Therapeutic Gardener – Friends of Seaview - Edinburgh
The Friends of Seaview, a registered charity, are looking for an enthusiastic Therapeutic Gardener to work part time in a sensory garden linked to a respite unit for children with disabilities in Edinburgh.

The garden has a sensory garden, raised beds for vegetable and fruit growing, flower beds, herb bed, apple trees, willow, wildflower and play areas. The new geodesic dome offers a space for horticultural therapy sessions, growing, and a sheltered place to enjoy the outdoors from. The purpose of the garden is to enable children, staff and volunteers the opportunity to enjoy nature, increase wellbeing, promote a healthy lifestyle, to grow, to play and have a positive impact on the environment. More details about our garden and charity can be found on our Facebook and website

Friends of Seaview are a small charity with an active group of Trustees. The gardener will be supported by a Trustee and staff from the unit but expected to plan activities for the children and manage the garden and volunteers.
The post is part time but flexible, on average the person will be expected to work 12 hours per week including Friday afternoons and some weekends. The hourly rate is £15 to £18 depending on experience and qualifications. The post is available from July 2020.

The Garden is located at

Seaview Children’s Unit, 1 Bingham Avenue, Bingham Edinburgh, EH15 3HY.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Tasks and Responsibilities

• Take a lead role in managing and developing the garden
  Provide regular updates to the Board of Trustees
  Manage and recruit volunteers
  Delivering group and one to one therapeutic gardening sessions for children
  Assist with funding applications

Essential

• Practical experience as a gardener
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  Experience of working with children and volunteers
  Ability to work independently and flexibly
  Willingness to undertake relevant training and attend conferences

Desirable

• Experience working with children with severe and complex needs
  Post Graduate Diploma in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture,
  RHS level 2 Diploma in Principles and Practices in Horticulture
  Experience of recruitment, retention and management of volunteers
  Good IT skills including Word, Google teams.
  Social media and newsletter writing experience
  Experience completing funding applications
  Administration experience including report writing
  Experience of working in partnership with various organisations and stakeholders
  Organising events and workshops