Experienced gardener jobs

Overview of the Role

Are you passionate about the power of plants to transform lives and communities? Do you bring horticultural expertise and a commitment to sustainable practices? Are you passionate about community growing with experience of inspiring communities and the next generation of gardeners? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

The RHS is on a mission to champion, support and connect the UK’s vibrant community gardening movement. We’re seeking a Community Gardening Advisor to help drive meaningful change through gardening. this role will focus on the Greater Manchester region where you will work alongside a broad and diverse range of community stakeholders.As the Community Gardening Advisor, you will establish a strong and supportive local network and deliver programmes of activity including training workshops and events to build community skills and capacity for groups. The role will support the direct delivery of the Green Spaces Fund in the Greater Manchester boroughs of Salford and Oldham and more widely as required.

You’ll be part of a passionate, forward-thinking team dedicated to making horticulture accessible, inclusive, and transformative. If you believe in the social value of gardening and want to help communities thrive, this is your opportunity to make a real difference.

This exciting role sits within the National Community Programmes Team in the RHS-wide Learning and Public Engagement division, which is driving a step change in how we engage audiences, inform policy and deliver learning and skills to gardeners across the UK.

Experience of working with community organisations, volunteers, young people, children, families and schools is essential. Ideally, you should have a relevant practical Horticultural Qualification to a minimum Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent experience. 

The role is home based but will include regular travel across the region. Support for travel allowance will be provided.  The role is currently supported by the Greater Manchester Environment Fund and is accountable to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Green Spaces Partnership.

To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening – and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet.

And we couldn’t do this without our people. We’re proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each one of our team members brings. From working across our social media channels, to volunteering in the RHS Gardens, from serving customers in our garden centres to running national marketing campaigns, we believe that every member of the RHS team should have the opportunity to make a difference.  Our careers portal here provides a comprehensive overview of what we offer, the teams that work at the RHS and our great benefits.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Key aspects of the role include:
- Supporting the Bishop in his diocesan, civic and national responsibilities.
- Assisting the Bishop with administrative, pastoral and practical tasks across the Diocese.
- Analysing, reflecting upon and briefing the Bishop on the theological, policy and
procedural implications of a wide range of issues facing the Church and wider society.
- Managing specific issues and projects on behalf of the Bishop.
- Supporting the Bishop in his statutory roles and obligations.
- Contributing to the overall vision and strategy of the diocese by participating in Bishop's
Staff meetings and the Bishop's Strategy Group, serving as a trusted advisor to the
Bishop and other senior staff.
- Leading the Bishop's Office Team, overseeing the overall operational plan for the office
and line managing the Bishop's Administrator and Hospitality Co-ordinator (one role).

The Chaplain will be a key member of the Bishop's Personal Staff which includes the Bishop's PA, the Bishop's Administrator and Hospitality Co-ordinator, the Palace Gardener and a part-time Driver. The Bishop's Office is located in the Gatehouse to the Bishop's Palace in central Exeter. The Bishop's Administrator and Hospitality Co-ordinator provides administrative support to the Chaplain.

The role demands a time commitment comparable to that if a parish priest. Generally, the Bishop's Chaplain will be expected to participate in morning and evening worship and maintain regular office hours from 9.00am to 5.00pm with a break for lunch. Some evening commitments may be required. The designated rest day is usually Saturday, though there may be occasional Saturday duties, in which case an alternative day off can be arranged. It is crucial that the Bishop's Chaplain is typically available when the Bishop is in the office, given the demands on the Bishop's diary.

Housing will be provided at no cost including exemptions from rent, council tax and water rates, located a short distance from the Bishop's Office. The Bishop's Chaplain will occupy this accommodation under a licence from its owners, the Diocesan Board of Finance. Additionally, removal expenses will be covered, along with a resettlement grant currently set at £2867. Permission may be granted to a Chaplain to live in his or her own property. However, if this is the preferred option, no housing allowance is available.

Closing date is 29 June 2026. Interviews are 27 and 28 July 2026.