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 supportive team and enjoy opportunities for growth in horticulture.
- Why this job: Get your hands dirty and nurture plants in a picturesque setting while learning valuable skills.
- Qualifications: A can-do attitude; previous gardening experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 26450 - 26450 € per year.
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. This facility offers the chance to get involved with the whole plant propagation process and seeing the plants develop to reaching full maturity out on site. As well as growing our own plants we also offer plants for sale to the whole Charterhouse community.
The old headmasters garden features a large herbaceous border planted in the style of the local famous garden designer Gertrude Jekyll as well as a summer house designed by Edwin Lutyens famous for designing the Cenotaph war memorial in London. There are also 2 large historical borders planted in cottage garden style made famous by the practical gardener and journalist William Robinson.
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, of a physical nature, to include plant selection, propagation, cultivation, planting and nursery work.
- To operate a range of modern turf machinery, ensuring vehicles and equipment used by yourself and others are regularly maintained, in accordance with routine operating requirements.
- 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 (granular or liquid) 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 and when required.
- To be able to communicate effectively with school management, pupils and general public with tact, diplomacy and patience.
- To inform the line manager when products and materials are low for ordering.
- To be able to work in a team or on your own depending on the tasks in hand.
- To demonstrate awareness of health and safety for the individual and all 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 HAVs usage.
- To carry out machinery risk assessment as per procedures in place (e.g. chainsaw risk assessment).
- To keep up to date knowledge of Health & Safety legislation.
- To attend any mandatory training as and when required.
- A can-do attitude and a readiness to work.
- 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 and/or training in the use of powered machinery, COSHH, manual handling although training can be given in these areas 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. Job in Godalming Education & Training Jobs employer: Charterhouse
Charterhouse School offers an exceptional working environment for gardeners, set within 250 acres of stunning grounds in Godalming. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, staff have the unique opportunity to engage in plant propagation and maintenance while enjoying a collaborative and supportive work culture. The school values health and safety, providing training and resources to ensure a safe and fulfilling workplace for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener. Job in Godalming Education & Training Jobs
✨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 show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Be ready to chat about your hands-on experience with gardening tools and techniques. Whether it’s pruning or plant propagation, let them know how you can contribute to keeping those stunning grounds in top shape.
✨Tip Number 3
Be a team player! Highlight your ability to work well with others, especially in a school environment. They’ll want to know you can communicate effectively with staff and students while maintaining those beautiful gardens.
✨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 you need about the role and the amazing grounds you could be working on!
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener. Job in Godalming Education & Training Jobs
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 mentioned, like 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. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and focus on what makes you a great fit.
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. Be ready to discuss your experience with plant propagation and how you can contribute to maintaining the stunning grounds.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with powered machinery and hand tools like strimmers and hedge cutters. If you've got any qualifications in these areas, make sure to highlight them during the interview!
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, think of examples where you've successfully worked in a team or independently. Show that you can communicate effectively with management and the public, as this will be crucial in maintaining the gardens.
✨Health & Safety Awareness
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to gardening. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safe practices when using pesticides and operating machinery, as this shows your commitment to a safe working environment.
