At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and enhance beautiful gardens while leading and inspiring volunteers.
- Company: Join Dartington Trust, a unique charitable organisation in South Devon.
- Benefits: Earn £13.00–£13.50 per hour with flexible hours and paid holidays.
- Other info: Enjoy access to stunning estate grounds and various employee discounts.
- Why this job: Combine your love for gardening with community engagement and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening and a passion for working with people.
Gardener & Garden Volunteer Coordinator
For full details, please Click here for Job Description
- Salary: £13.00–£13.50 per hour (£25,350–£26,325 FTE per annum), depending on experience.
- Part-time | 3 days per week (22.5 hours, flexible) | 3-month fixed-term contract
- 1 part-time position available
- Location: Dartington, South Devon
- Start date: TCB
Are you passionate about gardening and enjoy working with people?
We\'re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Gardener & Garden Volunteer Coordinator to help care for and develop our beautiful Grade II Listed Gardens while inspiring and supporting our growing team of volunteers.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys working with both plants and people, combining practical horticulture with volunteer leadership to help maintain and enhance our beautiful Grade II Listed Gardens.
About the Role
In this varied role, you will:
- Maintain and enhance the gardens throughout the seasons.
- Plan and carry out planting and maintenance programmes.
- Lead and support volunteer gardening sessions.
- Share your horticultural knowledge and practical skills.
- Help develop new ideas and projects for the garden.
- Promote environmentally sustainable gardening practices.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay of £13.00–£13.50 per hour, depending on experience.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Paid holiday entitlement.
- Pension contribution (where applicable).
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- The opportunity to help shape and develop our beautiful Grade II Listed Gardens.
- A supportive and friendly working environment.
Closing date: Monday 17th August
About Dartington Trust
Dartington Trust is an innovative charitable organisation set within a unique 1,200-acre estate in South Devon. Our Grade II Listed Gardens are at the heart of the estate, providing beautiful spaces for visitors, supporting biodiversity, inspiring learning and bringing people together through community engagement.
Why Join Us?
We are a family-friendly employer, offering enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay, alongside flexible working options to support a healthy work-life balance.
As part of the Dartington team, you\'ll enjoy access to our beautiful estate, including woodland walks, riverside trails, cafés, restaurants and family-friendly activities. Employees also benefit from:
Estate benefits:
- Free access to Dartington\'s gardens for you and your immediate family or a guest.
- Free parking across the estate.
- Complimentary tea and coffee in the workplace.
- Discounts at the Shops at Dartington, Barn Cinema and The White Hart.
- Discounted hotel accommodation, room hire and wedding packages.
- Discounted membership at The Space Health & Fitness.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
We believe that big ideas can make the world a better place. Our beautiful estate is home to a community of people who nurture new thinking, encourage learning and debate, and inspire one another every day. Dartington has many sides, and that's what makes our future so exciting. Come and be part of it.
Dartington Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Gardener & Garden Volunteer Coordinator in Totnes employer: Dartington Hall Trust
Dartington Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the stunning surroundings of South Devon while contributing to the preservation of Grade II Listed Gardens. With a strong emphasis on employee growth through training opportunities and a supportive work culture that values flexibility and community engagement, this role as a Part-Time Garden Leader & Volunteer Coordinator promises meaningful and rewarding experiences for those passionate about gardening and volunteer coordination.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener & Garden Volunteer Coordinator in Totnes
✨Get Involved with Local Gardening Groups
Join local horticulture clubs or community gardens. It's a fantastic way to meet people in the industry, learn about available part-time opportunities, and get tips on what local businesses like Dartington Hall Trust are looking for.
✨Attend Horticulture Fairs and Events
Keep an eye out for gardening fairs, farmers’ markets, or plant festivals in your area. Not only can you learn a lot, but these events often have job boards or local employers looking to hire part-time help.
✨Leverage Social Media for Opportunities
Follow local horticulture accounts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. There are often postings about part-time jobs that might not make it to traditional job boards, plus you can connect with other enthusiasts who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like Dartington Hall Trust.
✨Tap into Your University’s Resources
If you're a student, your university might have links with local horticulture firms. Check out your career services; they might list part-time opportunities with companies like Dartington Hall Trust that are specifically looking for students eager to gain experience.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:When applying for a part-time job in horticulture at Dartington Hall Trust, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with plants, gardening, or landscape maintenance. If you've got a knack for nurturing plants or knowledge about different species, don’t keep it a secret—let it shine in your CV!
Include Certifications and Courses:If you've completed any horticulture-related certifications or courses, be sure to list them in your application. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you're serious about your passion for plants. If you’ve got any coursework on plant biology or sustainable practices, include that too!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Dartington Hall Trust:In your cover letter, make sure to express why you want to work specifically with Dartington Hall Trust. Are they known for their beautiful gardens or innovative horticultural practices? Mention these points and how they resonate with your own interests and experiences—this shows genuine enthusiasm and helps you stand out.
Flexibility Matters:Since you're aiming for a part-time role, emphasise your availability in your application. Whether you can work weekends, evenings, or even during peak seasons, make it clear! Flexibility can be a huge plus, so highlight how you can fit into the team at Dartington Hall Trust and support their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dartington Hall Trust
✨Know Your Plants
As we're diving into horticulture, it’s crucial to brush up on your plant knowledge. Be ready to discuss different species, their care requirements, and maybe even tackle some plant identification questions. Having a few examples of your past gardening experiences or plant projects can really show your passion and expertise!
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since this is a part-time gig, your practical skills might be just as important as your theoretical knowledge. Think about any previous jobs, volunteer work, or personal projects related to gardening or landscaping. Highlight those experiences in your answers – showing what you've physically done can leave a strong impression.
✨Seasonal Awareness is Key
In horticulture, understanding the seasons and how they affect plant behaviour is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach gardening tasks at different times of the year, and share your approach to seasonal planting or maintenance strategies – it'll show your practical understanding of the field!
✨Bring Your Tools (and Portfolio!)
If you have a portfolio showcasing your previous work, such as photos of gardens you've designed or maintained, definitely bring it along. For a part-time role, sharing your creative ideas and how you use tools for different tasks can set you apart. It's about showing how you can bring value to Dartington Hall Trust with your unique skills and passion!
