ABOUT INCLUDE US
Include Us is a small charity made up of parents with disabled children and local people who have developed an inclusive play park and community garden at Catherine Street in Dumfries town centre which will open in early 2020.
Although small, we are a vibrant, friendly, highly motivated and driven group who want to make sure that ALL children and young people have opportunities to play and learn.
Play is important for ALL children and young people including those with a disability. Being able to play is one of the ways that children develop friendships, improve their confidence, self-esteem and independence, test their limits, improve their physical wellbeing, learn how to manage their emotions and grow into confident young people. We are keen also to provide intergenerational opportunities for children and older people to learn from and enjoy each other’s company
By developing Catherine Street into an accessible space, we will be helping to reduce some of the barrier’s children face by including good pathways and surfacing, sociable seating and inclusive play equipment. The development of our community garden will help children and young people to have opportunities to learn about planting and growing their own food.
About Include Us
The group has taken over ownership of the park through a 20-year lease from Dumfries and Galloway Council. This means that we have become responsible for all aspects of ground maintenance and care of the site.
Our Community Gardener will offer children and young people of all ages and abilities opportunities through structured activities to be involved in improving biodiversity within the park and learn about nature and wildlife in the process. This will include practical nature sessions that engage with a wide range of children and young people from diverse backgrounds, some with additional needs. The postholder will utilise their strong horticulture background to support groups and support groups and individuals to build their own skills, confidence and self-esteem.
Our community garden will enable children and young people of all ages and abilities to develop and interact together through learning about plants and biodiverstiy from older adults who will act as volunteer mentors to teach them about the importance of nature. The role of Community Gardener will be key to making this a really exciting part of the experience for everyone visiting the park.
We are looking forward to providing a myriad of volunteering opportunities to a wide range of people to help with everything from litter picking to admin support, gardening to keeping play equipment and seating clean and well maintained. Our volunteers will be well trained and supported to ensure that everyone feels they have a part to play in the park.
MORE ABOUT THE POST OF COMMUNITY GARDENER
This a key role within our team and is central to the safe operating of the play park, and the development of our community garden. This is a new post, so it’s an exciting time to join us.
If you are a proven ‘self-starter’ and have the right qualities, knowledge and experience then we would encourage you to make an application.
THE BASICS
To be responsible for maintaining the grounds; undertaking inspection of play equipment; recruiting, training and managing volunteers; working directly with children, young people and groups of all abilities to develop the community garden and ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for families.
SALARY AND CONTRACT PERIOD
The salary for this post is £19,500 pro rata. This is an initial one year contract with the potential to increase hours and extend the contract. The post is subject to a 3 months probationary period.
HOURS AND TERMS
This is a part time 22.5 hour post, based on a full time post of 37.5 hours to include weekends and occasional evening work. Days worked will be Thursday to Sunday. 28 days pro rata holiday entitlement per annum plus 6 public holidays. Statutory sick pay and the Work Place Pension Scheme applies to this post.
WHO WILL YOU REPORT TO
You will report to, be supervised and supported by a member of the team.
WHO WILL YOU SUPERVISE
The Community Gardener will be responsible for recruiting, supervising and supporting Volunteers plus students undertaking work experience opportunities.
THE TEAM
You will be part of a highly motivated, friendly and supportive team.
BASE
You will be based at the Include Us office within the park.
MAKING APPLICATION
To make application please click here for our application form. Once you have completed this please email it to jobs@includeus.org.uk
We strongly advise you to read ‘What you need to know about the job’ and ‘What you need to do the job’ carefully before making application so that you are clear about the skills, knowledge, experience and values we are looking for. In order to be shortlisted for interview you should make sure that your application form reflects this. This appointment is subject to suitable references and Disclosure Scotland application.
INFORMAL ENQUIRIES
You are welcome to make informal enquiries about this post during 9-5 on 07761954248.
CLOSING DATE
The closing date is Monday 27th January 2020 at 5pm.
INTERVIEW DATE
Interviews will take place in Dumfries on Tuesday 4th February 2020.
START DATE
By negotiation but with an expectation of mid-February 2020.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE JOB
You will undertake the following key tasks:
- Maintenance of the grounds including grassed areas, pathways, surfaces, fences, gates, raised beds, planted areas, play equipment, seating, storytelling area
- Develp the community garden and planting areas
- Maintain a log of inspections of playground equipment as per ROSPA guidance
- Recruit, induct, train, support and manage Volunteers
- Give a friendly and welcoming response to the community, ensuring that the experience of using the park is positive and non-discriminatory for everyone
- Provide work experience opportunities for Secondary School and College Students
- Work alongside children and young people of mixed abilities to help them learn about planting, maintaining and enjoying growing soft fruits, herbs, salad veg etc
- Identify and manage health and safety concerns
- Report repairs needed to play equipment, surfacing or seating
- Improve the bio-diversity and eco-system within the park
- Be a First Aid responder
- Develop a volunteer rota enabling a presence within the park over 7 days a week
- Support Trustees and the Development Manager with activities and events in the park
- Janitorial duties
- Network and partner with other organisations including the Council and local businesses
- Help to manage the budget for grounds maintenance and planting
- Work within organisational policies and guidelines
- Adhere to health and safety requirements
- Sensitively manage complaints in line with procedure
- Help to gather information for monitoring reports to the Board and Funders
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO THE JOB
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1 Qualifications A professional qualification and background related to Horticulture or Grounds Maintenance |
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2 Knowledge and experience
Experience of working with the public
Recruiting and managing volunteers or staff from a diverse background
Supervisory experience
Grounds maintenance
Play equipment inspection
Creative landscaping skills to design and implement a vision for the park
Experience of working alongside children and families
Nature related project work
Proficient in working with machinery and tools |
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3 Skills and abilities
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Problem-solving ability and able to work on own initiative
Risk management skills
Organised and able to work to deadlines and within planned rotas
Ability to inspire and motivate volunteers
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4 Personal attributes
Committed to equal opportunities through a non-judgemental and positive attitude
Proven team player
Self-motivated, proactive and hard working
Practical, hands-on and able to undertake a wide range of tasks
Willingness to work flexibly and ‘go the extra mile’
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