Grounds Supervisor / Lead Gardener

Job Description

Grounds Supervisor / Lead Gardener - Hallfield SchoolEdgbaston, BirminghamSalary: Up to £25,368 per annum (based on 40 hrs per week, pro-rated for part time) dependent on horticultural and supervisory experience, skills and qualificationsWorking Monday – Friday 07:00 – 16:00, all year round (with the need to be flexible to occasionally work outside these hours as required).Available as either a full time or part time role6 weeks paid annual leave plus paid bank holidays (pro rata for part-time). Stunning 20 acre grounds, free onsite parking, free lunch and many other benefits detailed below.The RoleWe are recruiting for an enthusiastic, flexible and proactive Grounds Supervisor / Lead Gardener, with relevant experience of general grounds maintenance, gardening and ideally the upkeep of sports pitches. Supporting the School’s aesthetic plans for thesite the successful individual will have an excellent eye for detail, extensive horticultural knowledge and enjoy working outdoors throughout the year.Working collaboratively with the wider Estates and Grounds Team and providing direction to the Grounds Assistant, we are looking for a supportive and positive team player who is able to work with minimal supervision and delegate tasks. As well as leadingon horticultural projects, the role will involve general garden maintenance (including pruning, mowing, leaf blowing and weeding) as well as providing support to the wider Estates team as required.Key responsibilities of the Grounds Supervisor / Lead Gardener include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain high levels of presentation of all grounds, gardens and beds with particular focus on areas that are on regular public view.
• Undertake planting, weeding, pruning and cultivating of flowerbeds, maintenance of boarders, hedgerows, hanging basket and trees.
• Plant propagation from seeds and cuttings.
• Use machinery such as pedestrian and ride on lawn mowers, rotovators, hedge trimmers and other such equipment related to grounds work.
• Ensure all grounds plant and machinery are checked before use, reporting any defects to the Maintenance Manager.
• Apply nutrients to planted areas and lawns via liquid, granular and organic matter.
• Undertake regular tree inspections and report findings as directed.
• Carry out the maintenance of irrigation systems such as drip hose and automated irrigation systems.
• Support the wider Estates team with general duties including grounds maintenance, basic painting and pitch marking, gritting and rubbish removal.

The PersonKey skills, experience and qualities required to be the Grounds Supervisor /Lead Gardener:

• Previous experience in similar role with transferable skills.

• Advanced plant and tree knowledge
• An eye for detail and demonstrable creative flair in relation to landscaping gardening and horticulture.
• Collaborative team player with the skills and experience to supervise and provide direction to others.
• Good Communication skills
• Ability and willingness to work outside in all weathers.
• Experienced in basic maintenance of equipment and machinery.
• Demonstrates high levels of time management and initiative to manage own workload
• Basic IT skills via PC and Mobile use (emails, photos, Word etc.)

Desirable:

• Experience of working within an independent school environment or similar high profile estate.
• Relevant horticultural / landscape gardening qualifications
• Experience of working with grounds and sports pitches including turf knowledge, ground/sports turf machinery and pitch marking

What the School will offer:

• 6 weeks’ holiday plus paid bank holidays and additional days paid days off between Christmas and New Year
• Enhanced family leave for eligible employees
• Generous discount on school fees (pro-rata for part-time employees), subject to meeting the Schools’ admissions criteria
• Free lunch, tea, coffee and other refreshments all year round (with hot lunches during term time)
• Free parking
• Free onsite gym
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering free, 24 hour confidential assistance
• Salary Sacrifice Cycle to Work and Tech Scheme available
• Long service and big birthday recognition
• Uniform and clothing provided free of charge if required for the role
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Training, career progression and professional development opportunities including support CPD policy
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary)
• Group pension scheme

Safeguarding & Child ProtectionThe school is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All posts are subject to satisfactory references (which are requested prior to an interview), an enhanced Disclosure and BarringService (DBS) check, medical check, evidence of qualifications, plus verification of the right to work in the UK.In addition to the job description and person specification for the position, please ensure you read the school’s Safeguarding & Child Protection policy and Safer Recruitment policyEqual OpportunitiesWe are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civilpartnerships.To Apply:For further information please contact Caroline Long, HR Manager on or emailIf you feel you have the required skills and experience to join Hallfield School as the Grounds Supervisor /Lead Gardener, then please click the apply now button to find out more.