The Opportunity
We are currently recruiting for a Garden Caretaker covering sites across Sussex. This is a full time permanent position with a salary of £26,722 per year. The role is mobile and requires regular travel between sites, however the ideal candidate must live in or near Hastings due to the patch and daily start points. Working hours change seasonally as outlined below. There will be occasions where overtime or out of hours work is required, with time off in lieu provided. The start date is to be confirmed.
This role suits an experienced horticulturist who enjoys working across multiple sites and takes pride in maintaining gardens and memorial landscapes to an excellent standard. You will carry out a wide range of maintenance and renovation tasks, follow established horticultural procedures, and represent the organisation professionally on site.
Key Responsibilities
* Undertaking practical horticultural maintenance renovation work and caretaking duties including mowing edging hedge cutting weeding pruning and pesticide application
* Planning and organising daily workload appropriate to each site including preparing stock orders for plants fertilisers chemicals PPE and machinery
* Maintaining turf areas and lawns to a high standard including seasonal care
* Maintaining planted borders and beds with careful attention to detail
* Carrying out pest and disease monitoring and control in line with safe procedures
* Operating horticultural machinery safely and completing day to day equipment checks and basic repairs
* Taking responsibility for the safe care and upkeep of team vehicles and tools
* Reporting any structural defects or notable changes in the site environment to line management
* Following Health and Safety procedures at all times and using PPE correctly
* Completing risk assessments in line with organisational processes
* Using phones tablets and basic IT systems for records job updates and administration
* Supporting renovation work within the region and working alongside colleagues when required
* Representing the organisation at ceremonies or site events when needed
* Providing clear guidance and assistance to visitors and members of the public when approached
* Undertaking any other reasonable duties that fall within the nature of the role
Requirements
* Proven experience in horticulture or garden maintenance at a high standard
* Confident use of horticultural machinery and tools
* Good understanding of safe working practices and Health and Safety procedures
* Ability to work independently across multiple sites and use initiative
* Full clean UK driving licence essential
* Valid passport and willingness to travel within the UK and overseas when required sometimes at short notice
* Basic IT confidence or ability to learn quickly
Skills and Qualities
* Strong craft gardening skills and excellent attention to detail
* Well organised with good time management and ability to plan workload
* Practical problem solving and able to identify issues and escalate when needed
* Effective communication and listening skills with colleagues and site stakeholders
* Reliable professional and respectful approach suited to sensitive environments
* Sense of pride in service delivery and presentation standards
* Awareness of sustainability and efficient use of resources
* Commitment to high standards and positive teamwork
What’s On Offer
Permanent full time position
Salary of £26,722 per year
Seasonal working hours with a clear summer and winter pattern
Time off in lieu for approved overtime
Opportunity to work across varied sites throughout Sussex
Supportive team environment and structured procedures
Day to day operational purchasing responsibility as required for the role
Working Hours
Summer Hours
Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 12.30 / 1.30pm to 5.00pm
Friday 8.00am to 12.30pm / 1.30pm to 4.00pm
Winter Hours
Monday to Friday 8.00am to 12.30 / 1.00pm to 4.00pm
How to Apply
This role is being recruited by Halmer Group on behalf of our client. To be considered, please submit your CV along with a brief covering note outlining your experience, qualifications and suitability for this position. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.
Reference 750