Sessional Community Gardener
Organisation
Grow 73
Job title
Sessional Community Gardener
Location
Grow 73 Community Garden, Overtoun Park, Rutherglen (G73)
Reports to
Coordinator
Contract
Sessional, fixed term until end of September 2026
Hours
Casual, as-needed sessions - approximately 2–3 sessions per week weekend included, by arrangement with the Coordinator
Pay
£14.45 - made up of £13.45 per hour (Real Living Wage – 2025-26 rate) + £1 per hour holiday pay
About Grow 73
Grow 73 is a charity focusing on developing growing opportunities in Rutherglen and Cambuslang. We also aim to develop our community using gardening and growing as a way to bring people together, build skills and confidence, and improve wellbeing in the local community. Our community garden is based in Overtoun Park, where we run regular sessions for volunteers and local residents of all ages and abilities.
Purpose of the role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced sessional Community Gardener to lead and support hands-on gardening activity at our Overtoun Park site until the end of September 2026.The postholder will open and close our community garden site, develop a culture of health and safety, support raised bed holders on site, plan and deliver practical gardening sessions, maintain the garden, grow food, and help volunteers develop their own gardening skills and confidence, working closely with the Coordinator.
Key responsibilities
• Plan and lead regular hands-on community gardening sessions at the Overtoun Park garden, welcoming volunteers and local residents of varying experience and ability.
• Act as a keyholder, open and closing the community garden site.
• Carry out and oversee practical garden maintenance, including bed preparation, planting, weeding, pruning, watering, and seasonal tidy-ups.
• Grow and maintain vegetable and fruit beds, planning a simple growing calendar appropriate to the season and site.
• Support volunteers to learn and practice gardening skills, offering guidance and encouragement in an accessible, friendly way.
• Promote and develop a culture of health and safety on site
• Ensure tools, equipment, and growing areas are used and stored safely, following good health and safety practice.
• Keep the Coordinator informed of session plans, progress, and any issues arising on site, including any concerns about volunteers' wellbeing or safety.
• Help maintain a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that reflects Grow 73's community engagement aims.
• Keep simple records of sessions delivered, attendance, and produce grown, as agreed with the Coordinator.
Working arrangements
This is a casual, sessional role with no guaranteed minimum hours. Sessions will typically take place 2–3 times per week, of which 1 day at the weekend , arranged in advance with the Coordinator according to the needs of the garden and the availability of volunteers and the postholder. The role is based outdoors at the Overtoun Park community garden, and the postholder should be prepared to work in all weathers typical of a Scottish growing season. Any necessary PPE will be provided by Grow 73. The contract is expected to run until the end of September 2026.
Pay
£14.45 per hour made up of the Real Living Wage (2025/26 rate as set by the Living WageFoundation, subject to annual review) plus £1 per hour holiday pay.
Accountability
The postholder will report to the Grow 73 Coordinator, who will provide day-to-day direction, support, and supervision. Ultimately, through the Coordinator, to Grow 73’s charity trustees.
For more information, contact eugenie@grow73.org
