Lead Gardener

Role

Lead Gardener

Responsible to General Manager

Salary

£27,000

Other Benefits Pension

Hours 37.5 hours (35 days annual leave inclusive of public holidays)

Work base River Garden, Auchincruive,

Role Overview

River Garden is set in a beautiful rural location in South Ayrshire where a more appropriate setting for recovery could not be imagined. Operating from a 48.5-acre site on the river Ayr, we are building a community dedicated to sustainable recovery from drugs and alcohol through our vibrant, innovative approach to the development of social enterprises to provide occupation and learning for our residents and support the continued growth of our charity.

We are looking for an experienced gardener to take the lead in organising residents and volunteers in the maintenance of the garden and in the development of horticultural activities, organise activities with staff and residents in respect of volunteering from corporate events to work in the garden.

To implement areas of the garden masterplan where budget allows and work towards longer term goals building the skills of residents and volunteers to support the work. The site has a café and this role will work closely with the chef to advise of seasonal availability of vegetables and fruit and ensure further growth of these plots to ensure saleable items of fresh produce.

Your Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

The ability to provide and follow written and oral instructions.

Skill and practical experience with IT and till operation.

Horticultural knowledge and gardening skills appropriate to maintain a specific area in a historical site which is undergoing redevelopment as a enterprise and residential facility.

The knowledge of trees, shrubs, flowers, borders and vegetables are key to the post and with the management of seasonal activity in relation to same.

The ability to work with and support residents in their daily work within the garden and give direction to areas of priority work throughout the day.

The ability to work with and support volunteers in their daily work within the garden and and give direction to areas of priority work throughout the day.

Work with residents, their workers and volunteers to create a rota that suits the garden work and functioning based on most busy times and ensure cover is sufficient to meet demand. This work will also be considerate of other priorities in residents lives such as doctor appointments etc

The ability to effectively enforce River Garden community rules and maintain professional boundaries to ensure the safety of all with staff, residents and volunteers to ensure a professional working environment.

The ability to lead a team and respond to issues in relation to security, health and safety within the garden and provide induction to residents and volunteers to ensure a safe working environment.

Assisting and overseeing garden maintenance and involving all to contribute to the upkeep of the gardens

Joining/leading residents in presentations to local groups (Rotary, Church, Schools etc). This is a key aspect of the promotional and de-stigmatising elements of the role. These presentations sometimes take place in the evening or at weekends.

Planning and development of the gardens with other relevant parties (and advisors).

Planning and organising daily gardening activities for residents to be supported in engaging with nature, producing vegetables and fruit to use in our kitchen and in the propagation of plants for our grounds and sale to the public e.g., our Fayre events.

**Personal and Professional Attributes**

A calm and focussed approach to manage the delivery of the garden and activities. Managing expectations in line with what budget allows.

A non-judgemental and positive approach to recovery

A passion to work and train residents and volunteers and enable them to meet their potential and understand the importance of the therapeutic intervention which takes place I the garden.

Good organisational skills and creativity to lead on the further development of the garden and enterprise which can be created for residents to lead on.

Good communication skills verbally and in written briefs which will update the Operational/General manager of progress in the garden.

Able to challenge attitudes and behaviours where necessary.

Able to follow instruction but also can show initiative and self-motivation

Ability to think creatively and encourage creativity in others.

Ability to work at weekends or evening’s when required.

Understanding of wildlife biodiversity and environmental systems to support the future of the gardens and a more sustainable future.

Key Accountabilities

Community: Support and Development of Residents

Assist the Operations Manager in ensuring that River Garden residents receive the necessary training to develop their skills and encourage task orientated work for those who show a specific area interest.

**Maintaining Community**

Play an active role in developing t