Gardener

Volunteer Centre Harlow; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established community-focused organization seeks enthusiastic volunteers to assist in maintaining beautiful garden spaces. This role involves hands-on gardening tasks such as weeding, planting, and general upkeep of the grounds, providing a rewarding opportunity to contribute to a serene environment for children and families. Volunteers will work alongside corporate teams and have flexible availability during weekdays. If you have a passion for gardening and want to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Enjoyment of gardening work is essential.
• Some experience at a hobby level is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all aspects of gardening including weeding and planting.
• Clean tools and equipment and return them after use.
• Water plants and assist facilities team as needed.

Skills

Gardening experience

Enjoyment of gardening work

Job description

The hospice is set in a 24-acre estate, of which 4 acres are gardens. The grounds are taken care of by a small number of volunteers and they form a fundamental part of the hospice facilities that our children and families can enjoy. Volunteers also assist with our corporate gardening days.

Core Responsibilities

The primary tasks include:

1. Assisting in all aspects of gardening including weeding, planting bulbs, herbaceous plants, and shrubs; pruning; edging lawns; digging/forking over soil and adding compost as required; sweeping up and general tidying, including the paved areas, driveway and car parks.
2. Cleaning tools and equipment as necessary and returning them to their designated area when tasks are completed or at the end of the day.
3. Not using power tools unless specifically qualified and authorised to do so.
4. Appropriately disposing of garden waste in the designated areas.
5. Watering plants, especially hanging baskets and boxes (water hose connections are situated around the building).
6. Bringing any construction/maintenance issues to the attention of the Facilities Manager.
7. Assisting the facilities team with tasks where extra pairs of hands are needed, such as receiving deliveries, laying paths, etc.
8. Volunteering alongside some of the corporate teams that garden for us on one-off days, which normally take place on a Tuesday or Thursday from 9 am – 4 pm.

Skills

We do not offer any gardening skills training for this role. Therefore, we ask that you have an enjoyment of gardening work and some experience at a hobby level. We can offer shadow shifts with our current gardeners to help you learn about the role if you feel you do not have much experience in this area.

When can I volunteer?

Start Date: 27/08/2023
End Date: 29/09/2025

Availability:

• Monday: Morning Yes, Afternoon Yes
• Tuesday: Morning Yes, Afternoon Yes
• Wednesday: Morning Yes, Afternoon Yes
• Thursday: Morning Yes, Afternoon Yes
• Friday: Morning Yes, Afternoon Yes
• Saturday: Morning No, Afternoon No
• Sunday: Morning No, Afternoon No

Availability Details

Flexible times Monday - Friday between hours of 9 am - 5 pm. Most gardeners give 1-2 mornings a week.

Location

The White House
Mallinson Park, High Road
Woodford Green
Essex
IG8 9LB