Volunteer Conservation Horticulturalist/ Gardener

What we need from you

· Have gardening and/or conservation experience

· Commitment to scheduled sessions

· Upkeep of gardens, gardened areas, grasses and planters

· Engage with the community

· Understand the principles of conservation growing

· Like to be outside all year round, in all weathers

· A friendly, inclusive and non-judgemental attitude

· Effective communication with people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds

· Be respectful and maintain boundaries with all volunteers, staff and the public

· Follow direction from landscape staff team

Benefits

· Meet like-minded people

· Develop skills through peer learning

· In-house training

· Volunteer social events

· Help shape our horticultural space, impact the whole site with conservation efforts

· All tools, plants and seeds provided

· Site and role induction

· Support from the landscape volunteer officer

· Positively impact your community

About the role

By assisting with day to day maintenance, you will be integral to the development of our gardens, from planning to execution: maintaining high standards and relying on conservation focused horticultural practices.

Gardening volunteers will work with the Landscape Volunteering Officer and Landscape Manager to agree upon programmes of work. We are looking for someone with the initiative and drive to be able to follow through on delegated responsibilities, while being adaptable to the ever changing need on site.

When on site, you will be representing Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust, and so we trust that you will comply with procedures, health and safety requirements and maintain equipment well. All members of the gardening cohort will have a hand in maintaining visitor experience. This will not only be through beautiful gardens, but also as the face of AVCT: engaging with and aiding visitors. Some members may be interested in facilitating gardening workshops, talks or other visitor engagement activities.

About you

Preferably, you would be a trained gardener or horticulturalist or have experience and enthusiasm for gardening. Alongside this, a good knowledge of horticultural and conservation techniques, plant husbandry, and experience with machines like strimmers and lawnmowers.

We hope you are excited to use a range of horticultural practices to develop, enhance and conserve the gardened areas on site, helping to deliver projects and aid in planning for year round impact. Enthusiasm for conservation gardening should be apparent!

You must be an excellent team player, working alongside other volunteers and staff members to maintain our team spirit, and working together as a gardening cohort cohesively, without a head gardener.

While you’re with us we hope to support you in developing your range of horticultural skills and knowledge, as well as building confidence to participate in garden activities and events. If funding becomes available, we will aid in furthering your development through training courses where appropriate.

Interested in joining the team?

If you’re interested in joining us, please complete the short form below by the 27th February.

We encourage people from minority backgrounds to apply for this vacancy, such as those from low income backgrounds, people of colour and LGBTQ+ people.

Please let us know if the application process is a barrier, as we can arrange an alternative.