Gardener / Groundskeeper

Job summary

The post-holder will be required to carry out duties including hedge cutting, lawn mowing, path and road sweeping, along with general grounds maintenance, and operation of the department's range of gardening equipment

Main duties of the job

The post-holder is responsible for carrying out a full range of grounds and gardening duties to ensure a high standard of grounds maintenance at all Trust premises, and from time to time, other premises as directed. He/she may be required to work on their own or as part of a team, and should be able to work with the minimum of supervision.

Grounds Maintenance Operatives holding a full, valid driving licence must be prepared to drive any Trust vehicles (not HGV's) used by the department as part of the provision of a gardens service. Training will be provided if necessary.

About us

We are passionate about providing the very best care to the people we support, and we're looking for amazing people who share this passion to join us.

What is it that makes our Trust such a special place to work? Well, it's all about the people. Our staff, service users, carers and families all come from such diverse backgrounds and all have expertise and stories to share.

It's important that you feel supported in your role, that the people who you work with are as passionate as you are and that your health and wellbeing is taken care of

If you're interested in developing your career, you'll have access to a range of training and education opportunities, including apprenticeships, work experience and placements, as well as the chance to get involved in research.

We are all very proud of the difference we make to people's lives each and every day and if that's something that you'd like to be part of we'd love to have you with us.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Principal Duties

To dig, hoe, manure, planet out, stake and tie plants. To cut lay and maintain turf. To maintain herbaceous rose and other pleasure gardens including propagation and pruning of plants, ornamental flowering trees and shrubs. To treat common plant diseases and pests, as advised by the Team Leader or Gardens Advisor. To use, and assist with the maintenance and servicing of gardening equipment and machinery. To undertake sweeping, snow clearing, gritting etc. to drives, footpaths or other paved areas, reporting defects and identifiable hazards. During periods of inclement weather, be willing to work extra hours to ensure sufficient snow clearing/gritting is carried out at agreed priority locations. Be committed to working as a member of the Estate Services gardening team and accept a portion of responsibility for ensuring a quality, cost-effective service is provided for the estate users. Be responsible for carrying out all duties in accordance with current Health and Safety at Work legislation or any other statutory requirements, notifying their line manager of any task which they believe is not covered in their Health and Safety manual. Establish good working relationships with all points of contact with estate users. Be responsible for the security of any gardening equipment allocated for use, returning and securing it at an agreed base at the end of the working day. Reporting any defects in equipment to the Gardens Team Leader. Leave all work sites in a tidy and safe condition, dispose of any rubbish etc. according to agreed procedures. Be prepared to assist maintenance staff from time to time, to ensure the smooth running of the estate. To undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade, which may be allocated from time-to- time. Person Specification

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

oAble to work as part of a team and also work alone without direct supervision.

Desirable

oWilling to drive/learn to drive tractors, vehicles with trailers, Land Rovers, snow ploughs etc.

Training and Qualifications

Essential

oAny horticultural-related qualifications, NVQs, City and Guilds etc

Desirable

Health and Safety Knowledge

Experience

Essential

oPrevious experience of other gardening work in a similar environment

Desirable

oAble to participate in out-of-hours gritting services, if required

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