Teaching Instructor in Horticulture

SRUC; Brighton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist higher education institution in Brighton seeks an experienced Teaching Instructor in Horticulture. The successful candidate will deliver practical vocational training, coordinate Modern Apprenticeships, and maintain comprehensive student records. Applicants should possess relevant HND qualifications in horticulture or equivalent practical experience, along with strong communication skills. The position offers flexible working patterns and generous employee benefits.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Enhanced pension contributions

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted RAC Membership

Flexible working patterns

Hybrid working solutions

Qualifications

• Relevant vocational qualifications at HND level in horticulture or strong practical agricultural experience.
• Ability to engage students in a practical environment.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively with team members.

Responsibilities

• Deliver vocational skills training to students and external clients.
• Coordinate and deliver Modern Apprenticeships and training programs.
• Maintain records of attendance and assessment.

Skills

Vocational qualifications at HND level

Practical agricultural experience

Good people skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

Education

HND in Horticulture

Job description

About The Team:

SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) is a specialist higher education institution delivering tertiary education, research and consultancy. SRUC’s principal purpose is to advance education, science, research, and environmental protection and improvement in rural and land-based industries, both domestically and internationally.

The Horticulture Team is at the heart of cultivating knowledge, skills, and innovation in the dynamic world of plants, landscapes, and green spaces. Based across our campuses in Edinburgh, Elmwood, and Oatridge, and in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, our team brings together experienced horticulturists, garden designers, plant scientists, and educators to deliver a rich and hands‑on learning experience.

The Horticulture Team delivers a range of courses from introductory to advanced levels. Our lecturers and support staff bring decades of industry experience, from wholesale nursery management to plant health policy. They are passionate about plants and committed to nurturing the next generation of horticultural professionals.

The Opportunity:

SRUC is seeking an experienced Teaching Instructor in Horticulture to join our dynamic team within the Agriculture, Horticulture & Engineering Sciences department. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate educator with a strong background in Horticulture to contribute to the development of future leaders in horticultural sciences.

Based at SRUC’s Elmwood Campus in Cupar, Fife, you will work with the Senior lecturer in the Horticulture department in contributing to the coordination & delivery of Horticulture Work Based Learning Programmes mainly at the Elmwood Campus but this may also include delivery at other SRUC campuses.

You will deliver practical vocational skills training to Horticulture Work Based Learning students and external clients.

You will also work with the Senior Lecturer, Work Based Learning Manager and administrators in the co‑ordination and delivery of Modern Apprenticeships, in line with appropriate project and SRUC policies, procedures and SDS Operational Rules.

Duties include:

• Delivering agricultural/horticulture education, training, instruction and assessment which will include practical vocational skills, observing relevant health and safety procedures.
• Have a student focused approach to teaching and learning and be able to engage students in a practical environment.
• Maintain and update training materials to meet current vocational standards, practice and legislation.
• Complete student recruitment & enrolment/registration documents for work‑based learners.
• Carry out student assessment in accordance with Awarding Body standards at any SRUC campus.
• Maintain appropriate records of attendance, teaching and assessment.
• Ensure all internal and external communications are answered in a timely, effective and customer focused manner.
• Attend internal and external meetings as required.
• Effectively manage own workload and diary.
• Take part in continual professional development.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have relevant vocational qualifications at HND level (SCQF level 8) in a relevant subject, such as horticulture and/or have strong practical agricultural experience. Good people skills, attention to detail and excellent communication skills are also required. The successful candidate must be able to work both independently, and with other team members, to ensure that accurate results are delivered to agreed deadlines.

Eligibility for Sponsorship

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have an appropriate visa to evidence the necessary right to work in the UK.

Why work for SRUC?

• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions (5% employee and 10% employer)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• Flexible working patterns
• Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)
• Tailored investment in and individuals' learning and development

How to Apply:

Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”.

Please read the Job Particulars document before applying.

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SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046