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- Tasks: Lead a team to create and maintain stunning gardens at a prestigious school.
- Company: Join a supportive maintenance team at a renowned independent school.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in creating beautiful outdoor spaces for students and staff.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture and relevant qualifications are preferred.
- Other info: Full-time role with a commitment to safeguarding children.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a hands-on Head Gardener to join an established and supportive Maintenance team at a prestigious independent school in Hertfordshire. The Head Gardener will be responsible for the day-to-day care, management, and development of the school’s gardens and grounds, which are maintained to a high standard to provide an attractive, safe, and welcoming environment for pupils, staff, parents, and visitors throughout the year.
Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise a small team of two gardeners in a practical, hands-on capacity.
- Plan and deliver the annual horticultural and grounds maintenance programme, ensuring work is completed efficiently and to a high standard.
- Create and maintain high-quality seasonal displays and landscaped areas that enhance the school site.
- Perform a wide range of horticultural tasks (weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, lawn care, hedge and shrub maintenance) and contribute to ongoing improvements of landscaped areas.
- Safely operate and maintain horticultural machinery and equipment.
- Adapt work schedules to seasonal and weather conditions and work closely with the wider estates and maintenance team.
Qualifications
- Previous experience in horticulture, ideally in a large, high-profile, or similarly demanding environment.
- Relevant horticultural qualifications, including NPTC PA1 and PA6a pesticide certificates and an NVQ in Amenity Horticulture or an equivalent qualification, would be advantageous.
- A full UK driving licence is essential, with Category C1 or equivalent desirable.
- Ability to manage a changing workload with a flexible, proactive, and organised approach.
Additional Information
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will undergo child protection screening and safer recruitment checks appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Generous holiday entitlement and access to a contributory pension scheme.
SALARY: ÂŁ37,500 (circa, depending on experience)
LOCATION: Hertfordshire
How to Apply
If this vacancy is of interest, please click “Apply for job” below or contact Jay Rimell by telephone at 01233 733510 or by email at info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
To apply for this role you will need a Candidate Registration.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this vacancy. Due to high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to every inquiry. If you have not heard from us within 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.
Head Gardener in St Albans employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, visit the school’s grounds before applying. Familiarise yourself with the space and think about how you’d enhance it. This shows genuine interest and gives you a leg up in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school or similar institutions. They might share insights that could help you tailor your approach and stand out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your previous work in horticulture. Include photos of gardens you've managed or projects you've led. This visual evidence can really impress during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who are ready to make a difference in our gardens.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for maintaining beautiful landscapes.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Head Gardener role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily see how you fit into our team and what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, seasonal care, and maintenance techniques that are relevant to the school’s gardens. This shows your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Head Gardener, you'll be leading a small team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or supervised others in previous roles. Highlight your ability to motivate and organise a team to achieve high standards.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The job requires adapting to changing workloads and weather conditions. Be prepared to share experiences where you’ve had to adjust your plans or approach due to unforeseen circumstances. This will show your proactive nature.
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with the safe operation of horticultural machinery and equipment. Be ready to discuss any relevant certifications you hold, like the NPTC PA1 and PA6a pesticide certificates, as well as your commitment to safety in the workplace.
