Job Summary
It is the vision of Castle Howard Estate Ltd to conserve and restore Castle Howard for the benefit of future generations. It is essential that the appearance of the Estate is maintained to the highest standards for the benefit of visitors and other customers of the business.
The Groundsperson role will cover all aspects of grounds maintenance including the use of tractors, ride-on and pedestrian grass cutting machinery and powered hand tools, such as brush-cutters, chainsaws and hedge trimmers.
The Gardens department is employed to maintain the public areas of the gardens and grounds surrounding the main house as well as support for events and to other departments such as Forestry and the Lakeside Holiday Park. In addition, maintenance of the main avenue, Obelisk and VII Earl Monument are the responsibility of the Gardens Department.
Duties & Responsibilities
Maintain excellent standards of garden presentation at all times
Seasonal maintenance of informal and formal ornamental areas, including lawns, hedges, meadows, ornamental waterways and woodland gardens
To operate in accordance with Castle Howard Health and Safety Policy at all times;
Proficient, safe use and maintenance of all tools and machinery required to carry out work
Proficient use and application, as directed, of chemicals
To ensure that professional knowledge, practical skills, techniques and developments are kept up to date
Capable of some supervision of volunteers, work experience students, etc.
Acquire a good working knowledge of Castle Howard and of the history and development of the gardens in order to respond effectively to visitors' enquiries
Undertaking of any other duties that may reasonably be required by the Head of Landscape & Gardens
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and statutory codes of practice, as advised
Ensure all paperwork and certification required for work undertaken is fully up to date at all times
Be prepared to cover occasional weekend duties, for instance watering greenhouses or supporting the Estate's events
Person Specification
Essential
Knowledge & Experience
A general knowledge of the use of relevant machinery, e.g. strimmers, backpack sprayers, hedge trimmers, tractors, mowers, etc. preferably with some certificates of training
Working knowledge of annual turf management, general garden skills and basic plant knowledge
Capable of undertaking all aspects of horticultural work and physical challenges of the post
Knowledge and understanding of current Health & Safety legislation
Competencies
Flexible and adaptable approach to working
Good communication skills and a professional manner
Ability to work well within a team and alone
A friendly manner with visitors, volunteers and other Estate staff
A willingness to learn new techniques and to expand relevant knowledge
Special Features
Full clean driving licence
Desirable
Education/Qualifications/Training
Chainsaw certificate
PA2
Ride on Mower certificate
Manual handling training
Abrasive Wheel Certificate
First aid trained
Mini-digger certificate
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £26,250.00 per year
Work Location: In person