Winchester College has an exciting opportunity to appoint a Gardens Assistant starting as soon as possible.

Description

ABOUT THE GROUNDS & GARDENS DEPARTMENT

The department consists of 10 staff which includes the:

• Head of Grounds and Gardens
• Deputy Grounds person
• Head Gardener
• 2 Senior Gardeners
• 3 Grounds Staff
• 2 Grounds Assistants

The Head of Grounds 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 of Grounds and Head Gardener.

The department is based in Kingsgate Road and maintains a wide variety of facilities and Gardens across several sites, including formal quads and Medieval gardens, 11 unique boarding house gardens and private formal gardens such as the Headmasters and Wardens gardens. The department also looks after the following sports facilities; 13 football pitches, 3 grass plus 3 artificial cricket squares, 8 canvas pitches for Winchester College football, an all-weather surface pitch, and 6 recreational courts and 2 astro tennis courts. In total, the College campus covers over 150 acres of land. There are 11 Boarding Houses (which are due to increase to 13 over the coming years), various private houses and ancillary buildings with grounds. The new sports centre will open with additional Grounds and Gardens added to the departments management program.

The Gardens Assistant is a dynamic role working within both Grounds and Gardens teams throughout the various settings on the campus ranging from sports turf maintenance to formal horticultural practices all carried out to the highest of standards.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GROUNDS ASSISTANT

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:
• Under the direction of the Head of Grounds and Head Gardener, undertake grounds and gardens maintenance duties, e.g. grass cutting, hedge trimming, shrub pruning, weeding & clearance of leaves.
• To undertake horticultural operations, e.g. ground preparation, planting, turfing, seeding and pruning.
• In the absence of the Grounds or Gardening team, liaise closely with appropriate games/ events staff to ensure the availability of sports pitches, equipment and college gardens for school and third-party events.
• Understand Risk Assessments and safe systems of working, in line with Health & Safety regulations and ensure that work is carried out to a safe manner.
• Assist the Grounds and Gardens teams with the upkeep of all trees and major hedges, clearing leaves and weeds from appropriate areas.
• Ensure the highest standards of work are achieved in an efficient and timely manner.
• Provide effective materials and machinery management to ensure all equipment is correctly stored and maintained.
• Carry out minor works to improve the site.
• Good physical fitness and the willingness to climb ladders

PERSON SPECIFICATION AND KEY QUALITIES

It is essential that the successful applicant has/is:

• The ability to work well as part of a team and be a good team player.
• Previous experience working in a horticultural setting
• Honesty and reliability.
• Self-motivation.
• Good organisational ability.
• Good attention to detail.
• 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.
• Full Driving License

Terms and Conditions

Start date

As soon as possible

Hours of Work

This is a Full time, 40 hours per week position where 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.

This will include weekend work on a rota-based system as well as additional evening hours to cover sporting fixtures, College events and additional workloads, as deemed necessary by the Head of Grounds.

Salary

The salary for this position is £25,529.00 (gross) per annum, depending on qualifications and experience. Salary is paid monthly, in arrears, to a nominated back account in 12 equal payments. Salary levels are reviewed on 1 September annually and this appointment will be next reviewed in September 2025.

Wider Benefits

• Free staff lunches during term time.
• Access to Staff Counsellor.
• Use of sports facilities, including gym membership, tennis courts and in 2025, a new 25m swimming pool. Exercise classes, including spinning and circuits are also available.
• Tour of the College, with discounted rates available for booking venues within the school’s grounds for hospitality events.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free access to an ongoing cycle of cultural, musical, theatrical and sporting talks and events.
• Employee Referral Scheme, with a reward of up to £250 for staff (subject to scheme conditions).
• Free Library membership with access to a range of online journals and magazines.

How to Apply

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

Closing date for applications: Noon, Monday 21st October 2024.

For full job description, please visit here: https://www.winchestercollege.org/employment-opportunities/my-application/vacancy/8351443Spz

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

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