WHALE Arts is looking for a friendly, practical and community-minded Community Gardener to help develop and maintain our vibrant community garden in Wester Hailes.
This exciting role will support local people to connect with nature, creativity and each other through gardening, food growing, outdoor activities and seasonal events. The successful candidate will work closely with local people to create a welcoming and inclusive outdoor space that supports wellbeing, biodiversity and community connection.
Part-time: 14 hours per week
Salary 25,599 pro rata
Fixed-term contract until April 2029 based at WHALE Arts, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh.
We are looking for someone with experience in gardening or horticulture, strong people skills, and a passion for community-led green spaces. This is a hands-on role involving practical garden maintenance, supporting participants and helping deliver creative and nature-based activities. This post is funded through the National Lottery Community Fund for 3 years to April 2029.
WHALE Arts is a building-based and place-based community-led charity and social enterprise, founded by local people in 1992. Our mission is to be the creative heart of a thriving community.
Role Purpose
The Community Gardener will work with local residents, volunteers and staff to maintain and develop the WHALE Arts Community Garden as a welcoming, accessible and creative community space. The role will support gardening, horticulture and outdoor activities that promote wellbeing, sustainability, biodiversity and community participation.
Main Duties
- Maintain and develop the WHALE Arts Community Garden and outdoor spaces
- Support gardening, food growing and nature-based activities with community members and volunteers
- Deliver practical garden maintenance including planting, weeding, composting and landscaping
- Support outdoor workshops, seasonal events and community activities
- Promote environmentally sustainable gardening and biodiversity
- Work closely with the community food, programming and operations teams
- Ensure safe working practices and maintain garden tools and equipment
Person Specification
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience in gardening, horticulture or community growing projects
- Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Has good practical gardening and maintenance skills
- Is organised, reliable and able to work independently and as part of a team
- Has strong communication and people skills
- Enjoys working with diverse communities and volunteers
- Is enthusiastic about sustainability, nature and community wellbeing
How to apply
Apply by email to recruitment@whalearts.co.uk attaching:
- An up-to-date CV detailing relevant education and employment experience.
- A covering letter demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role purpose, duties and person specification (max 2 pages)
- Details of two referees, including at least one previous employer.
- Please also fill out our Equality and diversity monitoring form in the recruitment pack below. (This form will not be used in the recruitment process, it is just used to evaluate our marketing reach)
Community Gardener Job Description
Equality and diversity monitoring form
If you wish you may apply via video/audio (no more than 5 minutes) or another method that suits your communication needs. We are happy to chat about how we can support people to apply and about the role. Please contact Zoë Squair, Director of Operations on 0131 458 3267 or zoe@whalearts.co.uk
Closing date: 9.00 am Monday 1 June 2026.
