Lead Gardener

Excellent benefits including; lunch provided during term times, pension, free use of School gym following gym induction, fee remission and uniform.

**Key Tasks and Responsibilities**

To lead in the careful management of the School's garden areas, ensuring they are neat and tidy at all times.

Undertake all gardening duties as necessary which will include:

- Soil cultivation, digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, bed preparation and pruning as required
- Lawn grass cutting
- Ensure all tubs and baskets are maintained
- Planting and maintenance of bedding
- Tree planting and maintenance
- Clearance of pathways, gardens, playground and parking areas of litter and debris
- Carry out gritting, salt spreading, snow clearance, as necessary on pathways and thoroughfares
- Application of suitable chemicals where required in accordance with COSHH regulations and health and safety guidance
- Operation of machinery as necessary in undertaking gardening duties in accordance with Health and safety at work act 2015 and any other pertinent best practise requirements and legislation
- Use and maintain hand tools and basic light machinery
- Use cylinder and rotary mowers, strimmers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters
- To ensure all equipment, machinery and buildings are secure
- To complete training as appropriate as directed by line manager for use of such tools and or chemicals in the operation of undertaking the daily gardening duties
- Ensure gardens are presented at their best for events and open days / weeks
- To keep mess rooms, tool sheds and staff toilets clean and tidy
- To respond to emergencies and assist other departments i.e. Cricket, Football, Rugby, Rowing etc. as directed by the Head Groundsman or Head of Estates
- To implement and maintain good work relationships and best team practices through necessary communication
- Ability to work unsupervised in the designed gardens/school areas
- Where necessary, provide guidance on garden development to the various Heads of Schools as directed by the Head of Estates
- Be aware of and report any security risks posed within the school
- To assist the wider estates team to support business needs as directed by line manager in any other duties commensurate with the role
- To comply with RGS policies and procedures.

**Working hours**: : 40 hours per week, between 8 am and 4.30 pm with some weekend working during term times to support with events.

**Holidays**: 25 days, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas to be taken at the Bursar’s discretion

**Clothing & Equipment**:
The school will provide any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for the job along with any work-related equipment and associated training.

**Medical**:
All employees of RGS Worcester are required to complete a medical questionnaire and declaration on commencing employment with the school. The school reserves the right to carry out further investigation into your medical condition depending upon the answers provided. This may involve a medical examination and/or contact with your doctor or health centre.

**DBS Screening**:
Employees of RGS Worcester need to undergo enhanced DBS. The outcome of this screening may have an effect on the employment of that person.

**Safeguarding Children**:
The post holder will be required to undertake Safeguarding Children training.

**References**:
**Employment history**:
In accordance with safer recruitment there is a requirement to provide a continuous employment or occupation history since leaving full time education.

**Probation**:
**Job Specification**:

- Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both written and verbally, and follow instructions - _Essential_
- Strong organisational skills and an ability to plan ahead the work schedule for the team - _Essential_
- A willingness to undertake any additional training needed to perform the role - _Essential_
- Ability to work without supervision or as part of a team, being flexible to changing demands of the job - _Essential_
- Reliable and trustworthy - _Essential_
- Must be in good health and able to carry out manual work for most of the working period, including manual handling - _Essential_
- Computer literate - _Desirable_
- Co-operative and friendly attitude to all school staff, visitors and pupils with a 'can do' attitude and positive outlook - _Essential_
- Experience of working in an education setting - _Desirable_
- Experience of line managing a team - _Essential_
- Practical awareness of Health and Safety in relation to the role and of the need to work safely at all times and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when appropriate - _Essential_
- Sound knowledge of horticultural skills - _Essential_
- Clean driving licence with Category D1 - _Desirable_
- GCSE level of study or equivalent - _Essential_
- RHS, Gardeners Guild, City & Guild, or equivalent qualifications in horticulture - _Desirable_

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

Work Location: In