At a Glance
- Tasks: Help new members grow their own food and create a vibrant community at Newbottle Fields.
- Company: Roots, a welcoming outdoor space for gardening enthusiasts.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour with opportunities for pay increases as the site grows.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic outdoor environment with flexible hours and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be the heart of a community, teaching and inspiring others to grow their own food.
- Qualifications: Experience in growing and a passion for helping others succeed.
The predicted salary is between 10700 - 11500 £ per year.
Most people wait years for a council allotment. At Roots they turn up and start growing. You would be the person who makes that happen at Newbottle Fields in Durham.
We think this is the best job at Roots.
You are outdoors for nearly all of it, on a site full of people who are genuinely pleased to be there, and how the place feels is largely down to you.
Some days that is mowing and watering.
Some days it is showing a nervous new member which way up a seed potato goes.
Some days it is talking the yoga teacher, the beekeeper or the person who bakes into putting something on for everyone.
Two days a week, 16 hours, paid at the real Living Wage as a minimum.
That is the Living Wage Foundation rate of £13.45 an hour, not the government minimum of £12.71.
Above that floor your pay rises as the site fills.
The bottom of the range is where a site starts.
The top is what it pays once every patch is taken.
- A week on site
- Teaching people to grow. Most members arrive having never grown anything and quietly expecting to fail, and your job is to make sure they do not
- Getting new members started on their patch, then going back to see how they are getting on
- Running the things that make a growing year feel like one. Sowing days, seed swaps, and working out what to do with a glut of courgettes nobody can eat
- Finding the people locally who would add something to the site. Growers, beekeepers, ecologists, teachers, artists, whoever is nearby and interested
- Looking after our flagship patches and the ones we donate to local schools, so there is always something worth showing someone
- Keeping the site looking loved. Mowing, pruning, watering, edging
- Showing people round who are thinking of joining
- Cleaning the toilets. Somebody has to, and on a good site it is nobody's job and everybody's.
There is some work at a computer, but not much, and we would rather you were outside.
- What we are after
- You grow, and have done for a few seasons. You do not need to be an expert, but you should know what a bad year feels like
- You can teach it without making anyone feel stupid
- You like people. You are the only Roots face most members ever meet, and a site takes its mood from whoever runs it
- You will get stuck in. A mower, a strimmer, and a wheelbarrow with a flat tyre
- A driving licence and a car, because you will be shifting kit and materials
- Close enough to Durham to be on site properly
You do not need horticultural qualifications.
Our Patch Managers have come to us from teaching, nursing, hospitality, photography and running their own small businesses.
What they have in common is that they grow, and people like being around them.
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Patch Manager Newbottle Fields in North East employer: Roots Allotments
Roots Allotments is an exceptional employer that fosters a strong sense of community and environmental stewardship in Croydon. With a focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities to develop gardening skills while engaging with like-minded individuals in a supportive work culture. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our members and contribute to the beauty of our allotment sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Patch Manager Newbottle Fields in North East
✨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 Roots Allotments 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 Roots Allotments.
✨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 Roots Allotments that are specifically looking for students eager to gain experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Patch Manager Newbottle Fields in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:When applying for a part-time job in horticulture at Roots Allotments, 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 Roots Allotments:In your cover letter, make sure to express why you want to work specifically with Roots Allotments. 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 Roots Allotments and support their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Roots Allotments
✨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 Roots Allotments with your unique skills and passion!
