Gardener (maternity cover) (full-time, temporary

Full time, Temporary to cover maternity leave

£26,707 per annum

Newnham College wishes to recruit an experienced gardener to join the College Gardening team on a full-time basis to cover maternity leave in the department. This role is likely to start in August/September 2026 and will continue until the current incumbent returns from maternity leave. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to work with a team of gardening professionals, tending, preserving and developing the College’s 18 acres of landscaped gardens, playing fields and outdoor public spaces in an historic and beautiful setting.

The annual salary for this post is paid at point 28 on the University’s single salary spine, the current value for which is £26,707 per annum. The normal working week is 8.00 – 4.00pm, Monday to Friday but some flexibility is expected as there will be occasional weekend and evening work. As well as the opportunity to grow and develop on a professional level, the College offers a range of benefits to its employees including

• access to an attractive contributory pension scheme
• holiday entitlement of 33 days per year inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata for a part year)
• your Birthday off as an additional day of paid leave
• a free meal when on duty
• free car parking
• free use of the College’s gym facilities
• access to the College’s Healthcare plan Medicash after a successful probation period

The extensive gardens which are a well-used and much-loved asset of the College’s amenities comprise many trees, shrubs, formal planted areas, meadow, vegetables, flowers, footpaths, ponds and playing fields. The successful candidate will be expected to have some professional gardening or landscaping experience and ideally a recognised qualification in horticulture or equivalent. They will be familiar with maintaining and operating garden tools and machinery and be willing and able to undertake the work which at times can be physically strenuous and undertake working outside in all weathers.

The occasional handling of chemicals and pesticides and working at height are also requirements of the job.

Newnham College is an equal opportunities employer.