At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage Southampton's allotment sites while engaging with the community.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Southampton City Council focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, generous holiday, health support, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant workplace with excellent transport links and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualification or equivalent experience required, along with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28792 - 31022 € per year.
We have an opportunity for a part‑time Allotments Officer to join a dedicated and experienced team of officers to protect, manage and maintain Southampton’s allotment sites, meeting with allotment holders and enforcing service rules.
Responsibilities
- Visit sites and meet site representatives, investigate issues on site and resolve any problems.
- Record any infringements, non‑cultivated plots and other issues during site visits.
- Assist site representatives and plot holders with problems, ensuring sites are maintained at a good standard and that grounds maintenance is carried out regularly.
- Process documentation related to allotments or contract administration, including updating relevant database records.
- Engage customer‑focused activities and help promote the allotment service.
Qualifications
- You should hold a relevant horticultural qualification to at least the national qualification framework level 2, or have equivalent experience.
- Experience of Small Holdings and Allotments legislation and processes is required.
- Excellent communication skills, high level of IT literacy, and the ability to write technical reports, briefings and deliver recommendations to a wide range of audiences are essential.
Salary and Hours
- Part‑time permanent contract of 22.2 hours per week (Monday to Wednesday).
- Grade 6 of Southampton City Council pay grades, with an annual salary of £28,792 – £31,022 pro rata to contract hours.
Benefits
- Death in service benefit of triple salary and optional salary‑sacrifice shared cost AVC.
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service.
- Flexible working options (role‑dependent).
- Family‑friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption, shared/unpaid parental leave, time off for dependents.
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring.
- Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, menopause pledge, mental health first aiders, and staff networks.
- Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
- Sustainable travel benefits – low‑emission car scheme, cycle‑to‑work, season ticket loans.
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer.
Location
Based at the Civic Centre in the heart of the City, with excellent transport links. The post includes a contractual car users allowance and a parking space.
Allotments Support Officer in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
As an Allotments Support Officer with Southampton City Council, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing community green spaces while enjoying a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and a focus on health and wellness, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the local community in a vibrant city centre location, complete with excellent transport links and additional benefits such as discounted fitness memberships and volunteering days.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Allotments Support Officer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the officers you'll be working with. Understanding their roles and how they interact with allotment holders can give you a leg up in the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your communication skills! During your interviews or meetings, make sure to demonstrate how you can effectively engage with both site representatives and plot holders. Use examples from your past experiences to highlight your customer-focused approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss legislation! Brush up on Small Holdings and Allotments legislation before your interview. Being able to talk confidently about relevant laws will show that you're serious about the role and understand its responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our platform. It helps us keep track of all candidates and ensures you get the best chance at landing that Allotments Support Officer position.
We think you need these skills to ace Allotments Support Officer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Allotments:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for allotments and horticulture. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for gardening and community engagement.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate straightforward communication! Make sure your application is easy to read and gets straight to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to break down your skills and experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any experience you have with Small Holdings and Allotments legislation. If you've dealt with similar roles or responsibilities before, let us know how that makes you a great fit for this position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Allotments Legislation
Brush up on Small Holdings and Allotments legislation before your interview. Being able to discuss relevant laws and processes will show that you’re not just passionate about horticulture, but also knowledgeable about the framework that governs it.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves meeting with allotment holders and site representatives, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially when resolving issues or providing recommendations.
✨Demonstrate IT Literacy
Familiarise yourself with common database systems and reporting tools. Be ready to discuss your experience with technology, especially in relation to processing documentation and maintaining records, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Customer-Focused Scenarios
Think of examples where you've engaged in customer-focused activities. Whether it's promoting a service or resolving a complaint, be prepared to share how you’ve successfully interacted with customers to enhance their experience.
