Horticulture Lecturer

Hours

37.5 hours per week

Salary

Up to £35,496 per annum

Annual leave

37 electable days plus up to 8 statutory days, pro rata

With significant change across the horticulture industry and ambitious plans for continued development at the College — including our prestigious RHS programmes and higher-level FdSc courses — we are excited about the future. Over the last four years, our horticulture curriculum has more than doubled in size, and we are now looking to expand our diverse teaching team to meet growing student demand and support the sector in developing the next generation of skilled horticultural professionals.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated and knowledgeable Lecturer in Horticulture to join a thriving and forward-thinking department. The successful candidate will deliver highly effective teaching, learning and assessment, supporting students to maximise their potential and make positive progress towards timely achievement, further study and employment.

The role could include delivery across a range of provision, including study programmes, apprenticeships and adult learning, with some teaching at our satellite centres in Brighton and Hastings.

Our award-winning destination garden, One Garden Brighton, provides an inspiring showcase for our students. Combined with the diverse range of gardens across the Plumpton College campus, this helps cement our position as a centre of excellence for horticulture and creates an exciting opportunity for both experienced teachers and industry professionals considering a move into education.

“Becoming a lecturer at Plumpton College offered me the chance to give something back, advise young entrants coming into the industry and allowed me to pass on my passion... which I hope has had a real impact on the students I teach... to play a part in their journey is a unique opportunity for anyone.”

(Lecturer & PGCE Trainee)

What you’ll be doing

You will

Deliver high-quality teaching, learning and assessment in horticulture

Plan and assess lessons to a consistently high standard

Use digital tools and resources to enhance the learner experience

Support student attendance, engagement, progress and achievement

Provide constructive feedback to help students improve continuously

Contribute to programme review, quality improvement planning and standardisation meetings

Monitor programme KPIs and contribute to student progress reviews

Support internal verification and awarding organisation processes

Act as a personal tutor, tracking progress and supporting learner development

Contribute to parents’ evenings and stakeholder updates where required

Work collaboratively with employers and external stakeholders to ensure curriculum relevance

Support student recruitment campaigns, college events and promotional activities

Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding in all aspects of the role

Maintain accurate destination data to support self-assessment and quality improvement

Engage fully in CPD, appraisals and the College’s Industry Insights programme

What we’re looking for

We are looking for someone who can bring both subject expertise and a strong commitment to student success.

You should have

A degree, professional qualification, or equivalent extensive professional experience

A relevant teaching qualification for the level of programme, or a willingness to work towards one

Experience of teaching and assessing, with the ability to deliver consistently good or outstanding lessons

Extensive sector or industry experience and strong specialist horticulture knowledge

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Level 2 or higher qualifications in English and maths, or equivalent competency

Strong IT skills

A flexible, adaptable and solution-focused approach

A clear understanding of student needs and how to support them effectively

A strong commitment to safeguarding and student welfare

The ability to develop curriculum content and teaching resources within your specialism

Evidence of raising standards and achieving strong outcomes

A collaborative approach and a desire to work as part of a high-performing team

A genuine passion for supporting students to succeed

Desirable

Supervisory or team leader qualification and/or experience

You’ll benefit from

We offer a competitive salary alongside a generous benefits package, including 37 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata), and up to 5 efficiency days at Christmas. Staff are enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme and have access to comprehensive CPD opportunities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and a signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace.

New colleagues benefit from a structured induction and a supported six-month probationary period, as well as a strong coaching culture with in-house Level 5 trained coaches.

Employees also enjoy a range of lifestyle and wellbeing benefits such as eligibility for a TOTUM card and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle-to-work scheme, discounted Plumpton wine and courses, free onsite parking, and an Employee Assistance Programme.

Our commitment to staff wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through regular networking events, active EDI and Sustainability committees, and social events at Christmas.

We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high number of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.

Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.