Lecturer in Horticulture

Post Title:  Lecturer in Horticulture

Salary Range:£24,272 - £36,704 per annum (Lecturer Salary Scale Points 1-7)

Contract: Permanent

Reference: EL10113

Part time position available.

Protection of Children and Young Persons (The Children’s Act 1989)

Any offers of appointment will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly CRB), a certificate of good conduct if applicable, plus receipt of satisfactory references, Occupational Health clearance, an understanding of safeguarding and qualifications verification. An Enhanced DBS check is required for this position as you will be working within 'Regulated Activity' within a specific place (i.e. the College).

This role is classed as working within Regulated Activity. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. By applying for this position you agree to an Enhanced DBS check in line with DBS regulations.

Background to the Post

As one of the largest further and higher education colleges in the UK, with unique colleges across two counties, we aim to deliver learning experiences which lead to the development of wider skill bases and improved destinations for all of our students.

Our recent Ofsted inspection highlights our success and strong focus both on students and on meeting industry needs. We are also one of only five colleges in the UK to be granted Foundation Degree Awarding Powers by the Privy Council – meaning our higher education academic quality and standards are equal to any university.

For candidates who are not teacher qualified, don’t be put off from applying as WCG will get you there through our Trainee Lecturer programme. The successful post holder will move on to the Trainee Lecturer programme to achieve the required DET qualification (for posts of greater than a 0.5 fraction). 

The post holder’s primary objective is to enable a group(s) of students to develop learning in the specified subject and to fulfil the aims of the curriculum programme of study. 

You will be required to teach and lead on a range of horticultural courses from L1 to L3 focussing on all aspects of plant science, propagation, establishment, growth and husbandry from Level 1 to Level 3.

Main Tasks

Teaching – The person appointed will be able to contribute to the teaching programme delivering the subject.

Preparation and Assessment - The person appointed will develop and produce teaching materials as required and the relevant paperwork associated with the planning and assessing of the course. He/she will undertake assessment, produce a relevant scheme and keep accurate records.

Administration - The person appointed will undertake administrative tasks relating to the programme(s) that they teach on and College requirements, under the guidance of the Head of Department.

Quality Systems - The postholder will undertake Internal Verification as required by the line manager. The College has a lesson observation process and all lecturers will have an observed lesson each academic year.

Health and Safety - To ensure a safe working environment for colleagues, students and visitors in line with the HASAW Act and the College Health and Safety Policy.

Safeguarding - Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults for whom you are responsible and whom you come into contact with.

In order to support during busy exam periods, you may be asked to undertake exam invigilator duties. The College will provide training. 

The list of duties is not exhaustive but outlines the main features of the post at appointment and may vary as the job evolves without affecting the nature of the duties or the responsibility level.

Hours of Work

The postholder will be expected to work such hours as are necessary for the proper performance of their duties and responsibilities. Hours are flexible and to be discussed.

Place of Work

The principal place of work will be the College’s premises based at either Pershore or Moreton Morrell. However, the post holder may be required to work on either a temporary or an indefinite basis at any premises at which we may provide services.

Employee Benefits

When you join WCG we offer you a whole host of employee benefits, including:

• The opportunity to apply for Hybrid working
• Generous annual leave entitlement plus up to 4 free College Closure days a year
• Comprehensive training programme
• Leadership & Management training programme to develop our next generation of managers
• Superb health and wellbeing support with Wellbeing@WCG
• Employee Assistance Helpline offering free, confidential, 24 hours support and guidance
• Free onsite gyms at most colleges
• Discounted part time and professional courses
• Cycle to work scheme
• Childcare vouchers
• Discounted hair & beauty treatments in our college salons
• Pension schemes
• Free will writing service
• Free car parking on site
• Staff discounts in our Plant Centre at Pershore College

Person Specification

Ability to perform the tasks as described in the job description.  If you have a disability you should not be discouraged from applying, since there are schemes available within the College which allow for the provision of special aids, premises to be adapted and other appropriate support provided.

Ways in which these schemes might help in particular circumstances can be discussed with the HR department when making your application.

Teaching Qualifications

For unqualified lecturers, the successful post holder will move on to the Trainee Lecturer programme to achieve the required DET qualification (for posts of greater than a 0.5 fraction). It is essential that all new teaching and training staff gain the appropriate teacher training qualification.  The continuation of your Contract of Employment is subject to you acquiring your teacher training qualification.  These qualifications are mandatory for all lecturers, trainers and Instructors who teach on a publicly funded provision. (Full details of the qualifications are attached).

Essential Attainments:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Horticulture
• Demonstrable experience of teaching in an HE or FE environment
• GCSE grade A-C or equivalent qualification in Maths and English or a willingness to achieve literacy and numeracy qualifications within the first 12 months of employment. 
• A willingness to undertake CPD 
• Teacher Training Qualification or the willingness to undertake the courses required to gain this.
• Previous experience within a field relevant to the subject being taught (either commercial, industrial and / or teaching) 
• Theoretical and practical knowledge to teach a range of topics in the specified subject. 

Desirable Attainments:

• A masters or equivalent qualification in a subject relevant to the area being taught.  

Essential Experiences and Attributes:

• The vision, drive and enthusiasm to achieve targets
• Excellent organisational skills with an adaptable and flexible approach
• Good time keeping and time management skills with ability to work to deadlines and targets
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work as a team member and to communicate effectively with students and industry organisations
• Self-motivated with an ability to motivate others
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Enthusiasm and ambition for personal and College development
• A commitment to equal opportunities, inclusive learning, widening participation, and lifelong learning
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults
• Ability to demonstrate behaviours which support the Core Values of the College
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of Equality & Diversity