Horticulturist - Project Lead

Middlesbrough Environment City; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused environmental charity in Tees Valley seeks a Horticulturist - Project Lead to empower communities through hands-on growing sessions. You will lead projects addressing social and environmental needs. The ideal candidate has horticulture experience and a passion for sustainability. Competitive salary up to £27,000 with generous benefits over a 2-year full-time contract.

Benefits

26 days holiday + bank holidays

Extra Christmas leave

4% employer pension

CPD support

Paid volunteering leave

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in horticulture or community gardening.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable, seasonal, and organic growing practices.
• Experience working with diverse groups, including vulnerable adults and young people.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on growing sessions with young people, families, and vulnerable adults.
• Help people develop skills in sustainable food self-provisioning.
• Tackle food poverty and inequality through community projects.

Skills

Horticulture experience

Sustainable growing practices

Experience with diverse groups

Leadership in outdoor learning

Communication skills

Teamwork skills

Education

Qualifications in horticulture

Teaching/training qualifications

Job description

Do you want to empower communities to grow their own food, connect with nature, and build healthier, fairer futures? Are you passionate about sustainability, horticulture, and working alongside local people to create positive change? If so, Middlesbrough Environment City (MEC) wants YOU!

As our new Horticulturist - Project Lead, you will be delivering hands-on growing sessions with young people, families, and vulnerable adults. From composting to climate-friendly growing methods and seasonal food production, you will help people develop skills and confidence in sustainable food self-provisioning, while tackling food poverty and inequality.

Why Join Us?

• Lead inspiring, practical projects that address social and environmental needs.
• Work at the heart of the community, turning ideas into thriving growing spaces.
• Be part of a supportive charity with over 30 years’ experience delivering positive change.
• Salary: £24,000 – £27,000 plus generous benefits.

What We’re Looking For?

• Significant experience in horticulture or community gardening.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable, seasonal, and organic growing practices.
• Experience working with diverse groups, including vulnerable adults and young people.
• Confidence in leading practical, outdoor learning sessions.
• Passion for sustainability, food equity, and empowering communities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

(Desirable: Qualifications in horticulture and teaching/training, knowledge of food systems, safeguarding, and first aid.)

Location: MEC Office / Sandy Flatts Allotment, Middlesbrough

Contract: 2 years, full time (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: £24,000 – £27,000 (depending on experience)

Benefits: 26 days holiday + bank holidays, extra Christmas leave, 4% employer pension, CPD support, paid volunteering leave, cycle to work scheme.

Ready to grow change with us? Apply nowand help us build a fairer and more sustainable Tees Valley!

Deadline for Applications: 5:00pm, Friday 31st October 2025

Interviews: To be confirmed