Job Vacancies
JOB PURPOSE:
To supervise, support, develop and train adults with variety of special needs in horticultural activities for their physical and mental wellbeing.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
1. Implement, develop and establish a program of horticultural training awards including the ‘Grow and Learn Award’
2. Maintain and develop the GROW garden.
3. Help develop commercial opportunities.
4. Support the operations of the nursery and Botanic Gardens.
5. Recruit, develop and support a network of volunteers to help the project
6. Liaise with parents, carers, guardians, support workers, social workers and other individuals and organisations as required.
7. To provide cover as required.
8. Gardening –To be practically involved in all areas of the gardens and support those with additional needs in their activities. A good level of physical fitness is required.
9. Ensure legislative compliance in all areas, including safe working practices in accordance with current health and safety legislation and to carry out health and safety procedures as required by HLH.
10. To always comply with HLH Code of Conduct and Role Model Behaviours
11. Responsibility for the security of the building ensuring opening and closing procedures are followed. Be a key holder and be able to respond to out-of-hours call outs.
12. Ensure the cleanliness of all areas of the GROW project including toilets.
13. To support in the delivery of our obligations to Highland Council, NHS, BID and other trusted partners and stakeholders.
14. To work with the Facility Manager to achieve the objectives of High Life Highland.
OTHER DUTIES:
You may be required to perform duties, appropriate to the post, other than those given in the job specification. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to posts may be varied without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are common occurrence and would not themselves justify reconsideration of the grading. Because of such variations it will be necessary to update this job specifications from time to time.
Specific Tasks
- Ensure the garden is planned, organised and attractive for both participants and the wider public.
- Develop and deliver volunteering opportunities at the garden that promote the objectives and values of Forfar Open Garden
- Responsible for the maintenance of buildings, tools and equipment, and security of the garden.
- raising awareness of the charity and its work at local and national levels
- Identify and support opportunities to generate income from plant, produce sales and workshops aimed at paying customers to support aims of garden.
- increasing funds by researching and targeting charitable trusts whose criteria match our charity's aims and activities in relation to Forfar Open Garden
- Research and engage individuals, companies and businesses interested in developing therapeutic, community Gardening.
- Developing Forfar Open Garden to be a forum for discussion, idea sharing, undertake co-operative actions and develop courses dependent on identified needs of those attending.
- Organising and running public engagement events.
- Research, develop and plan programmes of events and courses at the Garden and other sites where appropriate
- Promote the garden via the provision of talks, presentations and participation in events and activities.
- report your performance to managers and Trustees
Education Attainment & Accreditation
- Formal qualification (degree or similar) in a horticultural/biological/environmental science/countryside management or education discipline. Other subject areas or equivalent experience will be considered.
Professional Skills & Experience
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to produce promotional materials, develop web site pages and maintain social media
- High standard of computer literacy (Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook and the Internet).
- Understanding and interest in horticulture, wildlife, ecology and nature conservation.
- An appreciation of local and central government policies and directives
Interpersonal Skills & Qualities
- A proven enthusiasm for the outdoors and education and an ability to share it with others.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a good facilitator who can integrate and coordinate the work of others to deliver results
- Demonstrable ability to plan and prioritise own workload with minimum supervision.
- Ability to work as a member of a close-knit team
- Unwavering ethical, safety, environmental and responsibility value
- networking and negotiating skills
- a creative approach to problem solving
- organisation, planning and administration skills
- skills in researching, analysing and writing reports
Operational Planning
- Organisation and management of HOPE Garden, staff, trainees and volunteers
- Responsibility for trainees’ health and wellbeing, and involvement in HOPE projects.
- Developing appropriate learning programmes for people with learning difficulties.
- Facilitating regular garden meetings with those involved in the project, in order to gather feedback and evaluate the project
- Develop the long term potential of the garden by participating in strategic discussions.
- Foster an open teamwork approach between colleagues, trainees, volunteers and other stakeholders
- Help with the implementation of relevant areas of HOPE Business Plan
- Liaise with Trustees on development of new garden projects
- Identify funding sources and prepare applications for the charity
- Provide regular reports for trustees meetings
- Attend joint staff/trustees meetings
Day to Day Operational Management
- Develop volunteer programme including recruitment, training, support and supervision of current and new volunteers
- Organise volunteer support meetings and identify any training needs
- Develop a range of opportunities at the garden
- Provide support for Head Gardener and organise and record staff team meetings
- Provide support and supervision to the Shop and Admin Assistant
- Organise User Group yearly meeting and/or development days.
Communication and organisational duties
- Support the HOPE ethos of valuing all individuals and supporting people to reach their potential
- Communicate the work and ethos of HOPE to outside agencies
- Actively seek out links with organisations and schools which could contribute to HOPE’s development
- Attend relevant training sessions, seminars and conferences
- Support fundraising and income generation activities and develop new funding initiatives
- Promote HOPE through presentations to local community groups and organisations
Person specification
- Excellent people and project management skills
- Experience of working with vulnerable people
- Commitment to person-centred values
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well as part of a team
- Ability to work in a patient, flexible and non-judgmental manner
- Self-reflective, self-aware and able to give and accept feedback
- Willingness to undertake additional training as appropriate
- A current driving licence and access to a car is essential
- IT skills essential, including use of Excel, Word and PowerPoint
How to Apply:
An application form and job specification are available for download from our website at www.hopeorganicgarden.org.uk. Alternatively, please email enquiries@hopeorganicgarden.org.uk for an application form and job specification.
Closing date Friday 21th May 2021 at 5pm
Interviews to be held week in line with government guidelines, it is expected that the interviews will take place via a Zoom link.
Closing Date: May 21, 2021