SURREY DOCKS FARM
YOUNG FARMERS CLUB ASSISTANT
Contract: Fixed term maternity cover ending 20th December 2014
Days: 7 hours (+1 unpaid hour) per week on Saturdays
Salary: £50 per week
The Young Farmers Club runs on Saturdays at Surrey Docks Farm and is a free club for local
children aged 8 to 13 years old. Members get involved with all aspects of the Farm, such as
animal care, gardening, conservation and cooking. The Club is split into two groups with
members attending either the morning (10am-12:30pm) or afternoon group (2pm-4:30pm).
Job Description
The Young Farmers Assistant post is funded by a grant from British Land. The post will
support the Youth Programmes Coordinator with the planning, preparation and delivery of
the Young Farmers Club. This post is ideal for someone looking to progress into a career into
environmental education. Where possible the post holder will receive training.
Key Tasks:
- Supervise and support groups of young people to carry out animal care activities,
gardening tasks, cooking and crafts activities
- Progressing to independently plan and deliver activities with the support of the Youth
Programmes Coordinator
- Set up for activities including preparing resources for sessions
- Ensure tools and equipment are used in a safe manner
- Ensure work spaces are tidy
- Interact with the general public visiting the farm
- Work with people from a wide range of economic, social and cultural backgrounds
Person Specification
Experience:
- Proven experience of teaching, youth work or informal education with 8-13 year olds
- Confidence to manage groups of young people, including setting necessary
boundaries and discipline in an informal education setting
- Ability to deal with challenging behaviour in young people
- Experience working with farm animals
- Interest and enthusiasm for growing food and cooking with it
- Knowledge of Health and Safety, particularly safe tool use (farm and gardening tools)
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Personal Qualities:
- Passionate about engaging children and young people to learn about where their
food comes from, the natural environment and practical life skills
- A willingness to work out of doors in a variety of conditions
- Reliable, enthusiastic and hardworking
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and Sundays for trips and events
- A creative thinker with a ‘can do’ attitude
- Enjoys working with people from a wide range of economic, social and cultural
backgrounds
- Good team worker, building strong links with others
- Able to work unsupervised
Application Process
1. To apply please send your CV and 1 A4 page covering letter explaining why you are suitable
for the role and how you meet the job description and person specification to Gemma
Hooper (Community Projects Manager) before 5pm on Sunday 18th May
Email: gemma@surreydocksfarm.org.uk
Address: Surrey Docks Farm, Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 5ET
2. Applicants selected for interview will be notified by 5pm on Friday 23rd May
3. Interviews will be held on Thursday 29th May
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