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- Tasks: Lead a team to create stunning gardens and maintain beautiful grounds.
- Company: St Albans School, renowned for academic excellence and a supportive environment.
- Benefits: 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday, with a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a vibrant school community while enjoying nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening, team leadership, and relevant horticultural certifications required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
St Albans School is a leading independent day school with an outstanding reputation for academic excellence. We are looking to recruit a Head Gardener to join our established Maintenance team. Leading and supervising a team of two gardeners, the Head Gardener is responsible for the preparation and implementation of annual horticultural works, delivering high quality seasonal gardens and grounds.
Duties include numerous gardening activities to maintain the landscaping, hedges, shrubs, lawns and planters. Previous gardener/ground maintenance experience with responsibility for a large site is essential along with the ability to demonstrate a wide range of horticultural skills and knowledge.
The successful candidate will hold NPTC level PA1 and PA6a certificates, a current driving licence with category C1 or equivalent and ideally an NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent. Experience of supervising and leading a team would be advantageous.
The position is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The gardening team’s workload is heavily reliant on the weather and so the ability to deal with a constantly varying workload is essential, as is a flexible and adaptable approach.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must therefore be willing to undergo child protection screening and safer recruitment checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
St Albans School is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and the creation of an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment selections are made according to suitability for the post, irrespective of background or protected characteristic. The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.
Head Gardener in St Albans employer: Coast and Vale Learning Trust
Contact Detail:
Coast and Vale Learning Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its grounds! Research St Albans School, its values, and its gardening style. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff if you can. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the team dynamics and what they really value in a Head Gardener. Plus, it might just give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role is all about hands-on gardening skills, be ready to demonstrate your horticultural knowledge and techniques. Brush up on your plant care and landscaping skills before the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Horticultural Skills: Make sure to highlight your gardening experience and any specific horticultural skills you possess. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head Gardener, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this position. Mention how your previous roles have prepared you for leading a team and managing a large site. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their experience with what we’re looking for.
Be Ready for Flexibility: Since the gardening workload can change with the weather, it’s a good idea to mention your adaptability in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully managed varying workloads in the past – it’ll show us you’re the right fit for our dynamic environment!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as we might fill the position before the closing date. Get your application in through our website and make sure you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coast and Vale Learning Trust
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, gardening techniques, and seasonal maintenance tasks. Showing that you understand the nuances of landscaping will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since you'll be supervising a team, prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Talk about how you managed workloads, resolved conflicts, or motivated your team during challenging weather conditions.
✨Show Flexibility and Adaptability
The role requires dealing with varying workloads due to weather changes. Be prepared to share experiences where you adapted your plans or strategies to meet unexpected challenges in your previous gardening roles.
✨Understand the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with St Albans School's commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these values in your role as Head Gardener, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all.
