Short Term Post at Forfar Open Garden
Temporary Worker – Garden Assistant
£12.71 per hour
20 hours a week over 5 days, must be available Saturdays
Short term until Sept 30th 2026
Background
Established in 2015 Forfar Open Garden is a Community Garden, we recently moved to a
new site, and are now based at 63 Lochside Road, Forfar. We value the connections made
through volunteering and the mental and physical wellbeing that working with plants
and horticulture brings to people.
We run regular Volunteer Sessions, offer supported volunteering and support a number
of community groups such as nurseries, car homes and mental health support groups. Our
overall aim is to enable everyone to benefit and add to the richness of the garden.
We are seeking an additional seasonal worker to support us develop the new garden while
we continue effective volunteer support.
Purpose
We need an additional member of staff to maintain the garden opening hours to the public
and assist with plant sales. Whilst the purpose of your role is to make sure that people can
access the garden safely , sell plants and deal with queries we would like you to have
a genuine interest in gardening and be willing and able to carry out routine
gardening tasks which would involve watering , weeding and caring for the garden.
Accountability
You will be accountable to the Garden Coordinator ( and in his absence the Garden project
worker ) and through them to Trustees of Forfar Open Garden.
Responsibilities
You will not be responsible for other staff but will work alongside other members of staff
and volunteers.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The focus of this role is to
● Assist in the day-to-day management of the garden and work directly with the
volunteers to ensure the best seasonal possibilities in growing/ looking after plants
or preparing plants for moving.
- Be responsible for opening and closing the garden as appropriate, ensuring
everything is tidied away and secured over night - Lead or assist as appropriate in the delivery of volunteer sessions
● Help prepare for group volunteer sessions, consider what each session will involve
and make sure appropriate plant materials are ready for use in plant task e.g.
compost.
● Assist in keeping attendance records, recording work done in garden and
planning and carrying out maintenance of the garden and delegating this
to Volunteers if there is a fit between their skills and the task.
- Manage plant sales when required, ensuring all sales are recorded and monies paid
secured in accordance with bookkeeping requirements - Maintain safe outdoor working practices and strict adherence to relevant Health &
Safety legislation. - Participate in community events held at Forfar Open Garden including plant sales,
guided tours, open days etc. - Identify opportunities for volunteer development and upskilling.
- Provide support and induction to volunteers as appropriate.
- Undertake any other appropriate duties as required by Forfar Open Garden.
Person Specification.
● Essential Criteria. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience of working with and supporting a wide range of and individuals with
additional support needs.
Skills and Experience
● You must have a strong understanding of horticultural principles and a passion to
share your knowledge with others.
● Whilst formal horticultural training is NOT essential for the position, you must be
able to demonstrate understanding of plant propagation, composting, soil
management and weed identification, 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. You will have strong organisational skills and be able to plan, organise and
evaluate practical work in the garden
● You must be able to prioritise your work and workload of others and work on your
own initiative
● Coordinate and deliver a range of plant based activities tailored to a wide range of
diverse audiences. You will have experience of working with volunteers and will be
able to share your knowledge with a diverse group of volunteers .
● You will be inclusive and anti-discriminatory in your practice and be able to adapt
and shape tasks to the abilities and range of skills and understanding of the
volunteers and supported volunteers.
● You will be passionate about the natural world, horticulture, and its role in
enhancing positive impacts on the environment.
Desirable - Experience of working with volunteers and supporting volunteer rotas
- Horticultural qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience, either through
extensive personal experience or in a nursery, garden centre or public garden. - Knowledge of mental health conditions and learning difficulties.
- Experience of ecological and biodiversity activities.
- Living within Angus area is important as physical presence in the garden is required
for all working hour.
To apply, please send a covering letter and CV to forfaropengardens@gmail.com- Closing date: close of business 10 June 2026.
- Must be available for interview on Friday 12 June 2026 or morning of Tuesday 16 June 2026.
