At Cultivating Community, we believe communities thrive when people feel connected, supported and empowered. We are a values-led organisation creating practical pathways to food security, employment, wellbeing and community connection through urban agriculture, education and inclusive programs.

We are seeking a passionate and community-minded Garden Support Worker to support the day-to-day operation of our community gardens and productive green spaces across Melbourne.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine hands-on horticulture with meaningful community engagement, supporting people experiencing social isolation, barriers to employment and food insecurity through inclusive, place-based programs.

About the Role

Working closely with the Community Gardens Operations Manager, Social Connection Team and Maintenance Team, you will provide practical horticultural guidance, maintain safe and welcoming garden environments, and help foster strong community participation and leadership within shared garden spaces.

As part of this role, you'll spend one day each week working alongside our Horticulture and Maintenance Services team, contributing to horticultural maintenance projects and strengthening collaboration between our community gardens and maintenance programs. This unique cross-functional role offers variety, the opportunity to broaden your horticultural skills, and the chance to contribute to projects that have a lasting impact across Melbourne. 

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Support gardeners with practical horticultural advice and hands-on gardening activities
• Help maintain safe, functional and welcoming garden spaces
• Build positive relationships with gardeners and community members
• Support inclusive access to gardens through inductions, applications and communication
• Work collaboratively to address garden issues and encourage community ownership
• Apply strong people management skills

• Maintain accurate records and documentation

• Uphold Occupational Health and Safety standards
• Support informal and structured social connection activities within gardens
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers and community stakeholders across programs
• Work one day per week with the Horticulture and Maintenance Services team, providing practical horticultural support and contributing to maintenance projects across schools, community organisations and other sites.

About You

You will bring:

• Qualifications or equivalent experience in Community Services, Community Development or Social Work
• Minimum 2 years’ experience and/or qualification in horticulture
• Strong interpersonal skills and a supportive, community-focused approach
• Experience working with diverse individuals and communities
• Highly developed administrative and organisational skills
• Confidence in managing challenging situations and achieving positive conflict resolutions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• A current Victorian Driver Licence, Working with Children Check and National Police Check

Why Join Cultivating Community?

At Cultivating Community, we are proud to be an inclusive, flexible and supportive organisation that genuinely values our people, their wellbeing and professional development. Our values of Positivity, Connection, Opportunity and Creativity guide everything we do.

We offer:

• A supportive and purpose-driven culture
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Birthday leave
• An additional 5 days of Wellbeing Leave each year on top of annual leave and personal leave
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful social and community impact
• Enjoy a diverse role that combines community gardening with hands-on horticultural maintenance projects across Melbourne, building experience across two collaborative teams.

We warmly welcome applications from people from communities underrepresented in leadership, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A position description is attached.