head gardener
Forest Farm Peace Garden is seeking an experienced gardener to lead on the development of our large 2-acre site and support the running of our ecotherapy garden sessions and community days. Our ecotherapy sessions are accessed by people with mental health recovery needs and adults with learning disabilities, plus support from our team of buddy volunteers. We also run general community volunteering days.
The Head Gardener position is a fantastic opportunity for someone with an understanding of organic growing methods and permaculture practices, who is interested in creating a beautiful and therapeutic space for our volunteers and a welcoming, supportive environment which promotes wellbeing.
You will co-ordinate day-to-day activities in the garden, including planning gardening tasks alongside other staff and volunteers to help run our twice-weekly ecotherapy sessions, plus other days as required. You will provide guidance to build horticulture knowledge among garden users, as well as provide occasional formal educational workshops. You will oversee the garden planning and documentation for the year, and site development projects and maintenance as necessary. You will have oversight of health and safety considerations alongside other staff. You will take responsibility for ordering garden materials and equipment and have IT skills for undertaking admin and planning tasks. You will also share responsibility with the Project Manager, Ecotherapy Worker and Trustee Board for the broader development goals of the site.
This role is primarily garden-based as the main focus is the practical running of the site, although some non-garden office time is allocated for planning, meetings, ordering, emails etc of approximately ½ day a week, and additional time for training and planning as needed by arrangement with the project manager.
KEY TASKS
Running ecotherapy garden sessions alongside other staff to facilitate supported volunteers and buddy volunteers in the garden, including planning and designating tasks, leading warm-up stretches and/or mindfulness, providing gardening expertise and finding a variety of ways for volunteers to actively participate. (We commit to having two staff present to run ecotherapy garden sessions.)
Ensuring that volunteers have a positive, engaging experience.
Planning and developing the garden in line with permaculture and organic principles, and according to any specific funding requirements, with support from other staff and input from garden-users.
Involving garden users in the design and implementation of specific site development projects where applicable.
Providing guidance around food growing and horticulture as well as occasional delivery of educational workshops and providing educational materials as needed.
Ensuring activities take account of health and safety considerations and contribute to risk assessments for the garden.
Ensuring that materials and garden supplies are purchased when required and in-line with budget allocations for the garden.
Keeping the garden and site facilities in a tidy and well maintained condition alongside other staff, including overseeing any repairs and servicing.
Updating any garden files throughout the season making sure that essential tasks are recorded and monitored.
Running other garden volunteer open days, usually on a Monday, plus planning and running of occasional activity days for corporate groups or weekend community open days.
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check due to working with vulnerable adults.
application process
We’re committed to creating an organisation that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.
For further details about this role please download the Job Description below. To apply for this position please email your CV with a covering letter, outlining your skills and experience relevant to the role and what you can bring to FFPG. Please also complete the Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form below.
The deadline for completed applications is 5pm Monday 13 June 2022. It is anticipated that interviews will be held w/c 20 June.
Head Gardener Job Description and Person Specification
Please email your application to: kate@forestfarmpeacegarden.org