Head Gardener and Sustainability Educator
We are looking for a committed, experienced and passionate gardener with strong
knowledge to assist in the maintenance, development and improvement of the
School’s gardens, organic kitchen garden and greenhouse by producing high-quality
work that creates excellent visual impact for pupils, parents, visitors and staff, while
also supporting children to develop a sense of stewardship, responsibility and
enjoyment in caring for the natural world.
Liberty Woodland School is an outdoor independent school for pupils aged 4 to
16yrs. Our mission is to develop children who will be those most likely to succeed in
the 21st century through our strong focus on future oriented skills and attributes,
including environmental responsibility, sustainability and connection to the natural
world.
JOB DESCRIPTION
● Develop and implement a detailed garden maintenance plan that includes
weeding, pruning, planting, and watering to ensure that the gardens and grounds
are always in excellent condition (no chemicals to be used), modelling
sustainable, organic and regenerative gardening practices.
● Manage the planting, propagation and cultivation of all plants, shrubs, trees and
flowers in the garden and greenhouse, ensuring that they are healthy and thriving
and supporting pupils to understand seasonal growing cycles and plant care.
● Encourage students to use the herbs, fruit, vegetables and cut flowers, fostering
pride, curiosity and enjoyment in growing and harvesting produce.
● Help develop, promote and manage an Environmental Strategy to include
increasing the Biodiversity within the site with opportunities for pupils to engage
meaningfully in biodiversity, habitat creation and environmental stewardship.
● Plan and oversee the design and layout of the gardens and outdoor spaces to
ensure that they look attractive, and are functional and practical including spaces
that invite exploration, learning and playful engagement with nature.
● Operating and maintaining hand tools, such as loppers, saws and shovels
efficiently and demonstrating safe, respectful tool use to pupils where appropriate.
● Keeping grounds free from litter, and debris, and emptying rubbish receptacles.
● Carry out specific projects as directed including seasonal, sustainability-focused
or pupil-led initiatives.
● Clearing snow as well as gritting the drive, paths and any areas to which pupils,
visitors or staff have access.
● Carry out composting, supporting pupils to understand waste reduction, soil
health and closed-loop systems.
NATURE OF ROLE
● This is a full-time role.
● Working hours will be from 8.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
● The role includes regular, informal interaction with pupils and staff, embedding
learning through shared work, conversation and hands-on experience rather than
formal classroom teaching.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job related skills and knowledge
● A strong knowledge and vision of horticulture.
● Good communication and inter-personal skills, including the ability to engage
positively with children of different ages.
● Creativity and ability to find solutions to difficult problems.
● Appropriate knowledge and training to meet the requirements of the position.
● Ability to promote the image of the School through an articulate and confident
approach.
● Organisational ability; to be systematic; efficient; meet deadlines and priorities.
Experience
● Proven track record in a similar role.
● Work well in a team.
● High personal and professional standards.
● Demonstrate the ability to enthuse and encourage others through shared
purpose and enjoyment of outdoor work.
Other requirements
● A good standard of general education
● Flexibility, motivated, ability to work unsupervised
● Physically agile and dextrous
● The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
and to meet the School’s safer recruitment requirements.
● Willingness to take part in the wider life of the School
Salary – Based on Experience - £26,000-£30,000.
Holiday entitlement 33 days per annum including 8 Bank Holidays.
Due to the nature of the role, annual leave is expected to be taken during school
holiday periods. Term-time leave will only be considered in exceptional
circumstances and with prior approval.