TRINITY COLLEGE
Assistant Gardener
The college seeks to appoint an assistant gardener to work in a small team under the direction of the Head Gardener.
Trinity is one of the colleges that make up Oxford University and is situated in the heart of Oxford. Its gardens have dramatically improved over recent years and we are hoping with the right appointment we can take the gardens even further. Over the years we have picked up a couple of prestigious awards, and are currently among the best in the city. They are mainly laid out to Lawn with trees, shrubs and an extensive herbaceous border. The gardens are open daily to the public and are open twice a year under the National Garden Scheme in the spring and summer.
Whilst it is not essential to hold a full uk driving license it would be an advantage as part of the job requires maintaining and developing the gardens at a number of our out-lying sites.
General features of jobs in this grade:
At this level, employees will be qualified and have achieved a similar level of skill through experience in their field, such that they have sufficient knowledge and expertise to work on day to day tasks, and operate and maintain specialist equipment without continuous reference to others. Appropriate qualifications include NVQ2 or equivalent, together with any certificates of competence such as PA1 and PA6 Spraying Qualifications.
The role may well involve supervising and guiding trainees or volunteers on routine tasks according to departmental guidelines.
Post holders would be expected to undertake the following types of duties: general garden maintenance; the preparation of new sites; construction of drainage channels; pruning; turf management; mowing, scarification, and spiking and application of selective herbicides and fertilisers as directed by senior members of staff.; hedge maintenance; sweeping up; litter picking; erecting marquees; watering and ensuring all health and safety guidelines are adhered to. Machines that you would be expected to use would be:
- Cylinder mowers
- Rotary Mowers
- Strimmers
- Hedge trimmers
- Billy Goat
- Scarifiers
- Ride on Mower
- Fertiliser Spreaders
They must also be acquiring a good plant knowledge which is essential when determining the management of our plant collections. This is also recommended when showing visitors and old members of the college around the gardens.
The starting salary for this post is £16,500 per annum working 39 hours a week. Free meals are provided whilst on duty when the kitchens are open. Holiday entitlement is 25 days a year plus bank holidays five of which must be kept for the Christmas closure. Employment with the college also provides you access to the Oxford University staff pension scheme (OSPS).
In the absence of the Head Gardener (i.e. on leave) the Assistant Gardener might be asked to take charge of the day to day running of the College Gardens making sure that any special instructions or guidelines left by the Head Gardener are adhered to, although we are fully aware that circumstances change and you may well need to reprioritise your work depending on weather or other functions taking place in College.
Protective clothing and training is also given as well as offering opportunities for day release to obtain further qualifications.
Whilst you might not have all the experience we are looking for, providing you are a team player who shows commitment and enthusiasm to what you are doing we would encourage you to apply.
To apply for the above position please either email with a covering letter and CV, or alternatively send your application to Jennifer Cable, Executive Assistant to the Bursars, Trinity College, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BH.