People and Plants Assistant
Organisation: 
Lanark Community Development Trust
Salary: 
£12.50 per hour
Address: 
Castlebank Horticultural Centre Lanark ML11 9EG
Hours: 
14 hours per week spring/summer season April - September (6 months) and 7 hours per week autumn/winter season October – March. COVID restrictions permitting, the role will commence on 01.03.21.
Type of Contract: 
12 month fixed term, part time contract.
Job Description: 

You must have a strong understanding of horticultural principles and a passion to share your knowledge with others.

Whilst formal horticultural training is NOT essential for the position, you must be able to demonstrate understanding of

plant propagation, composting, soil management and organic weed control, fruit and vegetable growing, and basic

pruning technique.

Most importantly, you will have excellent communication skills, and experience working with a range of people, either

in a professional or previous volunteering capacity. You will have strong organisational skills and be able to plan,

coordinate and deliver a range of activities tailored to a wide range of diverse audiences. You will have experience of

working with volunteers and will be able to develop and grow our volunteering capacity and opportunities.

You will be passionate about the natural world, horticulture, and its role in enhancing positive impacts on the

environment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Educational Gardener in overseeing the development and delivery of our volunteer engagement and

opportunity programme through activities, events and initiatives.

• Assist the Educational Gardener in the management of the community growing space and liaise with the

Development Manager on the management of the learning facilities within the Community Learning Hub.

• Assist the Educational Gardener in the monitoring and maintenance of the public gardens within Castlebank Park.

• Lead or assist as appropriate in the delivery of volunteer or partner activity in association with partner

organisations including Clydesdale Community Initiatives and Skills Exchange Scotland.

• Assist in the development of community projects including the food growing scheme.

• Liaise with, and where appropriate work with, other organisations/partners to provide and educate on horticultural

activities.

• Maintain safe outdoor working practices and strict adherence to relevant Health & Safety legislation.

• Participate in community events held at the Horticultural Centre including plant sales, guided tours, open days etc.

• Identify opportunities for volunteer development and upskilling.

• Provide support to volunteers as appropriate.

• Undertake any other duties as required by the Horticultural Centre.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Experience of working with and supporting a wide range of community groups and individuals with additional

support needs.

• Experience of working with volunteers and supporting volunteer rotas / work programmes.

• Horticultural qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience, either through extensive personal experience, in

a nursery, garden centre or public garden.

• The ability to prioritise workload and to work on your own initiative.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of mental health conditions and learning difficulties.

• Experience of ecological and biodiversity activities.

• Interest or knowledge in Lanark’s history and Castlebank Park’s significance.

Please note that any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure Scotland [Protection of

Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007] Scheme approval or Scheme update.

Closing Date: 
Tuesday, 26 January, 2021
Interview Date: 
Monday, 18 January, 2021
How to Apply: 
Please email CV and covering letter (no more than one A4 page) to: info@lanarktrust.co.uk If you would like to discuss the role in more detail or have any queries, please contact info@lanarktrust.co.uk / 07538 387 378.
Additional Information: 
IMPORTANT NOTE The Lanark Community Development Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to achieving a working environment which provides equality of opportunity and freedom from unlawful discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, disability, religious beliefs, age or sexual orientation. Our policy aims to prevent unfair and discriminatory practices within LCDT and to encourage full contribution from its diverse community interests. LCDT is committed to actively opposing all forms of discrimination.