Gardener/handyman

**Job Summary**:
Our gardeners play a key role in maintaining the hospice grounds gardens, car parks and equipment.

**Overall purpose of the role**:

- To be responsible for the upkeep of all hospice grounds, gardens, car parks, hedges and external verges.
- To ensure that our grounds, gardens and equipment are maintained to a high standard in line with all current regulations.
- To be responsible for undertaking the planned and unplanned maintenance of all hospice buildings, both internally and externally. This includes roofs, masonry, woodwork, paintwork etc.
- To cover maintenance as required according to rota, dealing with unforeseen problems relating to hospice premises, grounds, shops and vehicles.
- To look after and supervise corporate volunteer teams who assist us in the grounds and gardens.
- To supervise our regular team of volunteers who assist us in the grounds and gardens.

**Grounds & Gardens**
- To keep all car parks are kept weed free and tidy.
- To ensure all lawns are cut, edged, weeded and fed.
- To keep all borders weed free and tidy and plants pruned as required.
- To keep trees pruned and thinned out as necessary.
- To develop new areas as required i.e. play areas, quiet areas, Tiger Bridge and woodland etc.
- To maintain all paths and paving to ensure they are kept weed free, level and accessible for wheelchairs. To maintain all garden furniture.
- To ensure all garden machinery is maintained to a high standard in line with all current regulations.
- To ensure all hospice gardens and grounds are maintained to a high standard in accordance with hospice policies and procedures working closely with maintenance staff and volunteers.
- To be the first point of contact for contractors working in hospice grounds and gardens ensuring their compliance with relevant policies and legislation and dealing with their queries and requirements.
- To develop working relationships with contractors to ensure the provision of a quality service which demonstrates value for money and are in accordance with legislation, health & safety and corporate governance arrangements.
- To ensure all car parks and footpaths are kept free of ice and snow during periods of inclement weather (This will mean a 7am start to clear main areas before staff arrive).

**General Maintenance**
- In the absence of staff from the maintenance team, undertake critical tasks to ensure the continued provision of a high quality service. This will include covering one weekend in four as part of the maintenance team.

**Other**
- To meet monthly with the Maintenance Manager to discuss priorities and agree action plans.
- To contribute to the preparation of maintenance programmes and budgets in liaison with the Maintenance Manager and/or ICT and Facilities Manager to ensure the best use of resources within defined limits.
- To source competitively priced quotes for equipment and services as requested by Maintenance Manager or ICT and Facilities Manager. - To maintain relevant qualifications for spraying and chainsaw use.
- To undertake other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post.

**Staff who support Martin House volunteers are expected to**
- Carry out effective inductions for new volunteers in your department.
- Lead and guide volunteers, providing the support needed to maintain morale and enable them to work effectively.
- Ensure all necessary local activity risk assessments, and policies are available and adhered to.
- Ensure your volunteers have access to some personal time with you on a regular basis.
- Ensure that your volunteers have an annual opportunity to reflect on their volunteering role with you.
- Support appropriate volunteer learning and development within your team.
- Play a role in the recruitment of new volunteers within your area.
- Support and manage performance issues with volunteers fairly and sensitively, taking advice from the People team where appropriate.

**Essential**

Qualification in horticulture i.e. City & Guilds (NPTC) Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture or similar

**Desirable**

Chainsaw qualification for pruning and small tree management
- Experience of managing or supervising diverse volunteer teams
- Awareness of current Health & Safety Legislation & Requirements
- Managing a small estate, grounds and gardens