Senior Gardener
Winchester College is looking for an experienced Senior Gardener to join our Grounds Department as soon as possible. This role is ideal for a skilled and versatile professional eager to contribute to the maintenance and improvement of our historic and varied estate.
The Role
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.
Your key responsibilities include:
High presentation and attention to detail is essential, using the correct techniques in pruning, plant care and maintenance to ensure our Boarding house 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 across ten separate boarding houses each with its own unique layout and design.
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
About You
We are looking for an experienced Senior Gardener who can work both unsupervised and within a team. You should have Sound Horticultural knowledge to help complete tasks unsupervised.
Essential Skills & Qualities:
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
Good physical fitness and the willingness to work from heights
Proven ability to operate garden machinery
Spraying qualifications required PA1 and PA6
Tractor and trailer license desired
What We Offer
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Working Hours: 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.
Salary: £28,655.00 (gross) per annum. Salary is paid monthly in arrears.
If you are a motivated and experienced gardening professional ready to contribute to a unique and supportive environment, we encourage you to apply.
Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application.
Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes.
Closing date for applications: Midnight Wednesday 17th September 2025 .
For the full job description and to apply please see here:
Job search
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email .
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £28,655.00 per year
Benefits:
Company pension
Cycle to work scheme
Free parking
Gym membership
On-site gym
Referral programme
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person