Winchester College - Senior Gardener

Hampshire
Winchester College
Full-time

Summary

Winchester College has an exciting opportunity to appoint a Senior Gardener starting as soon as possible.

Detail

The Head Grounds person is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Department and reports to the Estates Bursar who is the Head of Department. This position reports to the Head Grounds person and Head Gardener.

The Senior Gardener will be required to work closely with the Head Gardener to ensure day to day maintenance is carried out to the very highest of standards as well as creating and carrying out work programs within the College formal gardens. Sound Horticultural knowledge is essential for the application of tasks unsupervised.

Key Responsibilities

The following summary of duties is not an exhaustive list, but is intended to help the successful applicant in their understanding of the breadth of responsibilities expected. These include:

High presentation and attention to detail is essential, using the correct techniques in pruning, plant care and maintenance to ensure our gardens look their best all year catering for day to day college life along with the vast array of events that brings
Applying a practical knowledge of gardening skills to care for the existing gardens that range from formal quads, medieval gardens through to modern planting, including the Head Masters and the Wardens Garden
Have experience in all aspects of pruning and caring for shrubs, roses and perennials
An interest in garden design or a willingness to learn are needed for our ongoing garden development plan with continuous improvements, this is achieved through planning, design and planting
Propagate and obtain plants as required, locating and developing contacts with local nurseries and specialist suppliers
Undertake tours of the gardens and plan for Garden Open Days
To be able to work on their own initiative and in all weathers and being flexible with working hours to meet the college requirements
Good physical fitness and the willingness from heights
Proven ability to operate garden machinery
Spraying qualifications required PA1 and PA6

Person Specification

It is essential that the successful applicant has/is:

Established horticultural skills
Honesty and reliability
Self-motivation
Good organisational ability
Be capable of working under pressure and on their own initiative as required
Have an awareness of Health and Safety and a willingness to undergo appropriate training where needed
Be able to work within a team as well as individually
Enjoy working in a school environment
Have good Interpersonal and communication skills
Full driving license
Horticultural qualifications such as RHS Level 3 and equivalent are desired but not necessary

Flexibility: All staff will be expected to accept reasonable flexibility in working arrangements and the allocation of duties to reflect the Dynamic roles and responsibilities within the college environment.

For the full job description and terms, please visit here: Winchester College | Senior Gardener

How to Apply

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted.

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm Monday 28th April 2025

APPLY HERE

Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint prior to the closing date.

Those wishing for an informal conversation about this role are invited to contact Dave Rustell, Head of Grounds and Gardens, der@wincoll.ac.uk

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.

Further information about the school can be found at www.winchestercollege.org.