Regional Advisor – West Midlands FTC, Home Based

37.5 hours per week

Fixed Term until July 2012

(Possibility of extension)

Do you want to help children, their teachers and families learn to grow their own food and to garden sustainably? Could you bring groups together to help those with expert knowledge share it with those who want to learn? If so, then this rewarding role will suit you down to the ground.

We need a keen horticulturist with excellent communications skills to give schools in the West Midlands and a small group of Manchester schools the knowledge and skills to put gardening at the heart of school life.

You will support two key initiatives, the RHS Campaign for School Gardening and the Open Futures initiative for Primary Schools, supported by the Helen Hamlyn Trust.

For both initiatives you will be required to provide interactive, practical gardening sessions to demonstrate seasonal tasks and planning, with links to the curriculum and healthy eating. You’ll work closely with the schools to get everyone on board, including teachers, support staff, governors, parents and the local community. You will uncover local expertise where it exists and bring people together to share their knowledge and skills with one another. You will deliver Continuing Professional Development training for teachers in networks of schools across the West Midlands, provide technical support and advice, and contribute to the online communities of the Campaign for School Gardening and Open Futures.

The role calls for sound practical horticultural skills (to at least NDH level or equivalent) and familiarity with schools and/or the national curriculum is desirable. You will have experience of organizing and running training courses and communicating with people from all walks of life. Experience of working with volunteers will be useful. Lastly, you’ll need a good level of IT competency, particularly in Microsoft Word and the web. In return we offer excellent benefits, including 25 days annual leave with an additional 5 days by arrangement and the satisfaction of introducing young people, their families and communities to a skill that will last their whole lives.

Apply by completing the RHS Application Form and send with your CV and a covering note highlighting how you match the knowledge, experience and skills requirements of the role to: recruitment@rhs.org.uk Please ensure you attach a completed Equal Opportunities Form from the downloads section.

All applications should be received by 4pm, Friday 22 July 2011.

Interviews will be held on Friday 29 July and Monday 1 August 2011 at RHS Vincent Square, London, SW1P.