Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5pm)
This role is subject to Safer Recruitment checks with Enhanced DBS and reference checks before employment can begin.
Overview
Responsible for maintaining the College grounds to a high standard, the Gardener will ensure that all outdoor areas provide a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors. The role involves overseeing the upkeep of six buildings across three local locations in Folkestone, managing the day-to-day care of gardens, landscaped areas, and external spaces to ensure they remain well-presented and reflect the high standards of the College.
Duties
- Maintain all lawns, gardens, borders, hedges, shrubs, trees, and planted areas to a high standard.
- Carry out regular mowing, edging, pruning, weeding, planting, watering, and seasonal maintenance.
- Ensure all pathways, entrances, and outdoor areas are clean, tidy, safe, and presentable throughout the year.
- Undertake seasonal planting programmes and contribute ideas to enhance the appearance of the College grounds.
- Monitor the health of plants, trees, and lawns, identifying and treating pests, diseases, and weeds where appropriate.
- Carry out leaf clearance and winter maintenance as required.
- Operate and maintain gardening equipment safely and responsibly.
- Plan and organise daily work independently, prioritising tasks across the school's three sites.
- Report any maintenance issues, hazards, or health and safety concerns to the appropriate manager.
- Work in accordance with the College's health and safety policies and safeguarding procedures.
Person Specification
- Proven experience in professional gardening, horticulture, or grounds maintenance.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage your own workload effectively.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Good knowledge of horticultural practices and seasonal grounds maintenance.
- Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
- Reliable, hardworking, and able to work in all weather conditions.
- Good communication skills and a positive, professional attitude.
Working Arrangements
- A small amount of travel between sites is required during the working day.
- The successful candidate must have access to their own car.
- All gardening equipment, tools, and petrol costs incurred while travelling between school sites will be provided by the school.
Pay: £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
Application question(s):
- Do you have access to your own vehicle on a daily basis?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person