Regenerative Horticulture Level 3 Tutor

Hours: (Preferred Mon/Tue teaching), 0.5 full-time equivalent (2.5 days/18.75-hours per week)

Reports to: FE Lead

Holidays: 28 days holiday + bank holidays + Christmas shutdown (all pro-rata)

Contract: Permanent (Based on successful probation period)

Background:

Black Mountains College (BMC) is a unique rural college based in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. BMC re-imagines what education is for and how it is delivered. Our approach connects the environment, society and the individual to produce rounded, resilient future leaders and change-makers. We have students of all ages and backgrounds participating in our Further Education Diplomas across three locations, varied short course programme, and our degree – BA (Hons) Sustainable Futures: Arts, Ecology and Systems Change.

Purpose of the Role:

We require a Regenerative Horticulture Tutor to join us on our Talgarth campus. We are looking for a tutor who inspires students with their experience and passion for the topic. You will be able to deliver to students a variety of approaches and techniques that aim to promote healthy soil ecosystems using regenerative horticultural methodology that supports a sustainable future. As a part of this role, there is a requirement to attend occasional student events, consultation evenings and to represent BMC in schools and at careers fairs outside of normal working hours. You will need relevant experience, a minimum of a Level 4 qualification in a related subject and ideally will need to hold or be willing to complete an Assessor qualification in your first year of employment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare lesson plans based on pre-selected units, teach and assess students on the Level 3 Diploma in Regenerative Horticulture.
• Organise and prepare the site ready for lessons, identifying any equipment required.
• Be able to financially manage your own course budget with regards to purchasing equipment, visiting lectures, external visits, etc.
• Liaise with other tutors and College office staff in terms of any additional requirements.
• Organise and plan trips or visits to other sites and arrange guest speakers to supplement sessions.
• Ensure students are prepared for assessments, working with those who may need more support and adapt assessments accordingly.
• Assess students’ work in a variety of forms including verbal, practical, or written, providing constructive feedback.
• Ensure all paperwork is kept up to date and compliant with quality standards, as per NPTC Group of Colleges and IQA/EQA requirements.
• Take full responsibility for health and safety during your sessions (including creating risk assessments).
• Liaise and prepare for internal and external verification, standardisation and quality assurance processes.
• Maintain regular communication with the FE Lead to ensure smooth running of the course.
• Attend occasional recruitment and other events to help market the course effectively.
• Communicate effectively with prospective students in the lead-up to the course start, support the admissions and selection process as required.
• Attend termly standardisation meetings and liaise closely with other subject-specific teaching staff to ensure smooth running of the programme.
• Identify students who may require additional support and work with colleagues to ensure appropriate interventions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and contractual agreements, including related administration.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• TAQA Assessors Award L3 (or willing to complete this during first year).
• Experience of using Regenerative Horticultural practices.
• PGCE or Train the Trainer L2 qualification or similar (or willing to complete this during first year).
• Level 4 qualification in relevant subject or equivalent experience.
• Excellent organisational skills with an emphasis on attention to detail, record keeping, and learning outcomes.
• Great communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to build positive relationships and inspire students.
• Current First aid qualification or be willing to complete prior to course start.
• Competent in Microsoft Office 365.
• Current full driving licence and use of own vehicle.

Desirable:

• Basic safeguarding qualification (if not required to complete safeguarding training upon starting teaching).
• Either hold an IOSH Working Safely or H&S qualification and previous experience of risk assessment.
• Formalised training and experience in soil ecology.
• Experience in assessing students in a variety of forms including verbal, practical, and written, and be able to provide constructive feedback.
• Welsh language speaker.
• Category D1 Driving licence (to drive minibus).

Person Specification:

• Ability to inspire, motivate and engage students.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Approaches tasks with initiative, optimism and a willingness to find practical solutions.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Emotionally resilient and able to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Responsive and adaptable to the changing needs of learners, teams and the Organisation.
• Commitment to BMC’s values, including sustainability, climate action and community.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to mentor and support New Tutors and TAs where required.

This role is subject to a DBS check.