Senior Gardener

PART I: ABOUT THE GROUNDS AND GARDENS DEPARTMENT

Winchester College has an exciting opportunity to appoint a Senior Gardener starting as soon as possible.

The department consists of 10 staff which includes the:

• Head Groundsperson
• Deputy Grounds person
• Head Gardener
• 2 Senior Gardeners
• 3 Grounds Staff
• 1 Gardener
• 1 Grounds Assistant

The Head Grounds person is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Department and reports to the Estates Bursar who is the Head of Department. This position reports to the Head Grounds person and Head Gardener.

The Senior Gardener will be required to work closely with the Head Gardener to ensure day to day maintenance is carried out to the very highest of standards as well as creating and carrying out work programs within the College formal gardens. Sound Horticultural knowledge is essential for the application of tasks unsupervised.

PART II: ROLE AND RESPONSIBLITIES OF THE SENIOR GARDENER

Key Responsibilities

The following summary of duties is not an exhaustive list, but is intended to help the successful applicant in their understanding of the breadth of responsibilities expected. These include:

• High presentation and attention to detail is essential, using the correct techniques in pruning, plant care and maintenance to ensure our gardens look their best all year catering for day to day college life along with the vast array of events that brings
• Applying a practical knowledge of gardening skills to care for the existing gardens that range from formal quads, medieval gardens through to modern planting, including the Head Masters and the Wardens Garden
• Have experience in all aspects of pruning and caring for shrubs, roses and perennials
• An interest in garden design or a willingness to learn are needed for our ongoing garden development plan with continuous improvements, this is achieved through planning, design and planting
• Propagate and obtain plants as required, locating and developing contacts with local nurseries and specialist suppliers
• Undertake tours of the gardens and plan for Garden Open Days
• To be able to work on their own initiative and in all weathers and being flexible with working hours to meet the college requirements
• Good physical fitness and the willingness from heights
• Proven ability to operate garden machinery
• Spraying qualifications required PA1 and PA6

PART III: PERSON SPECIFICATION AND KEY QUALITIES

It is essential that the successful applicant has/is:

• Established horticultural skills
• Honesty and reliability
• Self-motivation
• Good organisational ability
• Be capable of working under pressure and on their own initiative as required
• Have an awareness of Health and Safety and a willingness to undergo appropriate training where needed
• Be able to work within a team as well as individually
• Enjoy working in a school environment
• Have good Interpersonal and communication skills
• Full driving license
• Horticultural qualifications such as RHS Level 3 and equivalent are desired but not necessary

Flexibility: All staff will be expected to accept reasonable flexibility in working arrangements and the allocation of duties to reflect the Dynamic roles and responsibilities within the college environment.

For the full job description, please visit here: Winchester College | Senior Gardener