Gardener

So, you’ve been scrolling through dozens of job adverts trying to figure out which companies look best to work for. Many of the job descriptions are lengthy and ask for an incredible amount of experience and qualifications. It seems that almost all gardening companies out there pay roughly the same, have loads of work in the summer and let their employees go at the end of the season when work dries up and have no career progression.
So what makes us different?

**Leadership**

My name is Gordon Robson and I run Robson Garden Maintenance. I started gardening at the age of 14 which allowed me to work flexibility through school and university. I then went to work in systems and business consultancy where I did well but realised that building a business was my true passion. Since 2017 I have grown the company from zero customers to maintaining 200 gardens every fortnight. I have been able to do this by employing the help of 8 excellent staff members. I have a vision for Robson Garden Maintenance to grow steadily and be one of the best gardening companies to work for in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

**Payment structure**

I believe all my staff should receive at least the national living wage. On top of this I have implemented a pay for performance scheme. This is different from a general end of year bonus scheme as it rewards the hardest workers in the team. For this position the rate of pay is £11 per hour. After a probation period of 6 months (or sooner based on performance) a pay for performance top up will be added to your wages. Details will be discussed at the interview stage.

**We don’t do seasonal contracts**

One of the biggest complaints of staff in the gardening industry is lay offs from November to February. All our staff are full time throughout the year. This way we can keep a consistent, well-trained team together. In the winter we market heavily and grow our customer base for the following season. Our staff excel in woodwork and small landscaping jobs so we are never short of work.

**Culture**

We have a friendly and hardworking culture where we support each other both professionally and personally. We are also open to new ideas and different ways of doing things that might improve the way we work. We are continually looking to how we could improve the way we do things.

**Technology**

Having worked in a systems office I understand that a company can’t grow efficiently without good technology and processes. I invest a lot of time in building and tweaking technology-based solutions that helps the team work and communicate more efficiently. One thing I am hugely against is the tracking of vehicles and staff as I believe staff should be trusted and not monitored.

**Tools**

If one on my team approaches me to ask for new equipment I will either purchase right away or schedule for a time in the future when we will need it.

I make sure all vehicles are kitted up with safety equipment and first aid kits.

**What are we looking for?**

If you’ve got this far you will be wondering what we are looking for.

In short, we are looking for people who have integrity, honour, and energy.
- Integrity - We want potential staff to be honest and have strong moral principles.
- Honour - Respect for other staff members and customers is very important. Having pride in your work is essential.
- Energy - We want self-motivated enthusiastic people who can overcome challenges both independently and as part of a team.
- Have a full clean driving License
- Experience is preferable but not essential. Many skills in other jobs are transferable and our team can teach you on the job.
- Being physically fit is essential for working as a gardener.
- Not scared of heights. We occasionally need to climb ladders to trim trees and bushes.
- Be able to meet at EH23 4TW in time for starting at the first job for 8am.

In winter months they will sometimes be required to do landscaping works as part of a team and hand out flyers to build our customer base.

Generally, we aim to start our first job at 8am and finish at 4.30pm.

Weather delays might require longer days to be worked for the rest of the week or working on a Saturday.

Please note we rarely work at the weekends as we believe family time is very important.

A covering letter with CV is essential. If you don’t have much experience let us know about your hobbies and skills you have picked up in other jobs.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £11.00 per hour

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

- Performance bonus

Work Location: One location