CLOSING DATE FRIDAY 26TH JUNE
The Urban Gardeners is the gardening service arm of The Urban Garden, a small garden centre social enterprise located in Royal Victoria Park, Bath. We offer accredited practical horticultural training for people who are long term unemployed and/or are struggling with their mental health. We also offer volunteering opportunities including a general drop-in session for local people on a Wednesday afternoon and when we are open Thursdays-Sundays.
The Urban Gardeners was created in September 2024 with the specific purpose of supporting adults into employment through on site training in gardening work around Bath. Trainees will often progress onto The Urban Gardeners having completed one of our City and Guilds practical horticulture courses. Most people are looking to gain employment in gardening after their 6 month placement. You will support their journey to employment by offering horticultural training in a real work setting.
We are now planning to expand the service from one to two or even three days a week, and are looking for someone who is primarily a professional gardener but who also has the skills to supervise, support and train those who are on placement.
Title: Team Leader, The Urban Gardeners
Reports to: Executive Director, The Urban Garden
Location: Meeting point, The Urban Garden Bath BA1 2LZ. Jobs in and around Bath.
Contract: variable hours
Usual hours: 8.30am-3.30pm 1-2 days a week
Holiday pay: additional 12% of wages paid quarterly
Driving license essential
The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
PLEASE SEND A CV AND COVERING LETTER SAYING WHY YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE JOB.
Job description
Key responsibilities:
· Lead a team of 2-4 trainees providing a professional garden service to customers around Bath. For specific tasks see below (soft landscaping only).
· Offer training in specific tasks and support trainees to work at a realistic working pace, with an aim to build up physical stamina.
· Ensure all tasks are carried out safely and that full training is given in the use of tools.
· Liaise with customers through phone and email and carry out site visits as required. We have an existing Team Leader (one day a week) who may continue to do this part of the job.
· Ensure all work complies with health and safety regulations and environmental standards.
· Equipment Maintenance: ensure all gardening tools and equipment are maintained and safe to use.
· Support trainees in their progression towards employment – this could involve arranging first customer/trainee meeting to talk about future work.
You will be supported in the above tasks by the Project Assistant when on site.
Person Specification:
Essential
· Experience of running a garden service business for at least 1 year
· A passion for working with people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
· Sufficient physical stamina to work outside and engage in physical activity for the majority of the working day.
· Good organisational skills, including the ability to plan, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
· Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, equality, and diversity best practice.
· Reliable and punctual, with good timekeeping
· Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written, including using a computer.
· Commitment to social inclusion and equal opportunities.
· A flexible attitude and ability to work collaboratively.
· Must be legally entitled to work in the UK and will be required to provide an enhanced DBS check.
Desirable
· Mental health first aid certificate
· Experience of working with individuals who are long term unemployed and/or struggling with their mental health.
The current service focusses more on planting than maintenance (this could change depending on the person recruited). Main jobs are:
· Planting for seasonal interest
· Shrub and small tree pruning
· Soil improvement
· Weeding
· Occasional mowing
· Hedge trimming (up to 6 foot)
Pay: £18.00-£22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Store discount
Experience:
- Gardening Team Leader: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
