Abundant Borders works to reduce food insecurity, improve wellbeing and strengthen community resilience across the Scottish Borders. We do this by creating and supporting a network of community food gardens where people can learn to grow food sustainably, build skills, connect with others and improve their physical and mental health. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and our gardens provide welcoming, inclusive green spaces that bring communities together.

About the Role

We are looking for a compassionate, organised and community-minded Green Spaces Officer to support volunteers across our network of community gardens. This role will help people to take part in outdoor activities that improve wellbeing, increase confidence, and strengthen social connection.

Working closely with Garden Leaders and volunteer teams, the Green Spaces Officer will help ensure our gardens are safe, welcoming, inclusive environments where everyone can participate—particularly individuals facing disadvantage, isolation, or poor mental health.

This is a highly rewarding role for someone who enjoys working outdoors, supporting people, and helping communities to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Support volunteers to participate in garden sessions in inclusive, safe, positive ways
• Provide 1:1 support where needed, helping individuals to build confidence and skills
• Organise small group activities such as nature walks, seasonal tasks, wellbeing sessions, and gentle gardening
• Work with staff and volunteers to ensure gardens remain welcoming, accessible community spaces
• Help volunteers to set goals, reflect on progress, and engage fully in community life
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and volunteer feedback
• Support the development of wellbeing-focused initiatives within garden settings
• Liaise with referring partners (e.g. mental health teams, housing associations, support workers)

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Warm, patient and able to build trusting relationships
• Comfortable supporting people with additional needs or low confidence
• Passionate about the role green spaces play in wellbeing
• Able to work independently across multiple locations
• Organised, reliable and confident managing small groups
• A good communicator who can work collaboratively with staff, volunteers and partners
• Experience in community gardening, mental health support, social care, outdoor learning or community development is welcome—but above all, we value enthusiasm, attitude and commitment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Supportive, friendly staff team and trustees
• Training opportunities aligned with the role
• Flexibility within working hours
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people and communities across the Borders