Community Gardener

Community Gardener

Job Title: Community Gardener
Salary: £25,000 (Pro-rata)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 28 hours a week (including a proportion of each weekend).
Responsible To: Head of Programmes

Main Responsibilities:
Garden Planning, Development & Maintenance

• Work with the Managing Director to implement the site design and planting.
• Work with the Café Supervisor, Farmyard Manager and Education Officer to plan for the propagating, planting
and growing of seasonal flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and other vegetation to further our mission and enhance
the aesthetics and visitor experience in the Community Garden and throughout the farm.
• Identify opportunities for expanding or improving growing areas.
• Grow produce for sale or for processing into product for sale in our Farm Shop and café.
• Create an accessible and multi-sensory space for all visitors.
• Implement sustainable and organic gardening practices.
• Maintain composting systems, soil health, and natural pest control.
• To support across the entire site with basic maintenance as required.
• Plan and implement off-site growing and micro-allotment projects.

Volunteer & Community Engagement

• Coordinate and develop our garden volunteer programme, increasing the number of volunteers, and provide
supervision and learning opportunities.
• Provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the garden and planting throughout the site.
• Develop our on and offsite community programmes, working with our community as well as local organisations
to facilitate wellbeing, learning and employability opportunities through clubs, drop-in sessions and longer-term
projects.
• Work closely with the Education team to enhance their learning opportunities in garden and food production
focussed sessions.
• Promote sustainability and environmental awareness

Administration

• Track planting schedules and harvest yields.
• Manage the recruitment of garden volunteers, collecting data and maintaining communication.
• Record volunteer/group participation and attendance.
• Help maintain garden logs.
• Ensure any garden or site purchases are made in line with the agreed budget.
• Provide input for funding applications or reports

Health & Safety

• Ensure safe use of tools and equipment by all garden users.
• Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of garden areas and storage sheds.
• To follow all Vauxhall City Farm policies and procedures

Collaboration & Communication

• Assist across teams as and when required, with reasonable request
• Participate in meetings and contribute ideas to wider farm planning and events.

Role Requirements
The successful candidate must have:
• A secure knowledge of horticulture.
• Genuine passion for plants, ecology, and sustainable gardening practices.
• Commitment to organic gardening methods and environmental advocacy.
• Comfortable working in varied weather conditions and adapting to the evolving needs of the garden.
• Resourceful in overcoming challenges related to plant health, garden design, or community dynamics.
• Capability to perform physically demanding tasks, such as digging, planting, and lifting.
• Proficiency in using gardening tools and equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to plan and prioritize tasks, ensuring the garden is consistently maintained.
• Ability to engage with diverse community members across all ages, including volunteers, local residents, and
partner organisations.
• Experience in leading or coordinating group activities and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
• Awareness of and respect for the diverse backgrounds and perspectives within the community.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all community members feel welcome and valued.
• Openness to attending training sessions, workshops, or courses to enhance gardening knowledge and skills.
• Interest in staying informed about new gardening trends, tools, and techniques.

How to apply
To apply for the Community Gardener role please submit:

• CV – maximum 2 sides of A4
• A covering letter letting us know:
  o What do you love about your current job?
  o What would working at the Farm mean to you?
  o What skills and experience will you bring that align with the job description?
  o What is your super strength?

Email the above to: recruitment@vauxhallcityfarm.org with the subject: Community Gardener Application
Closing Date: Sunday 6th July 2025

Employment requirement

The post holder must have the right to work in the UK and will be required to provide the necessary paperwork to verify this. As the role requires close working with children/vulnerable people the post holder will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance on appointment. By applying for this vacancy, you consent to the safe storage and handling of any personal data you have provided us
with. We will never share your data with a third-party without your consent. You can request the removal of your data at
any time, by emailing info@vauxhallcityfarm.org.