Gardener / Groundsperson

Reporting to the Estates Manager, the Gardener/Groundsperson will fulfil a valuable and varied role in developing and managing the grounds at Tockington Manor School. The role focuses on the maintenance and development of the School gardens as well as assisting where necessary with sports pitches. The role requires independent and team working to keep the gardens, grounds, and sports pitches to a high standard throughout the year, and maintenance of the equipment necessary to deliver these services. The ideal applicant would have a keen interest and passion for horticulture and design and be willing to undertake further training and qualifications if applicable. This role is subject to DBS clearance and adherence to the school safeguarding and other policies,

• All aspects of garden and grounds maintenance, focusing on design and planning


• Soil cultivation, and general maintenance to include strimming, and hedge cutting, edging, pruning, bed preparation and planting


• Assist with the development and improvement of existing or new sports facilities


• Undertake minor construction and landscaping work


• Undertake preparatory and cultivation work to maintain safe, quality playing surfaces


• Work with the grounds team to set up sports pitches and amenity surfaces


• Ensure high standards of work are maintained and tasks completed


• Ensure vehicles and equipment are regularly maintained in accordance with routine operating requirements


• Participate in continuous professional development, attending training courses as necessary in support of the role and responsibilities, and as agreed annually at appraisal


• Have a working knowledge of the Health and Safety regulations in the area of responsibility; Promote and adhere to safe working practices at all times


• Ensure that all tasks are carried out while wearing uniform and the correct PPE


• Support the efficient use of resources and make suggestions for improvement


• Any other duties which fall within the spirit of this job description, whether within the estates department or across the wider school, and as directed by the Estates Manager or Bursar.
  
  Tockington Manor School is a small independent Preparatory School and Nursery, educating boys and girls from 2 - 13 years of age. The school is situated in the village of Tockington, a few minutes' drive from Junction 16 of the M5, just north of the City of Bristol. We sit in 28 acres of beautiful grounds, providing a safe, secure, and happy environment for its pupils. Boasting first class sports pitches, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and an all-weather pitch, it is also home to one of the largest privately owned arboretums in the UK. We also have a state-of-the-art Music and Performing Arts Suite, as well as a recently refurbished Art Studio.
  
  This is a 52-week position, full time, based on 35 hours per week, over five days March-September and 25 hours a week from October-February with the ability to pick up additional hours where available within the estates department. Usual hours of work will be 7:30am - 3pm (season dependent) with 30 minutes unpaid lunch break. Occasional weekends and hours outside of usual hours may be required. In this event, time off in lieu will be given.


You will be enrolled into the school's support staff pension scheme and will be entitled to lunches (weekdays) before your start time as well as tea/coffee throughout the school day. The school's facilities, including the swimming pool can be used where available.