Covering Letter and CV required to apply
Fixed term post until March 2029.
Starting Salary £29,512
Role purpose
Growing Together Northumberland is a 5 year project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund – Reaching Communities.
The project supports people who are NEET, unemployed or economically inactive to improve their wellbeing, cultivate new skills and raise their aspirations , to empower them to consider and explore their next steps to employment.
Through volunteering, work placements and community-based activities, participants of Growing Together Northumberland, will engage in meaningful projects within their local communities and at The Alnwick Garden, building confidence, gaining practical experience and developing transferable skills.
The Horticulture Officer will play a key role in designing and delivering inspiring horticultural and environmental projects that promote sustainability, biodiversity, and community engagement.
This will include working closely with the participants to ensure they achieve their personal goals whilst engaging in Growing Together activities.
Overview
The Alnwick Garden is an award-winning visitor attraction, and charity, located in Alnwick Northumberland. With excess of 360,00 visitors annually The Garden is commercially driven, and visitor focused; whilst also operating as a charity (with associated values) - this provides a unique culture.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Responsible for the design and delivery of the horticultural component of Growing Together Northumberland.
2. To provide horticulture advice to participants on Growing Together Northumberland not only to enhance their horticultural skills but to also inspire them to actively engage within their communities to build skills, as well as confidence and empowerment to move forward on their journey to employment.
3. To engage with new and existing groups to develop community led, social action projects to achieve programme outcomes.
4. To ensure all projects promote sustainability and green innovation.
5. To measure and record participant progression, achievements and impact of Growing Together Northumberland.
6. To collaborate with partners and stakeholders to achieve programme outcomes.
7. To work closely with the Employability Programme Manager to promote Growing Together Northumberland and maximise it’s potential to support individuals and communities within Northumberland.
8. Adhere to all policies including Safeguarding and Prevent , Lone Working and Health and Safety.
9. Act as a role model for The Alnwick Garden culture and values.
10. Any other duties as requested by the (Line Manager) in relation to Growing Together Northumberland.
Person Specification
The successful applicant will have
1. Excellent interpersonal skills including strong communication, patience, empathy, flexibility and reliability.
2. Ability to work with a diverse range of individuals of all levels of ability, engaging with both adults and young people on community gardening and social action projects.
3. Strong knowledge and vision of horticulture and sustainability, including best practice.
4. Ability to plan, develop and deliver community gardening projects including: garden design and maintenance to ensure long term sustainability of projects.
5. Be able to follow risk assessments and alert of any changes that will require immediate review of risk assessments.
6. An understanding of the importance of empowering communities and the positive impact this has on individuals.
7. Ability to plan work within a budget.
8. Be competent with the use of IT packages and ability to maintain project monitoring data and produce progress reports.
9. A valid driving licence and access to a car is essential as the post will require travel across Northumberland.
10. Ability to work in a values driven organisation.
Our Values
Be able to demonstrate and practice:
· Trust - We are committed to build relationships of trust between each other and with our customers and beneficiaries. Our relationships will be grown on a foundation of openness and transparency. We will always strive to do what we said we would do and act at all times with honesty and integrity.
· Caring - We strive to be compassionate and kind to each other, our visitors and our community. Carefully listening to concerns and feedback is key to formulating a caring response.
· Respect - We will always endeavour to respect The Garden, its vision and everyone’s role in the team that makes The Garden successful.
· Collaboration - We acknowledge that teamworking is the key to success. We commit to investing in each other’s success and will do what we can to support each other. We will have the strength to constructively challenge each other and will take such challenge as a supportive action.
· Positivity - We will strive to ensure that The Garden is always seen as a symbol of positivity with a ‘can do’ mentality. Any challenge can be overcome with commitment, team work and a positive approach.
· Accountability - We understand that things may not always go to plan but we will take responsibility for when things go wrong. We will ask for help when needed. We will identify errors as learning opportunities and do all we can to rectify mistakes promptly.
· Quirky - We are proudly different and will never shy away from thinking outside the box and trying new things. We will always emphasise creativity and boldness and these traits will be embedded in The Garden’s design and entertainment programmes.
· Inclusivity and Accessibility - The Garden is a place for everyone to visit and enjoy regardless of background or viewpoint. We encourage everyone to express themselves and bring new ideas and new ways of working to the workplace. As an organisation we pride ourselves on having open doors and every employee having access to managers and department heads when needed.
· Diversity - We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We recognise that the different perspectives and characteristics our people bring with them can only benefit the organisation. By actively engaging with colleagues, we seek to create a positive environment where everyone from any background can do their best work and will not accept any actions which prevent that.
Pay: From £29,512.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
