Horticulture Officer

Growing Together Northumberland is an exciting new project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund - Reaching Communities. The 5 year project aims to support people who are NEET, unemployed or economically inactive to improve wellbeing, cultivate skills and raise aspirations, whilst improving the communities they live in, to empower them to explore next steps to employment. The Horticulture Officer will be responsible for the design and delivery of social action projects within the community, with a theme of sustainable space. Growing Together Northumberland will launch on April 1st 2024. The post will require travel across Northumberland and will also require weekend and evening work.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Responsible for the design and delivery of the horticultural component of Growing Together Northumberland.
- 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 other skills, as well as confidence and empowerment to move forward on their journey to employment.
- To engage with new and existing groups to develop community led, social action projects to achieve programme outcomes.
- To ensure all projects promote sustainability and green innovation.
- To measure and record participant progression, achievements and impact of Growing Together Northumberland.
- To collaborate with partners and stakeholders to achieve programme outcomes.
- 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.
- Adhere to all policies including Safeguarding and Prevent, Lone Working and Health and safety.
- Act as a role model for The Alnwick Garden culture and values.
- Any other duties as requested by the (Line Manager) in relation to Growing Together Northumberland.

**Person Specification**

The successful applicant will have:

- Excellent interpersonal skills including strong communication, patience, empathy, flexibility and reliability.
- 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.
- Strong knowledge and vision of horticulture and sustainability, including best practice.
- Ability to plan, develop and deliver community gardening projects including: garden design and maintenance to ensure long term sustainability of projects.
- Be able to follow risk assessments and alert of any changes that will require immediate review of risk assessments.
- An understanding of the importance of empowering communities and the positive impact this has on individuals.
- Ability to plan work within a budget.
- Ability to maintain project monitoring data and produce progress reports.
- A valid driving licence and access to a car is essential.
- Ability to work in a values driven organisation.

The post will require travel across Northumberland and will also require weekend and evening work.

This post is fixed-term until March 2029.

Postal Applications will be accepted, please post to

Growing Together Northumberland

The Alnwick Garden

Gardener's Cottage

Greenwell Road

Alnwick

NE66 1HB