At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community gardening projects and inspire participants to develop skills and confidence.
- Company: Join Growing Together Northumberland, a project empowering local communities through horticulture.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, build your network, and make a real difference in your community.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth in a vibrant community setting.
- Why this job: Be a role model and help others grow while cultivating your own skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for horticulture, strong communication skills, and a desire to empower diverse individuals.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overview
Growing Together Northumberland is a 5‑year project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund – Reaching Communities. The project supports people who are NEET, unemployed or economically inactive to improve their wellbeing, cultivate new skills and raise their aspirations, empowering them to consider and explore their next steps to employment. Through volunteering, work placements and community‑based activities, participants will engage in meaningful projects within their local communities and at The Alnwick Garden, building confidence, gaining practical experience and developing transferable skills.
Responsibilities
- Design and deliver the horticultural component of Growing Together Northumberland.
- Provide horticulture advice to participants, inspiring them to engage within their communities, build skills, confidence and empowerment to move forward on their journey to employment.
- Engage with new and existing groups to develop community‑led social action projects that achieve programme outcomes.
- Ensure all projects promote sustainability and green innovation.
- Measure and record participant progression, achievements and the impact of Growing Together Northumberland.
- Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to achieve programme outcomes.
- Work closely with the Employability Programme Manager to promote Growing Together Northumberland and maximise its potential to support individuals and communities within Northumberland.
- Adhere to all policies including Safeguarding and Prevent, Lone Working and Health and Safety.
- Act as a role model for The Alnwick Garden culture and values.
- Perform any other duties requested by the line manager in relation to Growing Together Northumberland.
Qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong communication, patience, empathy, flexibility and reliability.
- Ability to work with a diverse range of individuals of all ability levels, engaging both adults and young people on community gardening and social action projects.
- Strong knowledge and vision of horticulture and sustainability, including best practice.
- Ability to plan, develop and deliver community gardening projects, including garden design and maintenance to ensure long‑term sustainability.
- Ability to follow risk assessments and alert to any changes that will require immediate review of risk assessments.
- An understanding of the importance of empowering communities and the positive impact this has on individuals.
- Ability to plan work within a budget.
- Competence with IT packages and ability to maintain project monitoring data and produce progress reports.
- A valid driving licence and access to a car is essential as the post will require travel across Northumberland.
- Ability to work in a values‑driven organisation.
Community Horticulture Lead employer: The Alnwick Garden
Growing Together Northumberland is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering community engagement and personal development. With a strong focus on sustainability and empowerment, employees enjoy a collaborative work culture that values innovation and inclusivity. The role of Community Horticulture Lead offers unique opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities across Northumberland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Horticulture Lead
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like The Alnwick Garden.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like The Alnwick Garden.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at The Alnwick Garden; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Horticulture Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at The Alnwick Garden.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Community Horticulture Lead.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what The Alnwick Garden is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at The Alnwick Garden a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Alnwick Garden
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at The Alnwick Garden might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
