ABOUT THE ORGANISTAION

The Collingwood Children's Farm is an iconic non-profit Community Farm situation on Wurundjeri Wio-wurrung land on the Banks of Birrarung (Yarra). With extensive pastures, gardens and a range of livestock the Farm is open to the public all year round and offers visitors a taste of farm life in the inner city. A working community farm that delivers education and engagement related to agriculture and horticulture with guiding principles of a regenerative agriculture framework.

The Horticulture team manage the landscape through small scale food & flower production, Indigenous food gardens & riparian revegetation (co-managed with the Narrap Rangers), organic waste management, urban forestry management, aesthetic and therapeutic landscape and greenspace.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Horticultural team members are tasked with daily horticultural tasks and landscape maintenance, ensuring the Farm’s gardens, growing spaces and communal green spaces are productive, healthy, accessible and attractive that assist in the delivery of the larger organisational aims; To develop self-esteem, self-worth and connectedness, particularly of children and those experiencing adversity. To facilitate participation of children and their families in broader community life and a connection to nature. To provide educational opportunities around urban agriculture for students and community.

ABOUT YOU

A successful candidate will be a self motivated, team player and be able to demonstrate experience working outside, in one or more of the following fields. Either experience or further study required.

• Horticulture - landscape gardening and maintenance industry.
• Agriculture primary production - market gardening, cut flower production, fruit production.
• NRM industry - environmental management.
• Experience of 2-3 years in the industry or tertiary study required. 

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

A rare opportunity to work in small scale production in an urban setting, employees also have the option for Salary Packaging for a reduction in taxable income. The Farm is a diverse workplace with a team working to seasonal management across many horticultural disciplines creating a dynamic and interesting role that provides the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in the industry as well as daily encounters with animals and visitors.

HOW TO APPLY

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date. Application must include a cover letter CV/Resume that responds to the Key Selection Criteria. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Under the direction of the Horticulture Landscape & Environment Manager perform horticultural maintenance, planning and assessment in a public open space setting.
• Identifying plan and communicate horticultural maintenance requirements in gardens with team members.
• Follow a Seasonal weed management plan guided by regenerative principles in garden areas and green spaces.
• Organic waste management - composting
• Undertake seasonal irrigation tasks, maintenance and management.
• Maintenance of plantings, including fruit trees, ornamentals, market gardens and re-vegetation zones
• Contribution to the ongoing improvement of the CCF Horticulture Program delivery.
• Carrying out relevant reporting, evaluation and monitoring
• Working within a budget maintaining effective relationships internally and externally.
• Maintaining safe environments to protect CCF staff, volunteers, program participants and visitors, team members and yourself in line with occupational health and safety legislation and CCF policy requirements.
• Delivery of horticulture-themed tours, activities, workshops and events.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Demonstrated skills and relevant qualifications in horticulture/agriculture and horticultural maintenance
• Demonstrated skills and experience for primary production and urban agriculture
• Demonstrate experience in irrigation systems, installation and running.
• A passion or experience in a community setting, across various abilities, languages, cultures and stories
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills and a demonstrated ability to act professionally and with courtesy when interacting with people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities
• Engage with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with courtesy and respect, ensuring all visitors to the Farm feel welcome and supported
• Capacity to work outside doing manual labour tasks, across all seasons and weather conditions.
• Confident working with horticultural equipment including line trimmers and lawnmowers ect
• Ability to follow crop plans and daily/weekly monthly maintenance task to achieve organisational goals.
• Chainsaw license regarded highly.
• Skid-steer ticket advantageous
• Working With Children Check or eligibility to obtain.
• Drivers license / or ability to commute to work
• Must be available to work on both week days and weekends.