At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community gardening projects and deliver wellbeing activities for diverse groups.
- Company: Oasis Southampton City Farm, a charity focused on community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, 25 days annual leave, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a friendly team dedicated to community growth and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors and with nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture and teamwork skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
Location: Based at Oasis Southampton City Farm, Green Lane, Southampton SO16 9FQ with some work at other community locations.
Hours: Part-time (16 hours per week, 0.4FTE).
Oasis Southampton City Farm is a community focused registered charity working in Southampton. We provide a range of supportive, wellbeing boosting, and nature-based activities for our communities, which include young people and adult learners with disabilities.
We are looking for a Community Gardening Assistant who will support the Farm Lead and community development lead for Southampton in delivering the vision for the farm, the oasis academies, and its wider community by supporting the growth of the farms garden project, as well as community gardens across the city. These tasks will include:
- Delivering garden based educational and wellbeing boosting activities.
- Working alongside our volunteers, young people, and adults with learning disabilities to care for the garden by planting, watering, and sowing.
- To work with Oasis Academies across the city, as well as partner organisations, to support the creation of community garden spaces to boost wellbeing across the city.
The successful applicant will need to demonstrate:
- Relevant qualifications or experience in horticulture.
- The flexibility to work across the week.
- Proven ability to work alongside others in projects that work with the public.
- Punctuality, reliability, and honesty.
- Ability to always evidence the Oasis ethos and values.
This is a unique opportunity for a hardworking and driven individual, who is looking to make a difference in a growing and community focused field of work. In return we offer:
- Flexible working practices which encourage innovation and fresh ideas.
- A supportive network and friendly team in a motivating working environment.
- A non-contributory defined benefit pension scheme with 7% employer contributions.
- 25 days annual leave (plus BH), rising to 30 days after 2 years of service (pro rata).
Applications will close 9am Monday 7th December; interviews will be arranged in week commencing 14th December.
We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers, please let us know.
Applicants must be able to prove their right to work in the UK. Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.
Oasis supports Equal Opportunities. Registered Charity No. 1163889.
Farm Assistant – Community Gardening (Oasis City Farm Southampton) employer: Oasis Charitable Trust
Oasis Charitable Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable young people in Southwark. With a strong commitment to trauma-informed care, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters personal growth and professional development, alongside opportunities to engage in community initiatives. Working here means being part of a compassionate team dedicated to empowering youth and creating lasting change in their lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Assistant – Community Gardening (Oasis City Farm Southampton)
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with Oasis Charitable Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Assistant – Community Gardening (Oasis City Farm Southampton)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for Oasis Charitable Trust!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at Oasis Charitable Trust. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at Oasis Charitable Trust. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oasis Charitable Trust
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
