At a Glance
- Tasks: Help develop and maintain a vibrant community garden while engaging with local residents.
- Company: WHALE Arts, a community-led charity focused on creativity and connection.
- Benefits: Part-time role with a competitive salary and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract until April 2029 with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join us to connect people with nature and foster community spirit through gardening.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening or horticulture and strong people skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25599 - 25599 € per year.
WHALE Arts is looking for a friendly, practical and community-minded Community Gardener to help develop and maintain our vibrant community garden in Wester Hailes. This exciting role will support local people to connect with nature, creativity and each other through gardening, food growing, outdoor activities and seasonal events. The successful candidate will work closely with local people to create a welcoming and inclusive outdoor space that supports wellbeing, biodiversity and community connection.
Part-time: 14 hours per week
Salary: £25,599 pro rata
Fixed-term contract until April 2029 based at WHALE Arts, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh.
We are looking for someone with experience in gardening or horticulture, strong people skills, and a passion for community-led green spaces. This is a hands-on role involving practical garden maintenance, supporting participants and helping deliver creative and nature-based activities. This post is funded through the National Lottery Community Fund for 3 years to April 2029.
WHALE Arts is a building-based and place-based community-led charity and social enterprise, founded by local people in 1992. Our mission is to be the creative heart of a thriving community.
Role Purpose
The Community Gardener will work with local residents, volunteers and staff to maintain and develop the WHALE Arts Community Garden as a welcoming, accessible and creative community space. The role will support gardening, horticulture and outdoor activities that promote wellbeing, sustainability, biodiversity and community participation.
Main Duties
- Maintain and develop the WHALE Arts Community Garden and outdoor spaces
- Support gardening, food growing and nature-based activities with community members and volunteers
- Deliver practical garden maintenance including planting, weeding, composting and landscaping
- Support outdoor workshops, seasonal events and community activities
- Promote environmentally sustainable gardening and biodiversity
- Work closely with the community food, programming and operations teams
- Ensure safe working practices and maintain garden tools and equipment
Person Specification
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience in gardening, horticulture or community growing projects
- Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Has good practical gardening and maintenance skills
- Is organised, reliable and able to work independently and as part of a team
- Has strong communication and people skills
- Enjoys working with diverse communities and volunteers
- Is enthusiastic about sustainability, nature and community wellbeing
We’re Hiring: Community Gardener employer: WHALE Arts
WHALE Arts is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, dedicated to community engagement and environmental sustainability. As a Community Gardener, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Wester Hailes, working alongside local residents and volunteers to create a welcoming outdoor space that promotes wellbeing and biodiversity. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive environment, WHALE Arts offers a unique chance to contribute to a thriving community while developing your skills in gardening and community-led initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land We’re Hiring: Community Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before your interview, spend some time in the area or engage with local groups online. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the people you'll be working with.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your gardening skills! Bring along photos of your previous work or even a small portfolio. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and passion for community gardening.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your ideas! Think about how you can contribute to the community garden and share your thoughts during the interview. We love hearing fresh ideas that promote wellbeing and sustainability.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you note expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your commitment to joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace We’re Hiring: Community Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community Gardening:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for gardening and community work. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for green spaces and connecting with people.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your gardening or horticulture experience. We want to know about your practical skills and any previous roles where you’ve worked with communities or led outdoor activities.
Be Personable and Friendly:Since this role is all about community connection, use a warm and approachable tone in your application. Show us that you’re not just qualified, but also someone who can engage and inspire others.
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 this exciting opportunity at WHALE Arts.
How to prepare for a job interview at WHALE Arts
✨Know Your Gardening Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your gardening and horticulture knowledge. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with practical tasks like planting, weeding, and composting. They’ll want to see that you can not only talk the talk but also walk the walk in maintaining a vibrant community garden.
✨Show Your People Skills
Since this role is all about community connection, be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with diverse groups. Think about times when you’ve supported volunteers or engaged with local residents. Highlight your strong communication skills and your passion for creating inclusive spaces.
✨Emphasise Your Enthusiasm for Sustainability
WHALE Arts is keen on promoting environmentally sustainable practices. Bring up any relevant projects or initiatives you’ve been involved in that showcase your commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. Show them that you’re not just a gardener, but a steward of the environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Community
Demonstrate your interest in the role by preparing thoughtful questions about the community garden and its activities. Ask about their current projects, how they engage with the community, or what seasonal events are planned. This shows you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
