At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Grounds Team to maintain and enhance beautiful school gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Company: The Oratory School, dedicated to creating a safe and inspiring environment for students.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a supportive community.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that supports young learners and contributes to their educational experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for gardening and teamwork; experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 17550 - 17550 € per year.
The Grounds Team plays a vital role in ensuring that the school’s outdoor environment is safe, welcoming and well maintained for pupils, staff and visitors. The team is responsible for the day-to-day care, presentation and upkeep of the school grounds, contributing positively to the overall appearance and reputation of the school. Working collaboratively, the team maintains a wide range of outdoor areas including sports pitches, play spaces, gardens, pathways and car parks. Tasks include grass cutting, seasonal planting, hedge and tree maintenance, litter management, basic landscaping, and support with snow and ice clearance when required. The team also assists with the preparation and maintenance of outdoor areas for school events and activities. Health and safety, safeguarding and environmental awareness are central to the team’s work. The Grounds Maintenance Team operates in line with school policies, safe working practices and relevant legislation, ensuring that outdoor spaces remain safe, clean and fit for purpose at all times. The team take pride in maintaining high standards while supporting the educational environment and the wider school community.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a skilled and enthusiastic Gardener to help maintain and enhance our school grounds, providing a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for our pupils and staff. The role of Gardener is to work with the Grounds team in carrying out a varied range of gardening duties, to help maintain and improve the gardens and grounds at the Oratory School. Join us in making a difference in the lives of young learners!
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- All general gardening responsibilities; including the planting of trees, shrubs, bulbs, hanging baskets and seasonal flower displays.
- Soil cultivation, digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, litter and debris clearing, edging, pruning, seed sowing, bed preparation and planting.
- Monitoring the health of plants and pest control.
- Plant propagation and greenhouse management.
- Preparation and maintenance of hanging baskets and pots.
- Operation and care of garden machinery and tools.
- Occasional weekend work like open mornings.
This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the role. It is not exhaustive. The postholder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the seniority of the role and the needs of the School.
SALARY
Salary - £17,550.00 pro rata
HOURS
5 mornings per week/ 25 hours per week, all year round.
SAFEGUARDING AND COMPLIANCE
Uphold and implement the School’s safeguarding policies and procedures. Promote a culture of vigilance and pupil welfare. Report any safeguarding concerns promptly in line with School procedures.
The Oratory Schools Association Registered Charity No 309112 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers, online and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exception Order 1975, 213, 2020.
Gardener in Reading employer: Catholic Independent Schools
The Oratory School offers a nurturing and collaborative work environment where the Grounds Team plays a crucial role in creating a safe and inspiring outdoor space for students and staff. As a Gardener, you will enjoy the satisfaction of enhancing the school's grounds while benefiting from a supportive culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a commitment to safeguarding and environmental awareness, this position not only allows you to contribute to the school community but also provides opportunities for meaningful engagement with young learners.
Contact Detail:
Catholic Independent Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its grounds! Before your interview, take a stroll around the outdoor areas. Familiarise yourself with the gardens, sports pitches, and any special features. This will show your genuine interest and help you chat confidently about how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your gardening skills! Bring along photos or a portfolio of your previous work. Whether it’s a stunning flower display or a well-maintained garden, visuals can really make an impact and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss teamwork! The Grounds Team works closely together, so be prepared to share examples of how you’ve collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate and support others in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and the team there. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join our Oratory family!
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening:When you're writing your application, let us see your love for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight relevant experience in tasks like planting, pruning, and maintaining garden machinery. We want to know how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our Grounds Team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Catholic Independent Schools
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss different types of plants, their care requirements, and any experience you have with seasonal planting or pest control. This shows your passion and expertise in gardening.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with the Grounds Team, highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles, especially in maintaining outdoor spaces or during school events.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with health and safety practices related to gardening. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure a safe working environment, especially when using garden machinery or handling chemicals. This will demonstrate your commitment to safety and compliance.
✨Bring Your Own Ideas
Think about how you can enhance the school's outdoor environment. Prepare some ideas for improving the gardens or grounds, whether it's new planting schemes or maintenance techniques. This shows initiative and a genuine interest in contributing to the school community.
