Horticulturist and Tutor Part Time

Normandy, Surrey
WendyB Ltd

Horticulturist and Tutor

• Part-time position
• Minimum 2 days per week (8.30am 4.30pm)
• £23,660 Fulltime 35 hours (pro-rata for part time position)
• Normandy, Surrey

WendyB supports The Therapy Garden a horticulture and education charity that uses gardening to generate positive change. TTG provides clients with a calm, protected space and a supportive environment, in which they can enjoy new experiences, connect with nature and benefit from the healing power of the garden. The Therapy Garden Team, volunteers and clients are all amazing people and this creates a fantastic environment in which to work and feel valued and appreciated.

If you are passionate about horticulture and its therapeutic benefits and have a desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives through gardening, then we have an exciting opportunity for you! The Therapy Garden is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Horticulturist and Tutor to join our team.

Responsibilities:

1. Client Support: Provide guidance, encouragement and support to our garden participants during workshops and garden sessions. Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and valued. Ensure clients and students are adequately supervised during breaks and lunchtimes and provide welfare support for all attendees.
2. Horticultural Expertise: Responsibility for maintaining the therapeutic garden spaces and structures, ensuring they are safe and fit for purpose and using horticultural knowledge to create and maintain a beautiful and thriving garden for our whole community to enjoy.
3. Therapeutic Tutoring: Collaborate in the design and delivery of a programme of practical horticulture to clients with mental health challenges, physical disabilities or additional learning difficulties, helping them to gain self-confidence and providing them with new and enjoyable life skills. Supervision and support for Green School students, City and Guilds programme and AQA certification opportunities.
4. Stakeholder Relationships: Overseeing volunteer activities in collaboration with the wider TTG team, developing community cohesion and promoting physical, emotional, and mental well-being through gardening activities, for the wider TTG community.
5. Garden Development: Assist and advise on growing produce and plants in accordance with growing season requirements as part of the learning programmes and for sale to the general public via events and retail outlets. Collaborate with the team to develop and implement new gardening projects and initiatives that align with the charities mission and goals.
6. Health and Safety: Ensure the garden space is safe and compliant with health and safety regulations. Take appropriate measures to address any hazards and maintain a secure environment for all participants.
7. Garden Related Activities: Develop, organise and implement activities for clients using produce grown in the garden such as cooking and crafts.

Requirements:

1. Horticultural Qualification: RHS Level 2 or equivalent formal qualification in horticulture or a related field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience in horticulture and gardening will also be considered.
2. Tutoring /Teaching Experience: TAQA Level 3 and knowledge, experience, delivery of City and Guilds is desirable. Experience in tutoring, teaching or facilitating workshops is highly desirable, especially in a therapeutic or community-based setting.
3. Excellent Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for effective tutoring and engaging with clients, referrers and colleagues.
4. Passion, Empathy and Patience: A genuine interest in using gardening as a tool for promoting mental health and well-being is crucial to excel in this role. The ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying abilities with empathy and patience is vital to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

Benefits:

• Free parking
• Pension
• 28 days holiday (pro rata) per annum
• Opportunity to undertake further training and developmen