At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and educate the next generation of horticultural professionals through engaging teaching.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking college with a thriving horticulture department.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and fantastic perks like gym access and discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while sharing your passion for horticulture.
- 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: Inspire the Next Gen of Growers employer: AgHires
Plumpton College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters professional growth and development within the horticulture sector. With a competitive salary, generous benefits package, and a strong commitment to employee well-being, including comprehensive CPD opportunities and a supportive coaching culture, we empower our staff to inspire the next generation of horticultural professionals. Our award-winning facilities and collaborative environment make this an exciting opportunity for those passionate about education and horticulture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticulture Lecturer: Inspire the Next Gen of Growers
✨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 inspire the next generation of growers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the college and its programmes. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in delivering high-quality teaching and supporting student success.
✨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 thriving team.
We think you need these skills to ace Horticulture Lecturer: Inspire the Next Gen of Growers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture:When writing your application, let your love for horticulture shine through! Share your experiences and what inspires you about teaching the next generation of growers. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific aspects of our curriculum or teaching methods that resonate with you. It shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our college there.
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 any specific programmes the college offers, like the RHS programmes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your teaching style and methods during the interview. Think about how you can engage students and support their learning. You might even want to prepare a mini-lesson or example of how you would assess student progress.
✨Connect with the College's Values
Understand Plumpton College's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you would promote these values in your teaching and interactions with students. This will highlight your alignment with the college's mission.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the college's future plans for the horticulture programme or how they support staff development. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged with the role.
