Casual Growing & Retail Assistant in Portsmouth

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, has an interest in gardening and plants, and is passionate about delivering excellent customer service while making a positive difference in the local community. Working as part of the Culture and Leisure team, you’ll play an important role in the day-to-day operation of the Waterfront Garden Centre.

A varied and rewarding casual position, you will support the Duty Manager in delivering the garden centre’s growing and retail offer, helping to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for customers and visitors. You will provide encouragement and practical support to the Growers, who are adults with learning disabilities and other support needs, helping them to develop skills and confidence in a positive environment.

You’ll also engage with members of the public, selling plants and garden-related products, offering friendly customer service, and sharing advice on plants and growing where appropriate. The role also includes supporting the management and development of volunteers, helping to ensure they feel valued and able to contribute effectively. In the absence of the Garden Centre Manager, you’ll take responsibility for the Waterfront Garden Centre, ensuring it continues to operate safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

Who is the person:

With experience of directly working with the public and plants you will have overall knowledge of plants which can be shared with the public. A clear communicator with good interpersonal skills you will have a desire to see the success of the garden centre whilst adhering to the health and safety working environment. You will have retail experience and experience of working with volunteers and with adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs would be desirable. This is a physical role so you will be physically fit as you will be required to move and lift products as well as partake in any manual digging as required. As this is a casual role you will be required to be flexible and will be asked to work as and when needed.

Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work/personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.