Gardener, York Gate

Overall Purpose

Responsible for the care, cultivation and maintenance of the garden.

Key responsibilities and Duties

• To undertake a comprehensive range of gardening tasks to a high standard under the general direction of the Garden Manager, including but not limited to:
  • Planting and pruning
  • Grass cutting, digging, hoeing, pond maintenance and general maintenance
  • Propagation
  • Hedge, shrub, small tree and topiary maintenance
  • Garden pest and disease control
  • Input and support for re-design and planting schemes
  • Assisting in the planning and implementation of improvements and replanting in consultation with the Garden Manager
  • Undertaking routine maintenance of equipment in accordance with procedures
  • Having a strong working knowledge of ornamental plants including identification of both Latin and common names (note: the garden is not labelled)
• To take responsibility for the maintenance and general running of the nursery and plant sales area – including volunteers – in the absence of the nursery staff
• To supervise and where necessary train volunteers to ensure delivery of work
• To support the opening of the garden, including but not limited to:
  • Receiving and helping the public by occasionally working on the admissions, shop/refreshments, or plant sales
  • Responding positively and knowledgeably to queries from the public and providing interpretation, including leading groups and dealing with the media on a local level
  • Participating in special openings, events etc.
• To provide cover for other gardening staff due to holiday or absence, including deputising for the Senior Gardener as Head of Site during his/her absence
• To adhere to all relevant policies such as those relating to Health & Safety at all times
• To undertake other duties within the broad scope of the job as may be required by the line manager

Person Specification

(E = essential; D = desirable)

Experience

• 3 years of experience working in a garden open to the public (E)
• Great plant knowledge (D)

Skills

• Exceptional topiary skills (E)
• Team player with the ability to work autonomously as and when required (E)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and motivational skills (E)
• Passion for sharing plant knowledge with others (E)

Education and Training

• Trained in multiple power tolls, especially hedge cutters, strimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaw, ride-on mower (E)
• Trained to Level 3 RHS qualification or equivalent experience (E)
• Full, clean driving license (D)
• Spraying certificate PA1/PA6 (D)
  

Key Terms and Conditions

Full information on terms and conditions are contained within a Staff Handbook, issued upon appointment. Enquiries on specific matters are welcomed – the following are the key issues.

Location: York Gate Garden, Adel, Leeds LS16 8DW

Salary: c£24,000 + benefits

Hours of work: Full-time 37.5 hours per week

Pension: up to 7% employer’s contribution to matched employee contribution to the charity’s stakeholder pension.

Holidays: 25 days per annum plus Bank holidays

General: Sick pay; death in service benefit (3 x salary); Perennial has a number of well- established flexible working policies including ‘buying’ extra (unpaid) leave, time off for dependents, variations to normal working hours.

General Considerations: All posts within the Charity are subject to a probationary period (6 months) and periodic review.

Smoking: The Charity operates a non-smoking/vaping policy on its premises and in company vehicles.
The outline of terms and conditions are provided for information only and do not represent a contract

Closing date: 31 January, interviews will be held on 27 and 28 February.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive sufficient applications.