Head Gardener and Sustainability Educator in London

We are looking for a committed, experienced and passionate gardener with strong knowledge to assist in the maintenance, development and improvement of the School’s gardens, organic kitchen garden and greenhouse by producing high-quality work that creates excellent visual impact for pupils, parents, visitors and staff, while also supporting children to develop a sense of stewardship, responsibility and enjoyment in caring for the natural world. Liberty Woodland School is an outdoor independent school for pupils aged 4 to 16yrs. Our mission is to develop children who will be those most likely to succeed in the 21st century through our strong focus on future oriented skills and attributes, including environmental responsibility, sustainability and connection to the natural world.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Develop and implement a detailed garden maintenance plan that includes weeding, pruning, planting, and watering to ensure that the gardens and grounds are always in excellent condition (no chemicals to be used), modelling sustainable, organic and regenerative gardening practices.
• Manage the planting, propagation and cultivation of all plants, shrubs, trees and flowers in the garden and greenhouse, ensuring that they are healthy and thriving and supporting pupils to understand seasonal growing cycles and plant care.
• Encourage students to use the herbs, fruit, vegetables and cut flowers, fostering pride, curiosity and enjoyment in growing and harvesting produce.
• Help develop, promote and manage an Environmental Strategy to include increasing the Biodiversity within the site with opportunities for pupils to engage meaningfully in biodiversity, habitat creation and environmental stewardship.
• Plan and oversee the design and layout of the gardens and outdoor spaces to ensure that they look attractive, and are functional and practical including spaces that invite exploration, learning and playful engagement with nature.
• Operating and maintaining hand tools, such as loppers, saws and shovels efficiently and demonstrating safe, respectful tool use to pupils where appropriate.
• Keeping grounds free from litter, and debris, and emptying rubbish receptacles.
• Carry out specific projects as directed including seasonal, sustainability-focused or pupil-led initiatives.
• Clearing snow as well as gritting the drive, paths and any areas to which pupils, visitors or staff have access.
• Carry out composting, supporting pupils to understand waste reduction, soil health and closed-loop systems.

NATURE OF ROLE

• This is a full-time role.
• Working hours will be from 8.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
• The role includes regular, informal interaction with pupils and staff, embedding learning through shared work, conversation and hands-on experience rather than formal classroom teaching.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job related skills and knowledge

• A strong knowledge and vision of horticulture.
• Good communication and inter-personal skills, including the ability to engage positively with children of different ages.
• Creativity and ability to find solutions to difficult problems.
• Appropriate knowledge and training to meet the requirements of the position.
• Ability to promote the image of the School through an articulate and confident approach.
• Organisational ability; to be systematic; efficient; meet deadlines and priorities.

Experience

• Proven track record in a similar role.
• Work well in a team.
• High personal and professional standards.
• Demonstrate the ability to enthuse and encourage others through shared purpose and enjoyment of outdoor work.

Other requirements

• A good standard of general education.
• Flexibility, motivated, ability to work unsupervised.
• Physically agile and dextrous.
• The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and to meet the School’s safer recruitment requirements.
• Willingness to take part in the wider life of the School.

Salary – Based on Experience - £26,000-£30,000. Holiday entitlement 33 days per annum including 8 Bank Holidays. Due to the nature of the role, annual leave is expected to be taken during school holiday periods. Term-time leave will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and with prior approval.