Gardener - April 2023

Gardener

April 2023

**The Department
Reporting into the Estates Bursar, the Head Gardener leads a small team of full
- time gardeners who work across all the School sites. This is a busy department

responsible for the maintenance, landscaping and improvements to the extensive

and prestigious School gardens. In addition, staff assist the maintenance and

grounds departments with the preparations for functions and events.

**The Post
The post is for a full-time gardener, responsible to the Head Gardener, to assist in

the maintenance, landscaping and improvements to the School gardens across all

sites.

**Main tasks **will include:

- Undertake all aspects of garden maintenance as directed by the Head

Gardener, including:

- lawn maintenance and hedge trimming;
- upkeep of plants and borders;
- propagation of plants;
- pruning and planting;
- School nursery;
- leaf raking and litter picking.
- Contribute to the planning and improvement programmes across the School

sites;
- Assist in the upkeep of external furniture;
- Assist maintenance staff, as requested, in setting up for School events and

functions, including car parking.

The successful applicant will be someone who will really enjoy working outdoors in

all weathers, is able to work unsupervised to a high standard, is very self motivated

competent in the use of commercial garden machinery and equipment and hold a

full driving licence. Some previous gardening experience in a commercial

environment is essential.

The hours of work are 7.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday, with some overtime

available as necessary. The salary is circa £21,300 per annum for applicants over 21

years old. A separate scale is available for those aged 16 to 21 years old. The annual

holiday entitlement is five weeks, plus bank holidays. Staff are provided with a

uniform and full training will be given.

**Application Process**

forms.

bring to Sutton Valence School and a brief detail of how you fit the position,

including specific details of skills, experience and achievements.

Do not meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and

qualification. At SVS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive

workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience does not

align perfectly with every qualification or experience in the information provided,

other roles.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to

the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring

role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to

children.

Further information about Sutton Valence School can be found on our website.

Bursar, Sutton Valence School, North Street, Sutton Valence, Kent ME17 3HL.

**Closing date**:Monday 3rd April 2023

Sutton Valence School is an equal opportunities employer.

Please note: we reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date.

**The School
Sutton Valence School consists of Sutton Valence School (SVS) and Sutton Valence
Preparatory School (SVPS). SVS is an independent, HMC co-educational day and
boarding school. It is part of, and overlooks, the picturesque village of Sutton
Valence six miles from Maidstone. The roll at Sutton Valence is currently 560
pupils between the ages of 11 and 18 of which 113 are boarders. Contained within
the 100 acre site, there are excellent games pitches, a superb all-weather playing
surface and a sports centre which contains a state of the art fitness suite. The
School has a fine musical tradition and a flourishing drama department. Sutton
Valence Preparatory School occupies its own site in the neighbouring village of
Chart Sutton and currently has 265 pupils between the ages of 2 and 11.

**Vision, Mission and Ethos
**Vision**
Through membership of our community and the academic and co-curricular
opportunities it provides, we believe that all young people in our School will be
enabled to fulfil their true potential. We want our students to be confident
civilised, tolerant and open-minded individuals who possess a love of learning and
a strong set of values reflecting our principles as a Christian Foundation.

Our **Mission **is to provide:

- A caring, supportive and inclusive community for the education of children

aged 2-18, day and boarding;
- A challenging, relevant and broad curriculum delivered in ways that allow

all to achieve;
- An outstanding range of sporting, artistic, cultural and social activities, and

opportunities so that children can develop skills such as self-discipline,
commitment, leadership and teamwork;
- A safe, secure and stimulating environment which promotes excellence,

independence and high standards whilst providing support to all who need
it;
- A grounding in moral and spiritual understanding which will promote

respect for others, along with self-respect.

**Ethos**

A community where each cares for all and individuality is cherished.

Benefits to Working