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- Tasks: Lead gardening sessions, support volunteers, and ensure a beautiful garden experience for visitors.
- Company: Amisfield's unique eight-acre walled garden in East Lothian.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, rolling annual contract, and the chance to work outdoors.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on wellbeing while working in a stunning garden environment.
- Qualifications: Strong gardening skills and excellent communication abilities required.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow your skills and work with a diverse range of people.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
37.5 hours per week: Wed–Sat (or some variant thereof) April–Sept and Mon–Fri Oct–March. Amisfield’s eight-acre walled garden just outside Haddington in East Lothian is unique in being a visitor attraction, a volunteer project and a therapeutic gardening resource. We are seeking an Assistant Garden Manager to help ensure that Amisfield is a well-maintained, safe, secure, and beautiful year-round space which enhances the wellbeing of visitors and volunteers.
Whilst formal horticultural training is NOT essential for the position, you must be able to demonstrate understanding of:
- Plant propagation
- Composting
- Soil management and organic weed control
- Fruit and vegetable growing
- Basic pruning technique
Most importantly, you will have excellent communication skills and experience working with a range of people, either in a professional or previous volunteering capacity. As the garden is open seven days a week from April to September, you will be working a five-day shift pattern, working with the Garden Manager to ensure at least one of you is in the garden each day, including weekends, during those months. You will manage your working hours in a flexible, responsible way, to meet the seasonality of the demands on your time – you are likely to work more hours during the growing season with time off in lieu during the winter months. You will report to the Garden Manager.
We’re looking for someone who thrives in both collaborative and independent work settings – there are days when you will be working alone; with wide knowledge of plants and horticultural principles; and confident in dealing with a diverse range of people of all ages and abilities, and with volunteers. You need good organisational skills to help the Garden Manager plan, coordinate and deliver a range of activities. You will have experience of working with volunteers, some of whom are vulnerable, and will be able to develop and grow our volunteering capacity and opportunities. The post will be on a rolling annual contract. The intention is to offer continuity of employment subject to satisfactory performance and the Trust’s financial position. A job share might be considered, but is not the preferred option.
Key Responsibilities
- Volunteer and Visitor Support: Lead practical gardening sessions, provide guidance for volunteers, and ensure a high-quality experience for visitors.
- Day-to-day Management: Take full responsibility for opening and closing the garden, public safety, volunteer supervision, and garden security during solo shifts.
- Assist the Garden Manager in planning, coordinating and delivering volunteer sessions.
- Overlap with the Garden Manager for one day a week to conduct handovers.
Requirements
- RHS Level 2 or strong practical gardening skills gained through extensive personal experience, in a nursery, garden centre, estate or large garden.
- Patience and communication skills for volunteers of varying abilities.
- Reliability and confidence to manage a large public garden independently.
- IT literacy and familiarity with social media.
- Current First Aid qualification or a commitment to obtain one immediately.
- PVG clearance.
How to apply
Please send a CV and accompanying letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) outlining how you meet the job requirements.
Assistant Garden Manager in Haddington employer: Trellis Scotland
Contact Detail:
Trellis Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Garden Manager in Haddington
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the garden! Before your interview, take a stroll around Amisfield’s walled garden. Familiarise yourself with the layout, plants, and any ongoing projects. This will not only impress the Garden Manager but also help you speak confidently about how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your people skills! Since this role involves working with volunteers and visitors, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated or led a group. We want to see that you can engage with a diverse range of people.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your gardening knowledge! Brush up on topics like plant propagation, composting, and organic weed control. Even if you don’t have formal training, showing your passion and understanding of these areas will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Amisfield. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Garden Manager in Haddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let us see your love for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your skills in plant propagation, composting, and organic gardening. We want to know what makes you tick!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight your experience with volunteers and your ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people. This will help us see how you fit into our team at Amisfield.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can manage tasks efficiently!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 shows you’re keen to be part of our community at Amisfield!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trellis Scotland
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your knowledge of plant propagation, composting, and organic weed control. Be ready to discuss your practical experience with these topics, as they are crucial for the role. Showing that you understand the basics will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working with a diverse range of people, it's essential to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led groups or worked with volunteers, highlighting your patience and ability to adapt your approach.
✨Flexibility is Key
The job requires a flexible working pattern, especially during the growing season. Be prepared to discuss how you manage your time effectively and how you can adapt to the seasonal demands of the garden. This shows that you're not only aware of the role's requirements but also ready to meet them.
✨Get Familiar with Amisfield
Research Amisfield’s unique features and its role as a visitor attraction and therapeutic gardening resource. Being knowledgeable about the organisation will help you connect your skills and experiences to their mission, making you a more compelling candidate.
