At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Wayward Plants Reuse Centre and engage with community green spaces across London.
- Company: Join a pioneering initiative focused on sustainability and equitable access to green spaces.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, potential for full-time, and opportunities for creative input.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while working hands-on with plants and materials.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for gardening and sustainability.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Reuse Coordinator supports the day-to-day running of the Wayward Plants Reuse Centre and our network of community and school green spaces across London. The role is varied, combining hands-on work with plants and materials, systems and inventory development, and relationship building with community groups, schools, partner organisations and volunteers. The role also supports wider partnerships with local authorities, developers, construction companies and cultural institutions, including our ongoing partnership with the RHS, as well as public engagement through Wayward Plant Adoption Events. You will work closely with Wayward leadership and the Cultivate Colindale Head Gardener, alongside a growing community of partners and volunteers.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting operations at the Wayward Plants Reuse Centre
- Supporting the coordination of the reuse initiative for RHS shows, including volunteers, community groups and schools, and plant and material collections
- Coordinating the delivery and distribution of surplus plants, trees and landscape materials
- Liaising with community groups and schools to match materials with local needs
- Developing relationships with sources of surplus plants and materials, such as landscape contractors, garden centres and nurseries
- Helping develop a "plant hospital" and quarantine process for incoming plants
- Coordinating and supporting the volunteer programme
- Designing and maintaining systems for the identification, storage, distribution and reuse of donated materials
- Keeping accurate records and supporting monitoring and evaluation
- Running community engagement workshops
- Coordinating and delivering public Wayward Plant Adoption Events
- Helping to develop and pilot new Wayward Plants initiatives
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- A strong, confident communicator and relationship builder
- Practical, organised and comfortable managing multiple tasks
- Knowledgeable about plants and horticulture, with experience in horticulture or landscape sectors helpful but not essential
- Passionate about gardening, equitable access to green space and circular economy thinking, and interested in how ideas of reuse translate into practice
- Comfortable with hands-on physical work and outdoor environments
- Committed to equitable access to nature and community-centred work
There is space for creativity and initiative in this role, and we encourage applicants to share any additional skills they bring. This might include graphic or product design, carpentry or fabrication, photography, or other relevant areas.
Working arrangements
- Part-time (2-3 days per week), with the potential to become full-time
- Based at Cultivate Colindale, with travel across London as required
- Occasional evening or weekend work for events
- During May-July, availability will be required to support RHS show collections and associated travel. This may involve short periods of increased or fuller-time hours, agreed in advance and compensated through additional pay or time off in lieu
- Experience using a cargo bike or forklift is a plus, though a willingness to learn is equally welcome
How To Apply
Please email with a CV and a short statement explaining why you are interested in the role and how your experience aligns with it. Please clearly state which role you are applying for. If you are applying as a local Colindale or Barnet candidate, please note this in your statement. The deadline for applications is Friday 6 February. We may close applications early if we receive a strong response, so early applications are encouraged.
Wayward Plants is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible working environment.
Wayward Plants is an initiative by the design practice Wayward. It is a pioneering reuse and circular economy initiative addressing two linked challenges: the growing volume of landscape waste generated by construction and horticulture, and the nature gap - the unequal access to green space experienced by underserved communities across London. We respond to both by redistributing plants, trees and landscape materials to a network of nearly 2,000 community and school gardens across the city. For the past decade, we have been the Official Reuse Partner of the RHS, running reuse schemes at shows including RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court Palace. We are now scaling up, establishing our first Wayward Plants Reuse Centre at Cultivate Colindale and transitioning Wayward Plants into a dedicated charity. Cultivate Colindale is a 4,000 m² space being transformed into a green space hub for sustainability, community, culture and the circular economy.
Reuse Coordinator employer: ReLondon
Contact Detail:
ReLondon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reuse Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! As a Reuse Coordinator, building relationships is key. Attend local events or volunteer days to connect with community groups and schools. This will not only help you understand their needs but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on skills! Whether it's gardening, organising events, or managing volunteers, be ready to demonstrate your practical abilities. Bring along examples of past projects or initiatives you've been involved in to showcase your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to chat about circular economy thinking! This role is all about reusing materials and plants, so brush up on your knowledge of sustainable practices. Share your ideas on how to implement these concepts in the role during your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are proactive. Make sure to submit your application early, especially since we might close it if we get a strong response. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Reuse Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for gardening and community work shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at Wayward Plants!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in horticulture or community engagement. We love seeing how your skills can contribute to our reuse initiatives!
Craft a Compelling Statement: In your short statement, clearly explain why you're interested in the Reuse Coordinator role. Connect your past experiences to the responsibilities listed in the job description – we want to know how you fit in!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the deadline! We might close applications early if we find strong candidates. Get your application in through our website as soon as you can to stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at ReLondon
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss different types of plants, their care, and how they can be reused in community spaces. This will show your passion for horticulture and your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves liaising with community groups and schools, prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in the past. Think about times when you’ve engaged with volunteers or coordinated events, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
The job requires managing multiple tasks, so come prepared with examples of how you’ve organised projects or events. Discuss any systems you’ve developed for tracking materials or coordinating volunteers, as this will highlight your practical skills.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Community Work
Make sure to express your commitment to equitable access to green spaces and community-centred work. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your dedication to these values, as it aligns perfectly with what the company stands for.