The Serge Hill Project for Gardening, Creativity and Health is currently recruiting for the following role:
Job title: The Serge Hill Project Rockcliffe Gardening Scholar (Fixed Term: 2 Years)
Company: The Serge Hill Project, The Dairy Studio, Sergehill Lane, Bedmond, WD5 0RZ
Reports to: Head Gardener of the Plant Library
Job purpose: The Serge Hill Project Rockcliffe Gardening Scholar will spend two years working in the Plant Library at Serge Hill Project, Bedmond, Hertfordshire supporting, and being trained by Head Gardener Millie Souter. Situated in an old orchard, The Plant Library is a living catalogue of over 1500 herbaceous perennials and sub shrubs, planted in both sand and green waste, that has become a popular destination and resource for garden designers and plant lovers alike.
The scholarship aims to empower and train new horticulturists to develop strong practical skills and knowledge, from garden care to propagation to planting, whilst supporting them to become an advocate for horticultural education and to launch their careers. The scholarship is primarily a practical, hands-on role based on site, with opportunities to visit and work in other gardens to broaden their experience. The scholar will have opportunities to support the wider work of the Serge Hill Project, a not-for-profit initiative which works with schools and community groups foster inclusion through gardening and other forms of creativity.
Salary: This is a full-time position for a fixed period of 2 years, which pays £22,250 per year. The scholarship is open to UK citizens or anyone eligible to work in the UK
Application deadline: Friday 7 February 2025, 12pm
Interviews: Mid February
The Serge Hill Project Rockcliffe Gardening Scholarship is made possible with the generous support of the Rockcliffe Charitable Trust.
Person Specification
We're looking for someone who has:
- RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture, or equivalent qualification
- Previous horticultural work experience
- A passion and enthusiasm for plants and gardening
- A commitment to a career in horticulture and desire to develop their skills
- An interest in education and advocating gardening as a career
- Good communication skills, both written and verbal
- The ability to work as part of a team as well as working independently
- The ability to commute to Bedmond or be based locally
Duties will include
-Assisting the Head Gardener in the running and maintenance of the Plant Library, from propagation to planting to weeding to working with volunteers
-Supporting the Head Gardener in monitoring and updating the Plant Library database
- With the support of the Serge Hill Project contacts, visiting schools to give talks to students to encourage a new generation of gardeners e.g. GCSE & Year 12 students as part of their careers weeks to spread the attraction of gardening to students
-Keeping a regular diary and create a monthly report about the work they undertake, to be shared with the Head Gardener and Project Coordinator, for circulation and use in the Serge Hill Project Newsletter
-Support broader projects happening in relation to the Plant Library -eg ecological research initiatives, linking with external gardens
-Assist during public events and garden tours and with the broader running of the Plant Library as needed
- Writing regular Instagram posts for the Serge Hill Project feed to give insight into the Scholarship & what they've learned
- Support the Head Gardener as required with any work which relates to the Tom Stuart-Smith Studio team and related projects
-Visiting and working at other gardens connected to Tom Stuart-Smith Studio and the Serge Hill Project, as part of a garden exchange, including at Rockcliffe with their Head Gardener
About The Serge Hill Project
The Serge Hill Project for Gardening, Creativity, and Health, was set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023 by Tom and Sue Stuart-Smith. The project draws on Sue’s work as a psychiatrist, psychotherapist and author of the bestselling book The Well Gardened Mind, which investigates the power of gardening to transform lives, as well as Tom’s horticultural expertise as an internationally renowned Landscape Architect.
The Serge Hill Project is a not-for-profit initiative based on the understanding that working with nature can radically transform people’s health and wellbeing. The aim is to foster community inclusion through gardening and other forms of creativity.
The Project is based in an old orchard at Serge Hill in Hertfordshire with an educational resource centre, The Apple House, at its centre. It offers resources to local primary and secondary schools, youth organisations and mental health charities, as well as local residents who want to get involved in gardening.
Our community engagement programme focuses on those who have least opportunity access to the natural world. It is our aim that along with events and organised visits to the Orchard, the project will lead to long lasting relationships with schools and community groups both locally and further afield.
About Rockcliffe Charitable Trust
The Rockcliffe Trust was set up in 1977 by Simon and Emma Keswick. It donates funds to charitable causes. The brief is wide, but recent examples include Maggie's Cancer Care Centres, Cotswold School Bourton on the Water and Gympanzees in Bristol.
Safeguarding
In the process of recruitment, selection and appointment, the Serge Hill Project implement a range of procedures and actions including criminal record checks to ensure children and vulnerable people are safeguarded and abuse is prevented.
How to apply
To apply: Please submit a CV (no more than 2 pages) and cover letter (no longer than 1 side of A4) outlining your interest in and compatibility for the role.
Applications should be emailed to Becky Fincham, Head of Programmes at info@sergehillproject.co.uk with Serge Hill Project Rockcliffe Gardening Scholar in the subject header of your email.
Deadline: Closing date for applications is Friday 7 February 2025, 12pm.
Interviews and Shortlisting: It is anticipated that shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview by mid February 2025.