Job Description

We are looking for a proactive and hands-on Community Gardener with a passion for productive growing and community engagement. This role is ideal for someone who thrives outdoors, works hard, and enjoys getting stuck in -- whether that's planting crops, managing volunteers, or running a community event.

Windmill Community Gardens Margate is a charity that delivers social, environmental and health benefits by supporting people to share skills and learn about food growing, cooking and outdoor activities together.

In the Community Garden, you will lead on the commercial and community-focused growing of fruit, vegetables, flowers, plants and herbs to help sustain a vibrant, welcoming, and productive space. We are looking for someone who understands the importance of maintaining a thriving garden as both a learning environment and a working growing space.

By designing and delivering events, learning opportunities, children's groups, and leading volunteers and work experience placements, you will play a key role in nurturing both plants and people.

If you're a natural multitasker with green fingers and a love for community, we'd love to hear from you. People from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

To apply please read the job description and person specification below and email your completed staff application form or your CV and a cover letter to us at vacancies@windmillcommunitygardensmargate.com by 11:59pm on 29th June 2025

You can download the staff application form and job description from our website at https://windmillcommunitygardensmargate.com/work-with-us/

Closing date for receipt of applications 11:59pm 29th June 2025.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role Summary

To lead the sustainable, productive growing of fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers and plants - both for sale and to support a wide range of community activities. This role combines hands-on horticultural expertise with a strong community presence, using nature-friendly gardening methods to create and lead engaging outdoor experiences that connect people with growing, nature and each other in a welcoming and inclusive garden space. As a key figure in the garden, you will balance commercial awareness with social purpose, playing a vital role in enhancing the garden's social, environmental and financial sustainability, while deepening the community's connection between food, health, wellbeing and the natural environment.

Accountable to

: Team Leader

Salary

: 12.75 per hour

Hours

: 16 hours per week

Fixed term contract from July 2025 - May 2026

Main Responsibilities

To work on and support the efficient running of Windmill Community Gardens as a successful chemical-free food growing space. Welcoming the whole community including individuals from under served communities in Thanet. To lead on, and work with WCGM staff, volunteers and work experience placements ensuring a year round supply of produce for sale To develop plans with the Team Leader and to cultivate the gardens for cropping, fertility building, rotations, to ensure seasonal food availability for selling, cooking and tasting purposes. To plan, facilitate and deliver engaging events and activities for a range of groups - including children, school groups, and individuals with additional needs in a safe and inclusive environment. Involve the local community through the provision of learning opportunities, volunteer and work experience placements. Build strong relationships with the community through regular engagement, including contact with visitors, collaboration with local organisations, and other relevant opportunities. Monitor, and review our services with WCGM staff and volunteers Carry out and clearly communicate any other duties required by the Team Leader in a timely fashion To ensure that all legal and statutory requirements are implemented, and provide paperwork required by WCGM board of trustees To contribute and implement all WCGM policies and procedures, including safeguarding, equal opportunities, behavioural expectations, respect policy and Health and Safety policies. To attend meetings and training as required. To work within the aims WCGM CIO, to reflect community participation, environmental and financial sustainability and promotion of links between food, health and wellbeing. To carry out all responsibilities and activities within an equal opportunities framework.
Any other duties which may on occasion be required to meet the charity's needs potentially:

To cover other sessions at the project as agreed with staff*
Delivery of outdoor activity/events/workshops' at the project with adults and children, groups and those with special needs.*
To work with the team in delivering community events*
Promote good public relations with all project users and visitors*
Administering first aid as appropriate. To carry out day to day administration, record keeping, and to inform the team leader when equipment and consumable stock needs ordering. Ensure health and safety compliance on site at all times Liaise with the WCGM team effectively Operate within and adhere to WCGM's policies and procedures.

Performance Review

This job description will be used as a basis for individual performance review between the post holder and the Line Manager

This job description covers only the main responsibilities, specific objectives will be set and reviewed periodically and may change to meet the changing needs of the service.

The post holder will comply with the employing authorities 'Terms and Conditions' including Equal Opportunities Policy, Child Protection Policy, Health & Safety, Confidentiality Guidelines and the General Data Protection Regulation, (GDPR).

Person Specification - Experience and qualities

Essential:

Experience in managing a successful commercial enterprise A relevant qualification and/or relevant experience in horticulture and/or in chemical-free food growing Prepared to work outdoors in all weather Demonstrable experience to self-lead and multi-task within a fast-changing environment Knowledge of pests, diseases and organic control methods. Experience of community based healthy eating and food preparation. Experience in supporting volunteers, work experience placements and underserved communities Experience of working with a range of people in an outdoor environmental setting. Excellent people and communication skills: verbal, written and electronic Team working skills, sharing information and resources, encouraging joined up thinking. Compliance with and commitment to the principles of Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities. Working knowledge and experience of Health & Safety practices Commitment to compliance with WCGM Policies and Procedures Evidence of numeracy, written, oral and IT skills to a high standard Essential values and behaviours: Open and Honest Flexible, adaptable, accepting of and ability to positively lead the team through change Solution Focussed Non-Judgemental and supportive Professional behaviour Forward thinking

Desirable:

A relevant teaching qualification, or experience delivering training Previous experience of working in the voluntary/ community sector Experience in related commercial environments, garden or farming Practical DIY skills Full clean UK driving licence

To apply please read the job description and person specification above and email your completed staff application form or your CV and a cover letter to us at vacancies@windmillcommunitygardensmargate.com by 11:59pm on 29th June 2025

You can download the staff application form and job description from our website at https://windmillcommunitygardensmargate.com/work-with-us/

Closing date for receipt of applications 11:59pm 29th June 2025.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 12.75 per hour

Expected hours: 16 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount Free parking
Schedule:

Day shift
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 29/06/2025
Reference ID: Community Gardener WCGM