Gardener (Live in)

With 1450 acres of land, we consider the outside areas of Eton College to be equally as important as the classrooms, particularly with all the Sports and Co-curricular activities available to the students. We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, versatile, flexible and experienced Gardener to join the large, supportive team to tend to all the grounds and outside areas of the College, with all the due care and consideration they deserve.

In this role you will be responsible for the cultivation and maintenance of areas around Eton College and in addition you will also be responsible for the caretaking of the property and estate at Boveney Court. Working under the guidance of the Gardens Supervisor and Deputy Grounds Manager/Grounds Manager/Property Manager you will help deliver seasonal garden plans, ensuring outdoor spaces reflect the high standards of Eton College along with supporting lettings and events. Your time would be split spending four days a week working at Eton College and one day a week at Boveney Court. Due to the nature of the role additional works would be required outside of your normal working hours to support the running of Boveney Court. This is a ‘live-in’ role, meaning you will live in accommodation within College, this will be in the form of two-bedroom accommodation.

Benefits Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

Main Duties

• Gardening – reporting to Gardens Supervisor/Deputy Grounds Manager/Grounds Manager.
• Day to day cultivation and maintenance of gardens and formal areas.
• Maintenance including pruning, weeding, planting, mowing, fertilising, spraying, hedge cutting and leaf collection.
• Plant and tree identification; identification and control of weeds, pests and diseases.
• Prepare grounds for new and existing planting schemes.
• Driving work‑related vehicles such as utility buggies and tractors.
• Operate, set up and maintain automated mowers.
• Maintain front‑of‑house areas (pavements, roadways, driveways, bins, etc.) and keep areas weed‑free.
• Safe use and operation of equipment and machinery used in horticultural maintenance.
• Adhere to current Health and Safety legislation and best practice as per the College’s Health and Safety Policy.
• Take personal responsibility for safety, including the well‑being of colleagues and visitors, and report hazards or defective equipment.
• Carry out specific projects as directed and undertake any other duties reasonably required of the post.

Caretaking

• Reports to the Property Manager and checks the property and estate after a letting for damage, cleanliness, missing items, etc.
• Monitors heating and water systems and general utilities for faults when properties are un‑occupied.
• Dealing with urgent problems such as alarms, heating issues, lock‑outs, etc.
• Calling and meeting emergency tradespeople (plumbers and electricians).
• Ensures patios and hard standing areas are kept weed‑free and treated with a biocide at least once a year.
• Ensures driveway is kept weed‑free and doors, gates and out‑buildings are secure.
• Provides presence on site to deter trespassers and assists with check‑in and check‑out after 4 pm or on weekends.
• Serves as the emergency contact Monday‑Friday after 4 pm and on weekends.
• Monitors septic tank level and reports to the Property Manager when attention is required.
• Inspects the estate after storms and reports any issues.
• Reports all major maintenance issues, occupancy issues and guest concerns to the Property Manager.

Working Pattern

Working 37.5 hours per week, 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday, with a 30‑minute unpaid lunch break. Working 52 weeks per year. When a bank holiday falls within a school term period, this is considered to be a working day and a day off in lieu will be given.

The Ideal Candidate

• Good general knowledge of horticulture.
• National/Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 2 in Horticulture or BTEC First Diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant gardening experience.
• NP TCPA 1 and PA 6 spraying certificate.
• Valid UK manual driving licence.
• Basic tree survey qualification is desirable.
• Experience working with automated mowing desirable.

About The College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio‑economic background.

Applications and Disclosure

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS: Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including reference checks, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service, an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to apply for a position at the College.