Garden Manager

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Salary: Up to £20,000

Hours of work

• 40 hours per week averaged out across the year
• Includes regular weekend work
• No overtime payable but flexi-time can be taken
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increases to 30 days after 5 years of service

 Main Purpose of the Job

To manage the cultivated land at Embercombe in an inspiring way, combining efficient production, innovative and well-founded techniques, and an environment that fosters human connection with the world.  Specifically, to grow food for use at Embercombe and a small CSA scheme and to provide a rich learning environment for use by Embercombe programmes.

Responsible to:  Head of Land and Learning

Responsible for: Volunteers; Apprentices

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Grow as much of Embercombe’s fresh food (principally fruit and vegetables) as is reasonably possible within the constraints of the land and the resources available.
2. Produce enough for and manage a small CSA veg box scheme, including managing the finances, communications and quality control.
3. Meet biodynamic standards managing all related paperwork and the relationship with certificating bodies.
4. Liaise closely with the Kitchen Manager to plan the cropping programme; with the Volunteer and Programmes Co-ordinator to plan the labour required; and with the Education Team and Programme Holders to co-ordinate growing and garden activities where these are part of programmes.
5. Take overall responsibility for managing the garden operations and communications within the team – including apprentices and volunteers.  Regularly hold or delegate the holding of work with volunteers or other groups.
6. Maintain and utilise the medicine garden, the forest garden, orchard and other areas of marginal land such as hedgebanks  as integral parts of the garden environment.
7. Facilitate groups and engaging them in gardening activities, including children, youth and adults.
8. Support events and enable the creative use of the garden and fields by Embercombe, delivering directly on programmes where necessary.
9. Manage the apprentices who focus on the garden with regular planning meetings, appraisals, check-ins, training and holding them to account.
10. Ensure that the welfare of volunteers is secured, that regular appraisals are carried out, that appropriate training is provided, that there is good internal communication, that individuals feel a valued member of the organisation and that disciplinary and grievance procedures are managed properly.
11. Ensure that in your area of responsibility Embercombe complies with all relevant legislation including fiscal responsibilities, charity law, personnel and other technical issues.
12. Hold the budget for your area of work and provide reports to the Head of Land and Learning on the performance of your area.
13. Write regular pieces for Embercombe’s newsletter and blog about the garden.
14. Liaise and form partnerships with other organisations as necessary, including relevant agencies, businesses and individuals, in order to secure Embercombe’s mission.
15. Represent Embercombe so as to promote its work and good name.
16. Contribute towards the development of Embercombe’s Strategy and relevant policies together with staff, Trustees and other partners and stakeholders.
17. Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required from time to time.

 

Garden Manager Person Specification

	ESSENTIAL	DESIRABLE
QUALIFICATIONS	Formal training in horticulture
EXPERIENCE	Managing a large to medium-scale horticulture project Organic horticulture Facilitating groups and engaging them in gardening activities, including children, youth and adults. Working in an organic or biodynamic garden Working in a community setting Managing a budget Organising events Training staff
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE	Rotation and crop planning Organic horticulture techniques Working with volunteers and community groups Setting up and running efficient systems Excellent communication skills, written and verbal Ability to work on own initiative and to organise and prioritise own work Ability to work with and motivate others Computer and Internet skills	Biodynamic techniques Managing a CSA scheme
OTHER	Flexible approach to working hours