Gardening Assistant

If you’re looking for a rewarding and fulfilling role where you can make a tangible difference through gardening, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Our client has a hidden disability due to a brain injury, which affects his ability to consistently plan and engage with his passion for nature and gardening.

This role is unique in that you’ll work closely with the client (and his carer) to develop a welcoming outdoor space together. In doing so, you’ll support the client’s physical health, enhance his well-being, and create social opportunities by fostering his love for sustainable, nature-friendly gardening.

**About the Role**

Gardens require care, dedication, and attention. In this role, you’ll help co-develop a new outdoor space, carry out everyday practical tasks, and ensure the space remains at its best.

Day-to-Day Activities Include:

- Supporting the planning of gardening schedules throughout the year and working with the client to implement new projects.
- Developing a kitchen garden, sensory garden, wildlife-friendly planting areas, and sustainable gardening features such as compost heaps and water butts.
- Helping the client build knowledge and skills by working closely together and finding inspiration from short courses, local gardens, and garden centres.
- Carrying out general handyman tasks, particularly in the quieter winter months. DIY skills, such as mending, painting structures, and organising sheds, would be a distinct advantage.
- Maintaining a good level of fitness and a willingness to work in all weather conditions.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Assist in planning and developing an outdoor space.
- Perform regular groundskeeping tasks, including mowing, trimming, and edging the lawn.
- Carry out general garden maintenance, such as watering, weeding, hedge cutting, raking, and deadheading.
- Grow and plant flowers, plants, and vegetables.
- Safely operate power and hand tools for various maintenance tasks.
- Build and maintain structures such as fences, pathways, or garden beds as required.
- Dig holes for planting or other landscaping needs.
- Conduct routine inspections to identify areas needing attention, improvement, or repair.
- Collaborate with the client to carry out these tasks both together and independently.

**Qualifications & Personal Attributes**:

- Previous experience in garden maintenance (qualifications in the field are preferable).
- Knowledge of different plant species.
- Interest in and understanding of nature-friendly gardening, particularly its benefits for wildlife, health, and well-being.
- Physical stamina to perform manual work in various weather conditions.
- Strong time management skills to plan and prioritise tasks effectively, while supporting the client in this area.

**Experience & Skills Required**:

- A clear enhanced DBS certificate.
- A person-centred, non-judgemental approach to supporting a disabled person, with respect for their dignity and privacy.
- A full, clean driving licence.

**Hours, Rate of Pay & Benefits**:

- Role-based at the client’s home, with occasional trips into the community (e.g., visiting garden centres and places of horticultural interest).
- Flexible schedule
- 7 hours per week
- Hourly rate: £13.25 per hour.
- Workdays: Thursday or Friday, between 12-6 pm (negotiable).
- Holiday: Bank holidays plus flexible annual leave.
- Relaxed work environment where you will be valued
- Please send a covering letter with your CV_

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

Pay: £13.25 per hour

Expected hours: 7 per week

**Benefits**:

- Flexitime
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- No weekends

**Experience**:

- Gardening: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: MKG02