Practical Instructor in Horticulture
About the Role and Person
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Horticulturist with a passion for training and inspiring young people. As a Practical Instructor, you will support the teaching staff and students across all courses within the College's specialist Horticulture programmes. Other duties include resourcing plant material and tools for the students, maintaining equipment and resources, ensuring gardens/grounds and practice areas are sustainably maintained, and securing practical work for students in liaison with the Gunnersbury Park Manager. You will also develop relationships with local external stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Support teaching staff and students in all horticulture courses.
- Resource plant material, tools, and equipment.
- Maintain equipment and horticultural resources.
- Ensure gardens and practice areas meet exemplary horticultural standards and sustainable practices.
- Coordinate with Gunnersbury Park Manager for practical work placements.
- Develop relationships with local external stakeholders.
- Plan and manage day‑to‑day operations of the site in coordination with colleagues from other campuses.
- Travel to other campuses as needed to provide additional support.
- Work flexibly and independently to support the smooth delivery of practical courses and assessments.
Qualifications
- Experienced horticulturist with a passion for training.
- Ability to operate, maintain, and repair horticultural machinery.
- Experience working in a training or education setting.
- A Level 2 qualification in horticulture is essential.
- Holding a PA1/PA6 certificate is desirable.
- Highly organized, self‑motivated, and able to work flexibly and independently.
This is a physically demanding role involving year‑round outdoor work. It is a part‑time role working 28.8 hours per week. The actual salary is £21,471.20 – £24,560 inclusive of London weighting.
About the College
- Over the last 50 years, Capel Manor College has helped thousands of school leavers and adults achieve their dream of working with animals, plants and the environment. As London's environmental college, the College plays a vital role in the green agenda for the capital, equipping the next generation of land‑based sector workers with the skills and knowledge needed to preserve and protect London's wildlife, national parks and green spaces.
- Capel Manor College offers excellent staff benefits. These include generous annual leave, access to a defined pension scheme, retail and leisure discounts, and access to an online GP.
- We are dedicated to creating and promoting an equal, diverse, and inclusive workforce that empowers all employees to reach their full potential. We strive for a truly representative workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
- We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of our students. All staff members must uphold this commitment.
- The College does not have a sponsorship licence. Therefore we are unable to consider applicants who do not have the right to work in the UK.
- We reserve the right to close a position once sufficient suitable applications have been received to form a shortlist. Early application is therefore encouraged.