Jobs in Haddington and Lammermuir, East Lothian

Amisfield Preservation Trust provides a regenerative community space (Amisfield Walled Garden) just outside of Haddington for a wide range of groups. The project is volunteer led. Since project inception, volunteers have recreated a beautiful, historic and peaceful 8 acre walled garden which had fallen into disrepair. The project helps improve the life chances of those most vulnerable in our community, through support for individuals with barriers to employment ; drives inclusion through involving volunteers with a range of additional support needs; promotes learning through educational activities for school groups with their teachers, and for the general public through a variety of training events; helps the community to flourish through increased social connection and regenerative activities that improve mental and physical wellbeing and resilience and help increase pride in the local community and place.

Amisfield’s eight-acre walled garden Walled Garden just outside Haddington – Amisfield.org.uk - in East Lothian is unique in being a visitor attraction, a volunteer project and a therapeutic gardening resource. We are seeking an Assistant Garden Manager to help ensure that Amisfield is a well-maintained, safe, secure, and beautiful year-round space which enhances the wellbeing of visitors and volunteers.

Whilst formal horticultural training is NOT essential for the position, you must be able to demonstrate understanding of plant propagation, composting, soil management and organic weed control, fruit and vegetable growing, and basic pruning technique.

Most importantly, you will have excellent communication skills, and experience working with a range of people, either in a professional or previous volunteering capacity.

As the garden is open seven days a week from April to September, you will be working a five-day shift pattern, working with the Garden Manager (who will follow a similar but complementary shift pattern) to ensure at least one of you is in the garden each day, including weekends, during those months. You will manage your working hours in a flexible, responsible way, to meet the seasonality of the demands on your time – you are likely to work more hours during the growing season with time off in lieu during the winter months. You will report to the Garden Manager.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in both collaborative and independent work settings – there are days when you will be working alone; with wide knowledge of plants and horticultural principles; and confident in dealing with a diverse range of people of all ages and abilities, and with volunteers. You need good organisational skills to help the Garden Manager plan, coordinate and deliver a range of activities.

You will have experience of working with volunteers, some of whom are vulnerable, and will be able to develop and grow our volunteering capacity and opportunities.

The post will be on a rolling annual contract. The intention is to offer continuity of employment subject to satisfactory performance and the Trust’s financial position. A job share might be considered, but is not the preferred option.

Key Responsibilities:

• Volunteer and Visitor Support: Lead practical gardening sessions, provide guidance for volunteers. and ensure a high-quality experience for visitors.
• Day-to-day Management: Take full responsibility for opening and closing the garden, public safety, volunteer supervision, and garden security during solo shifts.
• Assist the Garden Manager in planning, coordinating and delivering volunteer sessions.
• Overlap with the Garden Manager for one day a week to conduct handovers.

Requirements:

• RHS Level 2 or strong practical gardening skills gained through extensive personal experience, in a nursery, garden centre, estate or large garden.
• Patience and communication skills for volunteers of varying abilities.
• Reliability and confidence to manage a large public garden independently.
• IT literacy and familiarity with social media.
• Current First Aid qualification or a commitment to obtain one immediately
• PVG clearance

Amisfield Preservation Trust provides a regenerative community space (Amisfield Walled Garden) just outside of Haddington for a wide range of groups. The project is volunteer led. Since project inception, volunteers have recreated a beautiful, historic and peaceful 8 acre walled garden which had fallen into disrepair. The project helps improve the life chances of those most vulnerable in our community, through support for individuals with barriers to employment ; drives inclusion through involving volunteers with a range of additional support needs; promotes learning through educational activities for school groups with their teachers, and for the general public through a variety of training events; helps the community to flourish through increased social connection and regenerative activities that improve mental and physical wellbeing and resilience and help increase pride in the local community and place.

Amisfield’s eight-acre walled garden Walled Garden just outside Haddington in East Lothian – Amisfield.org.uk - is unique in being a visitor attraction, a volunteer project and a therapeutic gardening resource. We are seeking a Garden Manager to lead in ensuring the garden is a well- maintained, safe, secure, and beautiful year-round space which enhances the wellbeing of visitors and volunteers. This role, looking after the garden and the volunteers, who include some with vulnerabilities, requires a blend of:

• horticultural expertise;
• personal qualities of initiative, patience and tolerance, understanding and authority;
• organisational ability to help deliver community events;
• and commercial awareness to help ensure financial viability.

As the garden is open seven days a week from April to September, you will work a five-day shift pattern working with the Assistant Garden Manager (who will report to you and follow a similar but complementary shift pattern) to ensure at least one of you is in the garden each day, including weekends, during those months. Winter months will be a normal Mon-Friday, with the possibility of one day working from home. You will manage your working hours in a flexible, responsible way, to meet the seasonality of the demands on your time – you are likely to work more hours during the growing season with time off in lieu during the winter months. You will report to the Chair of the Board of Trustees and will be asked to attend monthly evening board meetings.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in both collaborative and independent work settings - there are days when you will be working alone; with wide knowledge of plants and horticultural principles; and confident in dealing with a diverse range of people of all ages and abilities.

The post will be on a rolling annual contract. The intention is to offer continuity of employment subject to satisfactory performance and the Trust’s financial position. A job share might be considered, but is not the preferred option.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership:
• Manage all horticultural aspects of the Garden:
• Produce the annual planting plan
• Manage propagation.
• Source materials (seeds, plants, compost, etc.)
• Plan, organise and participate in the work required to deliver those plans.
• Support the volunteers to maintain and enhance the garden in line with those plans and designs.
• Manage and maintain all gardening equipment.
• Third Party Engagement:
• Act as the primary interface for third parties, local community groups and the visiting public.
• Day-to-day Management:
• Take full responsibility for opening and closing the garden, public safety, volunteer supervision, and garden security during solo shifts.
• Manage the Assistant Garden Manager.
• Manage a 7-day rota April to September with the Assistant Garden Manager to ensure all public and volunteer sessions are staffed; and overlap with the AGM one day a week during that period to conduct handovers.
• Coordinate garden events and open days.
• Provide ‘on-call’ support or clear protocols for the AGM when issues arise on their solo days.
• Ensure all Health and Safety Executive (HSE) lone-working assessments are updated for a public-facing environment.

Requirements:

• RHS Level 3 or equivalent experience in garden management.
• Reliability and confidence to manage a large public garden independently.
• Proven track record in working with and managing volunteers.
• Comfortable with lone working and making autonomous decisions in a public-facing environment. (e.g., closing the garden due to high winds) while working alone.
• IT literacy and familiarity with social media.
• Current First Aid qualification or a commitment to obtain one immediately.
• PVG clearance

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism.

Ark supports people to live independently in their own homes providing everything from a few hours a week social and life admin support to 24/7 care supporting with personal care, medication, household tasks, attending appointments and leisure activities.

We have lots of opportunities across Scotland for our Support Worker roles. As we provide full training no previous is experience is required.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!

Your main duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
• Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
• Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Arks Information Management system.

Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant , Social Care Worker.

View our job outline, find out what you working week could look like and hear from our current Support Workers on Arks website arkha.org.uk/work-with-us

Why Ark?

• No Previous Experience Required - Ark provide full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
• Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully fund your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in house SVQ team.
• Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
• Career Progression -Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
• Employee Assistance Program - Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
• Contracted hours to suit you-We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark

Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported peoples lives, helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Worker or new to Social Care.