Department: Community Programmes | Reports to: Project Manager – Environmental Development| Direct reports: None
Salary range: up to £24-27,000 (depending upon experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Contract length: 2-year fixed term | Location: MEC Office/Sandy Flatts Allotment
About our Charity:
Middlesbrough Environment City (MEC) has been part of the Teesside community since 1992, working with people and partners to create a healthier and greener place to live. Over 30 years we have supported local communities through practical projects that make a real difference, from caring for green spaces and reducing waste to promoting sustainable food, saving energy and encouraging active, eco-friendly lifestyles.
Our work is shaped by our THRIVE values. We are tenacious in facing challenges, holistic in the way we connect people and the environment, responsive to local needs and inclusive in all that we do. We are visionary in imagining better futures and empowering people to make lasting change. Through education, collaboration and hands on support, we help individuals and communities take small but meaningful steps that improve lives today and build a fairer, more sustainable tomorrow.
About the role:
As Project Lead, you will support the delivery and impact measurement of multiple initiatives, including Communities Growing Together, funded through the National Lottery. Based at the Sandy Flatts community allotment, you will work with diverse community groups, including children and young people, vulnerable adults, and families to create an inclusive, vibrant space that promotes learning, growth, and wellbeing.
A key focus of the role is community empowerment through food self-provisioning, contributing to broader goals around healthy eating, sustainability, and food equity. Your expertise in organic and climate-friendly growing methods will build participants' confidence in seasonal food growing, composting, soil care, sustainable land use, and site maintenance.
You will collaborate with a dedicated project team to deliver tailored, impactful sessions and support the development of nature-based campaigns and initiatives. Strong communication skills will be essential for maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, community members, and partner organisations. This role is central to creating lasting, positive change within the Tees Valley growing community
Key Responsibilities:
* Work with Project Managers to plan, maintain, and develop the Sandy Flatts allotment, ensuring it is a safe, inclusive and biodiverse site.
* Deliver practicalhorticulture sessions for individuals and community groups, tailored to different learning needs and abilities.
* Equip participants with the skills to grow seasonal produce that contributes to alleviating food poverty and environmental degradation.
* Promote sustainable, climate-conscious, and innovative growing methods, including composting, hydroponics, vertical growing, and organic practices.
* Work collaboratively to identify and embed sustainable growing initiatives that align with and complement wider project goals.
* Design and implement a seasonal growing plan that utilises companion planting.
* Maintain tools, equipment and site infrastructure to ensure safety and accessibility.
* Develop volunteer skills and understanding of food-self provisioning.
* Contribute to the long-term vision and maintenance of the Sandy Flatts site.
* Consult with participants and volunteers on key initiatives to improve knowledge and empower them to thrive within their communities.
Monitoring and Reporting
* Record attendance, monitor participant progress and contribute to impact measurement.
* Establish and track key funding objectives to measure the success of projects and initiatives.
* Support Project Managers with reporting impact to external and internal stakeholders, including the collection of qualitative data, such as case studies and storytelling.
Additional Information:
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. The employee may be required to perform additional tasks or responsibilities as deemed necessary by the employer or as business needs evolve.
Personal Specification:
Essential:
* Demonstrate significant experience in horticulture of community gardening.
* Strong knowledge of sustainable, seasonal, and organic growing practices.
* Experience working with diverse community groups, including vulnerable adults and young people.
* Confident leading practical, outdoor sessions that meet different learner needs.
* Passionate about horticulture, sustainability, and social justice.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work flexibly, independently and as part of a diverse team.
Desirable:
* Level 4 or above qualification in horticulture, permaculture, or a related field.
* Level 3 or above qualification in teaching or training, such as PTLLS or similar.
* Understanding of food systems, food poverty and food waste.
* First Aid and/or safeguarding training.
What We Offer:
This role is your chance to make a real difference by contributing to meaningful change in environmental sustainability and community wellbeing as part of a well-established and respected charity. You will join a supportive and collaborative team that values your ideas and encourages you to make your mark.
We know how important it is to maintain a healthy work-life balance, so we offer flexible working arrangements to help you succeed both personally and professionally. Alongside this, you will have access to professional development opportunities that will help you grow in your role and achieve your potential, all while making a positive impact in the Teesside community.
Core Benefits:
26 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays / Additional 4 days company leave over Christmas / 4% Employer Pension Contribution / Support towards CPD / Paid Voluntary Leave (up to 3 days) / Cycle to Work Scheme
How to Apply
Please fill our application form which can be found at:
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months
Pay: £24,000.00-£27,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Cycle to work scheme
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Paid volunteer time
Work Location: In person