The Gardener is responsible for the general condition, maintenance and appearance of the gardens of the King's College School sites, including Wimbledon Common Prep School. As part of the Site Maintenance team, the role also has an involvement with various aspects of general site maintenance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Gardening
• Soil cultivation, digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding edging, bed preparation and planning
• To keep the gardens, thoroughfares and highway footpaths clear and free from litter at all times
• To propagate and raise plant material suitable for bedding and pupil projects
• To select and order bulbs for bedding and naturalization
• To prepare and plant seasonal planters and hanging baskets
• The pruning and thinning of shrubs
• The planting, staking and aftercare of trees
• Undertake hedge trimming and general clearance
• Lawn mowing and cultivation
• The use and maintenance of hand tools and basic light machinery and plant
• The use of cylinder and rotary Mowers, strimmers and leaf Blowers
• Adjustment of Mower height and quality of cut, etc. Oil level checks and check for damage to any Mower
• To ensure all equipment, machinery and buildings are secure
• To apply chemicals where appropriate
• To drive the school van when required
• To maintain the school pond
In addition, the following activities will be undertaken under the direction of the Site Manager and in conjunction with other Gardening staff:
• To support King’s in the planning and implementation of projects concerning the development and enhancement of school sites
• To liaise with teachers and other members of the school community concerning the development and enhancement of school sites
• To draw up plans and designs for small landscape projects in school grounds
• To project manage the implementation of plans and designs for landscape projects in School
• To provide advice, designs and planting schemes
Site maintenance
• Undertaking minor repair tasks, particularly related to signs, fixtures and fittings.
• Assisting with the maintenance of carpets and furniture
• Moving furniture and setting up for events/activities
• Providing general support to school events/activities
• Undertaking general site cleanliness tasks including picking up litter
• Assisting with managing and disposal of waste
• Assisting with pest control
• Assisting with routine maintenance of the school minibuses
• Driving the school minibus (as and when required)
• Assisting with emergency situations
• Attending school meetings as directed
• Undertaking other general duties as directed by the Site Manager
PERSON SPECIFICATION
• Previous experience as a Gardener or similar
• experience of mechanical repairs and the ability to mend machinery and make small repairs
• The ability to work well as part of a team
• A flexible and enthusiastic approach to work
• Must also be able to work without supervision and prioritise workload
• Relevant horticultural qualification (NVQ or similar)
• Full, clean driving licence.