Part-Time, Temporary (Maternity Cover) Horticultural Educator at The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society.

Are you a passionate horticulturalist with a flair for education and a knack for nurturing growth in people as well as plants? We are looking for a dynamic and dedicated Part-Time Horticultural Educator to join our team for a maternity cover position, working three days a week. The role will last for approximately twelve months with a possible option to extend.

The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (The Caley) is Scotland’s national Gardening and Horticulture charity, charged with promoting and supporting domestic gardening and professional horticulture across the country. This role requires a self-starter with a passion for delivering excellent horticultural education to our varied groups. The position will be primarily based at our office at Saughton Park, Edinburgh with occasional travel required to education sites.

Ideally the job will commence on Monday, 11th August, 2025 to allow a handover period. The role is for 19 hours per week, currently being undertaken on 3 days per week. There is some flexibility on days, providing they can be approved by the both the RCHS and our partners who are receiving support from this role.

In this varied and rewarding role, you will be part of a team developing and delivering engaging horticultural education programs.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Leading the Grow and Learn Award: Guiding groups through this accredited program, fostering their horticultural skills and knowledge.
•  Running Educational Funding Projects: Managing these according to funder requirements and submitting reports as needed.
• Developing the Workshops and Courses Programme: Working alongside the Education Team to create an exciting programme of events for our members.
• Assisting at Shows: Representing our organization at various events, sharing the vision of The Caley and specifically the Education work alongside running the children’s activities programmes.
• Maintaining our Online Presence: Keeping the Education pages of our website upto date and relevant and using Social Media to advertise the courses, workshops and events of The Caley.
• Supporting our Volunteer Teams: The Caley is fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers and your role would include occasionally coordinating their work and supporting them where needed.

We are seeking someone with excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of horticultural practices, and a genuine passion for sharing knowledge with our learners.

If you are organised, proactive, and enjoy working with diverse groups of people, we would love to hear from you!

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact, contributing to The Caley’s mission of supporting and encouraging gardening in Scotland and promoting horticulture to the next generation of Scottish professionals.
Successful applicants will be required to be a PVG Scheme member, which will be paid for by the RCHS.

Salary is £30,000 Pro Rata (19 hours per week).

A more expansive job description can be provided on request, or to arrange an informal discussion with our Horticultural Educator, please email president@rchs.co.uk.

To apply for the role please email a Covering Letter of not more than 2 A4 pages and CV to president@rchs.co.uk Closing date for applications Monday 21st July 2025.

We reserve the right to close applications earlier than this date.

HONORARY TREASURER

The Caley is currently looking for an Honorary Treasurer to help oversee its financial affairs.  The main responsibilities of the role include:

• Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional, and comply with accepted accounting practice. (With advice and support from Independent Examiners.)
• Ensure accurate and compliant records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.
• Monitor and prepare reports on the Caley’s financial health for Council members.
• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns in line with regulatory standards (OSCR), accounts and closing off the books of account ahead of the independent examination of the Annual Report.
• Preparation of financial returns to OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator).

You can find more information about the role by using the links below.

• Background Information
• Role Description

Please note: this is a voluntary role.

If you are interested in this role, or would like further information, please contact president@rchs.co.uk

Volunteering with The Caley

There are a  number of different opportunities for Caley members to volunteer .

Saughton Park:

• Could you be part of the Caley gardening crew at Saughton Park?  We have weekly volunteering sessions for Caley members on Monday and Friday mornings as well as occasional weekend sessions when needed.  You can fit your volunteering into your other commitments.  For more information email: caleyatsaughton@rchs.co.uk
• We run a number of shows during the year and welcome support in setting up and on the day of the show.  If you can offer an hour or two it all helps.  email: springshow@rchs.couk for the Spring Bulb Show at the beginning of April or caleyatsaughton@rchs.co.uk for other shows.
• in 2025 we hope to introduce more regular Caley Plant sales at other times.  Is this something that would interest you? Email: caleyatsuaghton@rchs.co.uk

Demonstration Allotment

• Caley members volunteer on the Caley organic demonstration allotment at Bridgend, Edinburgh on Thursdays.  If this is of interest contact administrator@rchs.co.uk and she will put you in touch.

Helping at other shows and events

• The Caley likes to be represented at other events in Scotland and we need help from Caley members to ensure this is enjoyable rather than onerous.  For example in 2025 we will be manning the Plant Creche at Scone Palace Garden Fair.  Could you help in either the morning or the afternoon?    It all helps. email: administrator@rchs.co.uk