[Simon Binks]

Simon Binks

05/05/2022 at 10:32 am #70298

Project Development Worker
£30,000 (£18,000 pro rata), 21 hours/wk. Fixed term contract until 31st March 2023

Application deadline – 13th May 2022

The Campy Growers with Dundee City Council (DCC), are rejuvenating the derelict former Council plant nursery to create a local self-sustaining market garden. This is an ambitious project to develop a social enterprise, and the first market garden of its kind in Dundee. Currently there are no other community growing projects of this scale. The market garden will focus on local food production, volunteering and educational opportunities through upskilling in horticulture. In this way the project will be inclusive and will help with tackling the climate emergency, mental health and wellbeing, social isolation and the attainment gap while helping local communities to grow their own food.

We have an opportunity for a Project Development Worker to take the project forward at this exciting initial stage. This will include developing a business plan and establishing strong partnerships with stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of fruit and vegetable cultivation in a community setting. You will have a flexible approach to gardening and be adaptable enough to work with people of all ages and abilities. Your excellent interpersonal skills will be exercised every day as we welcome everyone into the garden. Experience of working with volunteers will be an advantage.

Main duties

– Work with the Campy Growers committee to establish short, medium and long term business plans in relation to the growing site.

– Work with potential partners and stakeholders across Dundee to promote awareness of and engagement with the project.

– You will also be required to support the Committee to plan the garden’s planting schedule, deliver training sessions, facilitate groups’ and individuals’ food production. Some of the sessions may take place out with normal working hours so you will be flexible enough to work evenings/weekends as needed. The content of sessions will be dependent upon the expressed needs of the community involved so flexibility and a broad applicable knowledge will be key to providing this service.

– Responsible for assisting the committee to secure future funding for staffing, and associated costs of the Project.

– Support and develop active community involvement in the Project’s activities through the appropriate use of the media, posters, leaflets and outreach work.

– Develop performance criteria and indicators in order to meet the requirements of customers and potential funders.

– Provide reports, presentations and other materials as required.

– Assist with the evaluation and monitoring of the Project including the maintenance of records, quantitative and qualitative data as appropriate.

– Together with the Committee ensure that all policy and procedures are in line with current regulations.

Person Specification

– Proven track record of growing fruit and vegetables in a community garden setting.

– Formal horticultural training qualification desirable.

– Strategic thinking and an ability to develop and report on project plans. Ability to produce succinct and accurate reports

– Experience of supporting and motivating volunteers.

– Experience of developing income generation for financial sustainability.

– Good organisational / time management skills

– Excellent written and verbal communication skills. High level of computer skills and use of social media.

– Experience of working in the Third Sector, charities and communities. Experience of community engagement and partnership working.

– Self-motivated, enthusiastic and a good team player.

– Flexible approach to working (e.g. occasional evenings and weekend days). Ability to travel between locations for meetings and events.

This job description is a broad general picture of the post at the date of preparation. It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties and it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time.

Principle working contacts

Committee members
Dundee City Council
Partner organisations
Community organisations
General public

Initial Funding to 31st March 2023

To Apply:

Please send a CV and cover letter to: campygrows@gmail.com

Application deadline: 13th May