The aim of the Lambhill Stables Charity (Charity no SC038504, Company no SC327607) is to restore and enhance the existing Lambhill Stables building as an important historical landmark and environmental amenity. Our mission is to develop a programme of innovative, community based activities from the geographical hub of Lambhill Stables which in turn links to the regeneration of the whole canal corridor.

Job Title: / Community Gardener
Responsible To:
Duration:
Salary:
Hours: / Programme Officer
Fixed 12 month contract
£20,000 per annum
35 per week, Mon – Fri, occasional weekends
Purpose Of the Job: / This job profile covers the role of Community Gardener in the Climate Challenge Team at Lambhill Stables. The Community Gardener will deliver Outcomes of the Climate Challenge Fund Grant Application as follows:
•Outcome 1: More people have an awareness and understanding of how to reduce energy in their home
•Outcome 2. People grow and eat more local and seasonal food
•Outcome 3. The community increases the amount it recycles, re-uses and composts

Key Tasks, Responsibilities and Activities

1) Development and Maintenance of the Garden

  • Coordinating the ongoing planting, weeding, feeding, pruning and harvesting of all the (30+) vegetables, (20+)herbs, flowers, ornamental plants, fruit bushes, orchard trees, hedges, hedges and grasses in the one acre garden site and allotment site.
  • Keeping a comprehensive visual and written plan of the garden to allow the successful practice of the organic principles of soil building, conservation, and pest management through the practice of crop rotation, companion planting, and the use of natural fertilizers, pesticides and mulches.
  • Working with the cook to practise proper storage methods for all excess garden produce.
  • Working with the project team in building and maintaining compost systems.
  • Prioritising weekly garden tasks for the volunteers and volunteer groups who participate.
  • Developing new areas of the garden and allotment site – constructing raised beds, building wildlife habitats, creating art installations.
  • Increasing the biodiversity of the garden by building bird boxes, wild areas and hibernation habitats.
  • Taking inventory and ordering seeds and garden equipment as needed.
  • Collaborating with other staff to ensure that all tasks required to effectively run the garden and allotment site are carried out.
  • Monitoring and evaluating all aspects of the garden projects.

2) Community Engagement

  • Seeking out new local volunteers through various methods – postering, newsletters, website, and door-to-door engagement.
  • Liaising with different referral groups such as GNRA and GAMH in order to recruit possible volunteers.
  • Developing specific engagement strategies for different groups i.e. kids groups, women’s groups, elderly groups.
  • Raising awareness in local communities about events and opportunities for involvement.
  • Regularly requesting feedback from participants and incorporating feedback into the development of the garden/project.
  • Visiting local schools to encourage involvement in the project and hosting regular school group visits; developing interesting and interactive activities for each session.
  • Hosting regular visits from the health sector; developing appropriate and interesting activities in accordance with the ability levels of each group.

3) Volunteer Coordination

  • Providing an induction for each new volunteer including: an explanation of the project; a garden tour; an introduction to staff; an overview of the volunteer policy; an explanation of health and safety procedures, and the filling out of personal details, volunteer agreement and equal opportunities monitoring forms.
  • Supervising, overseeing and acting as main contact for all garden volunteers.
  • Encouraging volunteers to take initiative, work independently and supporting them in trying new activities.
  • Motivating volunteers through recognition and feedback and encouraging them to take ownership of the garden or areas of the garden.
  • Ensuring garden tasks are suited to the volunteers carrying them out and that opportunities for feedback and training are provided.
  • Updating and informing volunteer health and safety documents when needed.
  • Participating in all relevant training and workshops (i.e. first aid).

Key Tasks, Responsibilities and Activities

  1. Effective people management skills. Ability to work with a wide range of users and local people.
  2. Working with new and existing allotment holders to maintain and develop food production form allotment plots
  3. Assist with the preparation of briefs, progress reports, final reports, applications and other reporting.
  4. Experience of project administrative, reporting & monitoring procedures.
  5. Excellent IT skills in Outlook, Word, Excel & PowerPoint.
  6. Accurate record keeping.
  7. Experience of planning, organising and delivering community projects, activities/events.
  8. Excellent time management, prioritisation and organisational skills.
  9. Excellent written, presentational and verbal communication skills.
  10. Flexible, confident, self motivated and of cheerful disposition.
  11. Ability to work under pressure; to meet targets and deal with a wide range of complex tasks simultaneously.
  12. Team player, open, friendly, positive and participative.
  13. High level of energy and commitment appropriate to a growing charity.

The successful applicant will be vetted through the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme with Disclosure Scotland, the expense of which will be met by the employer.

Applicants should send a CV and a full covering letter to detailing the skills you have that make you suitable for the position. The closing date is Friday 15th August.

Registered in Scotland as a company limited by guarantee no: SC327607, Charity no: SC038504