DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
Job description
An exciting opportunity has occurred to join the Formal Gardens Team at Kingston Maurward. Working predominantly in the grade 2 listed gardens you will be playing a key role in the day to day care of the gardens and plant collections. The gardens are open to the public in addition to being an important resource for both the curriculum and commercial activities of the Estate.
Salary: £24,520 per annum
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Kingston Maurward campus
Main purpose of role
You will be an integral part of the Formal Gardens team on the beautiful 35 acre Kingston Maurward campus, helping us realise the full potential of the gardens as both a top visitor destination and living classroom for our students and volunteers.
You will have an appreciation for heritage, an appetite to grow your plant knowledge and ideally have had some experience of working in a formal garden/estate setting.
Comfortable working both independently and with a range of stakeholders across the college and wider estate including staff, students & volunteers.
With a real passion for taking horticulture forward, and getting your hands dirty.
What will the job entail?
Key responsibilities include:
Help the Head of Formal Gardens deliver the vision for the Formal Gardens at Kingston Maurward
Working closely with the wider gardens and estate team to deliver excellence
Clear communication with your immediate team, including teaching staff
Help deliver formal garden maintenance plans; with consideration of priorities, resources and budgets
Regular tasks include; Mowing, Hedge and shrub pruning, Border maintenance, Soil conditioning, Planting out, Irrigation and Division
Specialist tasks include; working on the reimagining of the Formal Gardens and Propagation
Assist in the specification of the propagation requirements for the formal gardens
Keep H&S front of mind at all times, for our team, staff and visitors
Occasionally work with experienced volunteers & student groups in the Formal Gardens
Hold or working towards Certificate of Competence (machinery - brush cutter/trimmers)
All Staff Responsibilities, regardless of role:
Embed safeguarding into all working practices and escalate any safeguarding concerns immediately in line with the College's safeguarding policy. All new employeses to the College are required to complete and ontain an enhanced DBS disclosure. Further information will be sent to all prospective employess as part of the application process.
Adhere to Health and Safety best practices and ensure a safe working environment for everyone, according to the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Champion and be an advocate for Equality and Diversity throughout the College, complying with all related policies and their recommendations.
Model and promote employee values and behaviours in accordance with the Staff Code of Conduct.
Actively participate in your appraisal, contributing to a culture of courageous self-reflection, empowerment and professional growth.
Positively represent and promote the College both internally and externally, acting as an ambassador.
Contribute to cross College events, supporting and promoting the College across both campuses.
Undertake appropriate personal and professional development activities engaging with the cross-College staff development and health and wellbeing activities.
Use all available resources efficiently and effectively, in line with environmentally and sustainable practices.
Note: This job description sets out the main responsibilities for the post, however, is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Specific duties may change from time-to-time without changing the general nature of the post and the post holder is expected to be flexible in the range of responsibilities undertaken.
What we stand for:
Here at Coastland College, we have one purpose which stands as an ever-present and unchanging reminder of why we’re here: to inspire our students and apprentices for individual success beyond expectation, ensuring that they are future-ready and prepared for today and tomorrow’s world.
We’re proud of who we are and the ambitious, dedicated teams who always strive to bring out the very best in our students. Recruiting more brilliant individuals who share our values and passion is so important to us, so do our values speak to you?
We are Connected: Inspired by our heritage, we play a key part in a collaborative ecosystem – where everyone has a platform to grow, contribute and make an impact beyond borders.
We are Courageous: In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we embrace challenges both big and small – we have the determination to succeed, through deep-rooted curiosity and resilience.
We are Dynamic: We embrace innovation, technology, industry advances and hands-on learning, in everything we do – helping and challenging employers to ensure they thrive in their sector.
We are Empowering: We create opportunities for all; our staff, our students, our community, the economy and the world – opening doors and helping everyone achieve their full potential.
We are Welcoming: We celebrate diversity, ensuring a safe, inclusive, supportive and sustainable environment for all – a space where everyone is valued and treated with respect.
What we offer:
Whatever your reasons for wanting to join our college community, we promise you a warm welcome and a highly supportive, flexible approach to your work - designed to help you reach your full potential. We also offer many great benefits, all with the aim of supporting your health, wellbeing and personal development:
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 holiday days, plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time roles)
• Additional 3 efficiency closure days over winter break and an additional 4 days over Easter (not deducted from annual leave)
• Generous Pension Scheme through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Access to Optima Health - our FREE confidential emotional support and practical advice scheme
• Dedicated CPD learning days to support learning and development
• Family friendly policies
• A person-centred annual appraisal focusing on your wellbeing and CPD
• Free on-site parking
• Free on-site gym
• Employee discounts at on-site facilities such as Signature Hair & Beauty Salon, The Avenue Restaurant and The Bay Theatre
• Wide range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives to support staff including Corporate Eyecare voucher scheme and free and confidential staff counselling
We’re here to help you:
If you have a medical condition or a specific need for an adjustment to our processes, and you believe this may affect your ability to be at your best – please let us know so we can talk about how we can best support you and make any adjustments that you may need.
Don’t meet every single requirement?
We recognise that talent comes in various forms and so are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and sustainable environment for all, that celebrates diversity. If you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement on the job description or you are seeking an alternative working pattern, please apply anyway – you may just be the person we are looking for. All we ask is that you make this clear in your application so that we can take this forward to the next stage of the selection process. In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use.
We do not engage with recruitment agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the Coastland College, with no obligation to pay agency fees.
Person Specification
Shortlisting is completed by hiring managers against the Person Specification, so this is your chance to showcase what you can offer. Please ensure you demonstrate in your application how you meet the criteria outlined in the attached job description, to give yourself the best chance of success at shortlisting stage.
Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding Statement
Coastland College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants should be aware that safeguarding checks will be undertaken as part of the recruitment process. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
This role involves regular contact with children and young people and is considered regulated activity under the relevant safeguarding legislation. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold the highest standards of child protection and follow all statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must declare all relevant convictions and cautions that are not protected under the Exceptions Order 1975 (amended 2013 and 2020). Guidance on which convictions must be disclosed can be found in the Ministry of Justice’s guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and the DBS filtering rules.