At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain stunning gardens and amenity areas while using modern horticultural practices.
- Company: Charterhouse School, surrounded by beautiful woodland and rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and a chance to work in a vibrant environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and grow your skills in a supportive setting.
- Why this job: Get your hands dirty and nurture plants while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: A can-do attitude; previous gardening experience is a plus but not essential.
Location: Godalming, Surrey
Salary: £26,450 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Close Date: 18th May 2026
To undertake the day-to-day maintenance of gardens and amenity areas, in line with the maintenance plan and to ensure high standards are achieved. Our stunning grounds covering 250 acres includes ornamental lawns, sports pitches, mixed shrub and herbaceous borders, walled old headmasters garden, formal David Austin rose garden and plant nursery all surrounded by beautiful woodland. The gardening department grow most of the plants found around the site from seeds and cuttings collected from the grounds in a purpose-built plant nursery comprising of 6 glasshouses and a large tropical greenhouse.
Overall Purpose and Responsibilities:
- To undertake routine preparation and maintenance of gardens and amenity areas, using sound horticultural practices to ensure the grounds are highly presentable at all times.
- To undertake a wide range of manual horticultural operations, including plant selection, propagation, cultivation, planting and nursery work.
- To operate a range of modern turf machinery, ensuring vehicles and equipment are regularly maintained.
- To operate a range of powered hand tools such as strimmers, hedge cutters and lawn mowers.
- To safely move material and plants around the estate.
- To undertake a range of horticultural operations such as spreading of fertilisers and weed control.
- To maintain hedges around the estate.
- In autumn/winter ensure leaves are cleared and disposed of.
- To clear snow and apply salt in icy conditions during the winter months.
- To undertake a range of tree and woodland maintenance operations.
- To maintain and repair boundary and internal fencing as required.
General Duties:
- To communicate effectively with school management, pupils and the general public with tact, diplomacy and patience.
- To inform the line manager when products and materials are low for ordering.
- To work in a team or independently depending on the tasks in hand.
Additional Duties:
- To demonstrate awareness of health and safety for the individual and others, and to have a sound knowledge of appropriate PUWER and LOLER procedures.
- To ensure the safe use, storage, calibration and disposal of pesticides and other similar substances (COSHH regulations).
- To ensure work area is kept clean, tidy and secure at all times.
- To maintain an accurate log of HAV’s usage.
- To carry out machinery risk assessment as per procedures in place.
- To keep up to date knowledge of Health & Safety legislation.
- To attend any mandatory training as required.
Relevant Experience/Knowledge & Technical Competencies:
- Essential: A can-do attitude and a readiness to work.
- Desirable: Previous experience of working in a commercial gardening capacity; hold a recognised qualification; basic Health and Safety training; previous experience of working within a school or college; previous experience of working in a horticultural environment; some knowledge and a genuine interest in herbaceous plants, shrubs, basic pruning techniques, and the ability to identify weeds.
Qualifications Desirable:
- Qualifications and/or training in the use of powered machinery, COSHH, manual handling (training can be given if required).
- Spraying qualification Pa1 and Pa6.
- Good standard of education, numeracy and literacy.
To Apply: If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for the Charterhouse School, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.
Gardener in Godalming employer: Charterhouse
Charterhouse School offers a unique opportunity for gardeners to thrive in a stunning 250-acre estate, featuring diverse horticultural environments and a supportive work culture. Employees benefit from hands-on experience in plant propagation, access to modern equipment, and a commitment to professional growth through training and development. Join a passionate team dedicated to maintaining beautiful grounds while enjoying the rich history and natural beauty of Godalming, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Godalming
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the place! Before your interview, take a stroll around the grounds if you can. Familiarising yourself with the gardens and their unique features will help you stand out and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! During the interview, be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with gardening tools and techniques. Whether it's pruning or plant propagation, let them know how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! Don’t hesitate to ask about their maintenance plans or specific gardening practices they follow. This shows you're engaged and eager to contribute to their beautiful grounds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for working at Charterhouse School right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Godalming
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening:When writing your application, let us see your love for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm and knowledge about plants and horticulture.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities listed, like your experience with plant propagation or using turf machinery.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate a straightforward approach! Keep your application clear and to the point, ensuring it’s easy for us to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your skills and experiences stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charterhouse
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your knowledge of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and basic pruning techniques. Being able to identify different plants and discuss their care will show your genuine interest and expertise in gardening.
✨Showcase Your Experience
If you have previous experience in a commercial gardening role or within a school environment, be sure to highlight this during the interview. Share specific examples of tasks you've undertaken, especially those related to plant propagation and maintenance.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to gardening, such as COSHH and PUWER. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safe practices when using powered machinery and handling chemicals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the gardening department's practices, the types of plants grown, or the maintenance plan. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.
