Gardener

Position: Gardener (Permanent)
Location: Caversham

Assistant Gardener

Location:

Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire

Contract:

Full-time, permanent

Hours:

Annualised (seasonal hours) + occasional Saturdays

Our client is seeking a passionate and hardworking Assistant Gardener to join their friendly and highly motivated Grounds Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who takes pride in creating and maintaining beautiful gardens and landscapes, and who enjoys working outdoors as part of a professional team.

The site estate spans 46 acres of stunning riverside grounds in rural Berkshire, featuring formal gardens, prestige sports pitches and extensive woodland. Our grounds are widely admired and enjoyed by pupils, parents and visitors, and they are proud of the exceptional standards they maintain.

Working hours are annualised to reflect seasonal daylight:

Autumn (Sept-Oct): 40 hours/week | 07:30-16:00

Winter (Nov-Mar): 37.5 hours/week | 08:00-16:00

Summer (Apr-Aug): 42.5 hours/week | 07:30-16:30

30-minute unpaid break each day

Occasional Saturday work (typically one weekend in three during the summer term) - paid overtime or time off in lieu provided

The team works from a purpose-built Grounds & Maintenance facility with modern workshops, storage and staff rest areas. You'll have access to a wide range of professional equipment, including tractors, specialist turf machinery and a modern fleet of handheld tools.

Your role as Assistant gardener:

You'll focus mainly on the maintenance and development of the site's formal gardens and amenity areas, with occasional support across sports fields and woodland areas.

Maintaining gardens and landscaped areas to the highest horticultural standards
Soil cultivation, planting, pruning, weeding, mulching and general garden care
Lawn care, hedge cutting and shrub maintenance
Use and basic maintenance of gardening machinery and hand tools
Weed control (chemical and mechanical)
Maintaining safe, tidy and secure working areas
Supporting estate presentation for school events and functions
Winter duties including gritting and snow clearance
Working safely and in line with Health & Safety legislation
Supporting the welfare and safeguarding of pupils

Skills required:

1-2 years' professional gardening experience
Excellent plant knowledge
Strong understanding of Health & Safety
Competent machine operator
Hard-working with strong attention to detail
Reliable, trustworthy and comfortable working outdoors in all weathers
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Good communication skills
Flexible and enthusiastic approach to work Desirable:

Horticulture Level 2 or Level 3 qualification (or equivalent)
Spraying certificates (PA1, PA6)
Full UK driving licence