Freelance Urban Grow Workers

We are looking for someone to work from early July to the end of October, with a plan to recommence in
March 2024 subject to funding.
We’re open to hearing from applicants who are available for either or both days of work.

Click here to download the job description.

Position Summary

The freelance Urban Grow Worker/s will support our current Growing Well program, based across two
community gardens, the Concrete Garden and the Back Garden. We work with our community to create
spaces which enable people to come together to grow food, develop skills and confidence, make friends,
cook and eat together and participate in a wide range of workshops and volunteering opportunities. In
doing so, people are able to nourish themselves, their wellbeing and community.

Both gardens support individual and group plot-holders and run a seasonal program of social and
therapeutic sessions, where people are supported to grow their own food, and meet and work alongside
others on seasonal activities. The Growing Well program also includes Grow Your Own workshops,
wellbeing workshops which support skills for wellbeing through simple, budget-friendly, self-care practices,
as well as seasonal outdoor cookery, social activities, volunteer action days and taster sessions.

The Freelance Urban Grow Worker/s will co-facilitate our weekly Social Gardening session at the Back
Garden and our fortnightly Volunteer Maintenance session at the Concrete Garden as well as occasionally
support other activities and events if available.

Reports to: Urban Growing and Community Development Leads and Coordinator

Supervises: Volunteers, Plot holders and Community Gardeners

Essential Duties
Co-facilitate our weekly social gardening and volunteer maintenance sessions by:

● Ensuring the the smooth running of the sessions including welcoming participants, organising
refreshments etc., introducing new participants to the garden and the group.
● Supporting participants to learn about food growing and gardening and take part in activities by
providing appropriate support, demonstrations and practical advice so they get the most out of
their time in the garden.
● Managing health and safety throughout the sessions, practicing safe working and ensuring that
participants are advised of safe use of tools and materials. Ensuring PPE is worn when necessary
and that any accidents are reported and recorded in the accident book.
● Working to maintain a safe and positive environment by encouraging and supporting a positive and
inclusive group dynamic.
● Keeping the garden ordered and tidy and encouraging growers to assist in tidying up following their
activities.
● Support monitoring and evaluation of project outcomes by taking part in regular session debriefs/
reflection

Position Requirements

● Experience in community based food growing or related projects
● Experience working with a wide range of people/age groups
● Experience delivering food growing/gardening workshops and activities
● Experience with risk assessing and working safely in a garden environment
● The ability to work both independently and within a team
● A commitment and ability to practice with an inclusive, person-centered and participatory
approach
● An understanding of how community gardens and social and therapeutic horticulture fit
within broader environmental and social justice work
● Relevant horticulture experience
● Good communication skills

The successful applicant will require public liability insurance as well as a new or up to date PVG Scheme
Membership Statement (within 6 months) prior to commencing work. PVG scheme membership costs of up
to £59 will be reimbursed as an expense. We will also require 2 referees- at least one should be from a
relevant work or volunteering context.