Senior Gardener

**Job Title:** Senior Gardener





**Department:** Estates Services – Parks Department





**Grade & Salary:** Grade 4: £25,138 - £28,759 per annum





**Location:** Tentorium - South Lodge, South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3RF





**Contract Type:** Permanent





**Hours:** Full Time (36.5 hours/week)







**About Us**





The University of Oxford's Estates Services oversees the management and
strategic development of the University's extensive estate. This includes
properties used for research, teaching, student accommodation, and commercial
activities.



Within Estates Services, the Parks Department is responsible for maintaining
the beautiful green spaces that contribute to Oxford's unrivalled campus
environment. This includes the maintenance of the iconic University Parks as
well as the grounds surrounding department buildings across the estate.





The Parks Department team has established working relationships with Colleges
and local organisations, offering high quality horticultural and
arboricultural services. This contract work generates essential income to
facilitate continued excellence in the care of the University's gardens and
landscapes.





The Parks Department employs dedicated specialist staff and invests in
advanced equipment to deliver their services to the highest standards. They
are committed to sustainable practices and carbon reduction strategies.



The department's work ensures that the University's staff, students, and
visitors - whether part of the University community or tourists exploring the
city of Oxford - can enjoy the University's exceptional gardens and parklands.







**About the Role**





As a Senior Gardener, you will play a pivotal role in the care and maintenance
of the University Parks and the broader green estate. This position offers a
unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Oxford while
contributing to the preservation and development of these cherished green
spaces.





Key Responsibilities:





• Grounds Maintenance: You will be responsible for a variety of tasks,
including mechanical and chemical weed control, sweeping, litter removal,
clearance work, cultivations, and mulching. Your meticulous attention to
detail will ensure that our grounds remain pristine and inviting.





• Horticultural Expertise: Pruning shrubs, climbers, and small trees, as well
as caring for plantings through staking, training, and plant protection
measures, will be a significant part of your role. Your green thumb and
knowledge of plant care will be invaluable.





• Border Maintenance: You'll oversee the care of shrubs, herbaceous plants,
and seasonal bedding, contributing to the ever-changing beauty of the green
spaces you tend.





• Lawn Maintenance: Maintaining high-quality lawn areas through mowing,
seasonal operations, and the application of fertilizers and herbicides will be
essential to uphold the parks' standards.





• Equipment Operation: You'll safely operate a range of vehicles and
machinery, ensuring routine maintenance and daily checks to guarantee optimal
performance.





• Landscape Operations: Under supervision, you'll implement drawings, measure,
and lay out designs and planting schemes, contributing to the aesthetic appeal
of our green spaces.





• Leadership: Leading teams of staff on project work and routine tasks, you
will ensure safe working practices are followed, fostering teamwork and
cooperation.





• Mentorship: As part of our commitment to growth and development, you'll have
the opportunity to mentor apprentices and other team members, sharing your
expertise and helping them thrive in their roles.





• Deputizing: In the absence of Gardening Team Leaders, you may be called upon
to step into leadership roles, showcasing your leadership and problem-solving
abilities.





• Responsibility: You'll take ownership of an agreed-upon area of work or
duty, demonstrating your dedication and accountability.





In this role, no two days will be the same, offering you a dynamic and
engaging work environment. Your ability to adapt, lead, and inspire your team
will be crucial in maintaining the high standards that define our green
spaces.





If you have a passion for horticulture, a commitment to preserving the natural
beauty of the University Parks, and a desire to make a lasting impact, we
invite you to join our team as a Senior Gardener. Your dedication will
contribute to the ongoing legacy of these iconic spaces.







**About You**





To thrive in this role, you should possess the following essential
qualifications and attributes:





• A craft qualification in horticulture or relevant experience.



• PA1 and PA6 pesticide certification.



• A full, clean driving license.



• Proven horticultural background (other land-based backgrounds may be
relevant).



• Good plant knowledge.



• Experience in the use and operation of various horticultural and grounds
care equipment.



• A flexible and adaptable approach to work.



• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and liaise efficiently
with the management team.



• The drive to mentor apprentices and train others.



• The ability to take responsibility for an agreed area of work/duty.





While not required, the following qualifications and skills would be
desirable:





• Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) license.



• Towing license.



• CSCS skills card for the construction industry.



• Plant operator’s certification (e.g., excavators, IPAF, dumpers, etc.).







**What We Offer**





As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is
reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:





• Comprehensive in-house training program, including certifications in
Pedestrian Powered Machinery, First Aid, and a range of other valuable
training opportunities, to empower your skillset and career advancement



• An excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future



• 38 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays)



• Personal and professional development opportunities



• A comprehensive range of childcare services for working parents



• Generous family leave for pregnancy, adoption, paternity, and shared
parental leave



• Cycle loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting



• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans



• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs










**Application Process**





To apply for this position, please submit the following documents as part of
your online application:



• Covering letter/supporting statement



• Curriculum vitae (CV)



• Contact details of two referees (only contacted if you are successful)





**Only applications received before 12 pm on Friday 6th October 2023 can be
considered.**





**Interviews are due to take place in person on Monday 16th October and
Tuesday 17th October 2023. **