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.