The Green Action Trust is a trusted delivery partner for the Scottish Government and a wide range of stakeholders including local authorities, regional partnerships, landowners, environmental groups, and local communities. We are passionate about delivering positive environmental and social change in Scotland and are seeking candidates who have a similar passion to help us deliver and grow our activities.

To meet our objectives, the expectations of our partners, and to play our part in responding to the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, we are pleased to be recruiting for a Head of Programme Management. This role will be critical in driving the implementation and impact of ambitious programmes and pilots that regenerate and create sustainable places to deliver environmental and social benefits.

The Head of Programme Management will work closely with the Senior Management Team to ensure work is managed, monitored and impact is reported on time and effectively. You will seek opportunities to grow the organisation, working with the Operations Directorate to scale programmes of work.

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

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

West Lothian Climate Action Network (WLCAN) Hub is one of Scotland’s 24 regional Climate Hubs, funded by the Scottish Government. We envision a West Lothian where everyone has access to clean, affordable energy, where our communities are resilient to the impacts of climate change, and where our community are all working together to create a more sustainable future. WLCAN is a network of 89 local organisations working to create a more sustainable future for West Lothian, our members are mostly in the voluntary sector, with some businesses and education sector. WLCAN supports its members with networking, advice and training and funding. For more information see our website: wlcan.scot

The Role

The Community Development Worker/s will play an important role in shaping climate action in the region. Working alongside the Senior Development Worker and the Communications Worker, the Community Development Worker will engage the public, support WLCAN members and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders.

WLCAN organises regular networking and training events for WLCAN members and the public, the community development worker will be given responsibility for organising a portion of these events. They will also be given responsibility for recruitment and support of volunteers.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about community based approaches to climate action and has strong experience of community engagement, training and event organisation.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of Scotland's national climate hub network
• Make a real difference in your local community
• Work with 89 member organizations across diverse sectors
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Professional development opportunities in the growing climate action sector

Benefits

25 days + 10 public holidays.

Contributory pension