Groundsperson

Main purpose of position:
Groundsperson / Gardener / Caretaker is required to work alongside the Head Gardener in the upkeep and development of a 23-acre site at Knowle Hall and a smaller site at Chedzoy, which make up the Somerset Cultural Centre. The key function will be to undertake grounds related activities in order to meet the needs of the Centre and to ensure that the whole site is maintained to an excellent standard and to provide a good impression to all visitors to the Centre. The post-holder will also be required to undertake general maintenance and repairs to the properties at both sites.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Working with the Head Groundsperson to maintain all areas of the grounds including grassed areas, football and rounders pitches and basketball courts, flower beds and borders, hedges and trees and a small woodland area
- Control of weeds, moss and ivy around the Centre site and the general upkeep and tidiness of the site
- Seasonal planting, as per sites needs
- Assisting with regular tree surveys
- Use and basic maintenance of machinery including tractor, mowers, hedgecutters, strimmers etc, and hand tools
- Keeping storage and workshop areas clean and tidy
- Assisting in the development of a walled garden adjacent to the grounds at Knowle Hall, with the intention of using the area as a learning facility for students and food production
- Assisting with the care of any animals that maybe kept on-site
- General repair and maintenance of the buildings on the 2 sites - this will include:

- occasional painting and decorating_
- basic plumbing and carpentry_
- minor repairs to fixtures and fittings such as hinges and handles_
- cleaning light fittings_
- clearing blockages from sinks, toilets, drains etc._
- Manual tasks as required, such as moving and setting up of furniture and equipment
- Erection and dismantling of sports equipment
- Testing and monitoring of emergency lighting, fire alarms and other property related systems
- Key holder
- call out

**Person Specification**

Clean driving licence and willingness to use own vehicle to travel between the 2 sites

Horticultural entry level

Working at height certificate

Spraying (PA1and PA6A) certificate

Applicants will be required to have a DBS check before a position is offered

**Qualifications and Experience**:
Experience in gardening or groundswork

Experience in basic repair and maintenance

Experience in the use of gardening-related machinery and its up keep

Good knowledge of health and safety practice and adherence to relevant legislation and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff

Clean driving licence (due to the location) Mileage paid for business between sites

**Personal Qualities**:
Eager to learn new skills with a flexible approach to daily tasks

Good time-management and organisational abilities

Ability to take direction and to work unsupervised

Willingness to work to high standards and take pride in every task

Ability to work in a small team and contribute to the development of the Centre

Must be willing to work be flexible when needed, as weekend events take place

**Benefits**:

- Parking
- Uniform provide
- Nest pension

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 40 per week

**Salary**: £21,000.00-£24,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Sick pay

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Bridgwater: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Outdoor working: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: One location

Application deadline: 12/02/2023
Reference ID: G01/23