiarise yourself with the curriculum and specific programmes offered at the college, especially the RHS programmes. This will show your passion and commitment to the field during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Prepare to discuss your teaching philosophy and methods. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged students or improved their learning outcomes. Be ready to demonstrate how you would plan and assess lessons to a high standard, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Your Industry Experience
Your extensive sector experience is a big plus! Be prepared to share specific examples of how your background in horticulture can enhance the learning experience for students. Discuss any relevant projects or collaborations that showcase your expertise.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Support
The college values teamwork and student support. Talk about your experience working with colleagues and external stakeholders to ensure curriculum relevance. Share how you've supported students in their development and how you plan to contribute to their success.
