Job Description

Lambourne End Centre is looking for a Garden Instructor to work alongside the rest of the team; to manage the growing spaces and work on a daily basis with participants of the Food for Thought Programme, providing support and technical horticultural supervision.

The Centre is a fantastic 54 acre site in south west Essex which is full of opportunity.  The Centre’s scenic location in a rural setting, yet on the doorstep of East London’s urban fringe creates a unique resource. The Centre boasts residential accommodation and training facilities, outdoor adventure activities, a garden project and a working farm with dedicated environmental areas.  These are used to generate a wide range of programmes which promote and deliver personal development opportunities for young people, especially those at risk or struggling in traditional mainstream environments. All the programmes are designed to encourage team building, problem solving and communication skills, as well as build confidence and raise aspirations. 

The Food for Thought programme provides a supportive environment which helps people develop practical and life skills whilst gaining confidence, increasing self-esteem and feeling valued.  Food for Thought participants are (largely) young people who may have special educational needs, poor mental health including anxiety, or low confidence, and those needing assistance with transition into adulthood.

Suitable candidates should have:

• Experience of managing allotment style growing spaces (including inside growing spaces)
• The ability to plan a growing schedule that fully utilises  the growing season and provides regular work throughout the year, ensuring that there is a regular flow of produce into the Centre’s Farm Shop
• Experience of working with people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties and those living with poor mental health
• Knowledge of organic gardening and permaculture

The post is based on a 35 hour week and may involve some evening and weekend working. 

Due to the nature of the work, the post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.