Horticultural Development Coordinator

Growing together — join us

Depden Care Farm is looking for someone with enthusiasm, creativity and a passion for horticulture to help shape the next stage of our development. This is not a traditional grounds maintenance role. We are looking for someone who enjoys creating beautiful, productive spaces and who is excited by the opportunity to build something over time.

Working across our gardens, vegetable growing areas, orchards and wider landscape, you will help create an environment that supports wellbeing, learning and community engagement, while developing new opportunities for sustainable food production and income generation.

The role will also contribute ideas and activities that enable farm helpers to experience the enjoyment and achievement that horticulture can bring, working alongside our care staff where appropriate.

No two days are the same. Alongside developing our horticultural spaces, you’ll be part of a vibrant care farm community supporting our service users, hosting events, welcoming visitors, supporting volunteers and helping create a place where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.

This is a rare opportunity to join a small, but respected, third sector organisation. Help us in creating a sanctuary where each day brings new possibilities and where the seeds of positive change are sown and nurtured.

This is a permanent position for full or part time work, up to 40 hrs per week with a minimum of 3 days/week. The role is on site. Monday – Friday with occasional weekend work.

Job Purpose

The Horticultural Development Coordinator will lead the development of horticulture across Depden Care Farm, making the best use of our six-acre site to create attractive, productive and sustainable spaces. The role has three key areas of focus:

1. Developing the farm environment – improving our gardens, growing areas, biodiversity and overall appearance.
2. Growing and enterprise – increasing fruit and vegetable production and developing opportunities such as a veg box scheme and plant sales.
3. Supporting our Farm Helpers – creating purposeful horticultural projects that provide opportunities to learn, participate and achieve.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Develop the Farm Environment

• Plan and maintain the horticultural areas across the farm.
• Continue to improve the appearance, accessibility and biodiversity of the site.
• Develop attractive spaces that promote wellbeing and create a welcoming environment for farm helpers, visitors and volunteers.
• Implement environmentally sustainable growing practices.

Food Growing and Enterprise

• Develop and manage productive vegetable and fruit growing.
• Help establish a community supported veg box scheme and explore other opportunities such as plant sales or seasonal produce.
• Plan crops and growing schedules to maximise productivity throughout the year.
• Monitor production and contribute ideas for future enterprise opportunities.

Supporting the Farm Programme

• Design seasonal horticultural projects that can be incorporated into the farm’s activity programme.
• Work alongside the Farm Operations Manager and care team to provide meaningful horticultural experiences for farm helpers when appropriate.
• Share your enthusiasm and knowledge with volunteers and visitors.

Planning and Organisation

• Maintain tools, equipment and growing infrastructure.
• Ensure work is carried out safely and in accordance with farm policies.
• Help plan the long-term development of the site’s horticultural areas.

Your Skills and Attributes

We recognise that excellent candidates may not meet every criterion listed. If you are enthusiastic about the role, share our values and believe you have the potential to make a significant contribution to Depden Care Farm, we would encourage you to apply.

Knowledge and Experience

• Practical knowledge of horticulture, vegetable production or landscape management.
• Experience of planning and maintaining horticultural spaces throughout the seasons.
• An understanding of sustainable growing methods and good environmental practice.
• Experience of working independently and managing competing priorities.

Skills

• Able to plan, organise and deliver work programmes with minimal supervision.
• Good practical problem-solving skills and a proactive approach.
  Able to identify opportunities for improvement and see projects through from idea tocompletion.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues,volunteers and visitors.
• Competent in maintaining records and basic planning using Microsoft Office or equivalent software.

Personal Qualities

• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and takes pride in producing high-quality work.
• Creative and willing to develop new ideas.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons.
• Flexible and adaptable in a varied working environment.
• Patient, approachable and able to build positive relationships with people of all abilities.
• Committed to the values of inclusion, dignity, respect and person-centred support.
• Holds a full UK driving licence

What You’ll Receive:

 

• Full or part time. Up to 40hrs per week Mon- Friday. Occasional weekend work. Minimum 3 days a week.
• Salary: £25,000 – £30,000 per year dependent on experience
• 20 days of paid holiday plus bank holidays.
• Pension scheme
• Training and development packages available for the right candidate
• Work Location: In person

Why Join Us

At Millennium Farm Trust, we offer more than just a job — we offer the chance to be part of something meaningful. You’ll join a supportive, close-knit team who share a passion for farming, learning, and making a difference in people’s lives. We provide a positive and purposeful working environment, where initiative is valued, ideas are encouraged, and achievements are celebrated. Staff benefit from opportunities for personal and professional development, a healthy work–life balance, and the satisfaction of seeing the direct impact of their work every day. At Depden Care Farm, you’ll find a place where your skills, values, and enthusiasm can truly take root and grow

How to Apply

Please email your completed application form to jobs@depden.com

Millennium Farm Trust is committed to the safeguarding of vulnerable adults, children and young people.  We will conduct pre-employment checks on all successful candidates including references, identity checks and right to work in the UK, DBS and barred lists as well as personal qualifications as appropriate.