Gardener

Gardener Woodland Cemetery Cheshunt

Employer: Jewish Joint Burial Society

Location: Cheshunt, Herts near Junction 25 M25/A10

Salary: £23-25,000 commensurate with experience plus non-contributory pension plan

Holidays: 20 days holiday, plus bank holidays and Jewish Holy Days

Employment Hours: Summer: Monday – Thursday 9am-4.00pm

                                   Winter: Monday – Thursday 9am-3pm

                                   Sundays:10am-2pm

The Society wishes to employ a professional gardener to join our team at The JJBS Woodland Cemetery, Cheshunt. We provides funerals for congregants of member synagogues as well as burying Jewish and non-Jewish partners in Native Woodland and lawn settings. We are a Jewish organisation but this is not a requirement of employment. However, staff are expected to respect our customs and traditions, including that food on the cemetery is either vegetarian or dairy.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to work with a team lead by our senior gardener. You will hold a diploma in horticulture at a minimum of RHS/NVQ Level 2 in Amenity or Professional Horticulture or Conservation. You should have a proven record in horticulture, minimum 2 years, and a passion for plants and the environment.

The Trustees will support the successful candidate in professional development by providing training which will benefit both you and us. We hope our staff will progress within our organisation whilst doing so enhance themselves and our grounds.

Job Description:

Main Responsibilities

Day to day maintenance, upkeep & assisting development of the Cemetery’s gardens/grounds including work at our adjacent sister cemetery and occasionally other sites. This includes:

• Lawns, mowing, irrigation, feeding, selective weed-killing, edging, keeping concrete demarcation strips cleared, scarification, top dressing, spiking, turf lifting / laying, grass seeding and leaf sweeping.

• Maintenance of plants, including division / re-planting of herbaceous stock, transplanting, pruning, irrigation, mulching and general care of all plants throughout. Clearing all garden debris and composting this..

• Hedge, hedgerow and minor tree maintenance including cutting, facing and replacing as necessary informing of safety concerns as necessary.

• Graves – top up un-planted sunken graves as necessary and plant and maintain graves using cemetery plant book. Guiding families wishing to plant graves themselves of suitable choices.

• Weed, Litter & Leaf Control -throughout our grounds by mechanical and chemical means. Clearing snow and ice, applying salt/grit to keep main routes safe during inclement weather.

• Maintain garden paths in a clean and safe condition, including pressure washing and brooming. Application of algicides where appropriate.

• Ensure all machinery and tools are adequately cleaned at the end of each day. Assist in minor in-house repairs. Secure chemicals once used.

• Participate effective communication within the department and ensure that your line manager and other staff are kept informed of any problems or queries that have arisen

• Work in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Act and all other relevant legislation ie Ear Defenders worn when operating machinery and Steel Toe Caps worn by staff at all times. Promote safe working practices at all times. Keep up to date with new legislation and be fully conversant with the risk assessments for your department

• To promote a positive image with JJBS colleagues and visitors if accidents occur to report in accordance with correct procedures.

General

• The ability to work flexibly and under pressure, sometimes with limited notice to cover periods of high intensity whilst working within environmental practices

• Participate in annual assessment and any training as required

• Such other appropriate duties as may be reasonably requested by your Line Manager (Senior Gardener), Cemetery Manager or senior management team or the Landscape Consultant

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications:

Essential:

• RHS or NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture

Desirable:

• Good standard of Computer Literacy and English Language

• PA1 and PA6 certificate in Application of Pesticides and Herbicides

• Qualification in First Aid

• Ability to operate power tools and ride-on mower with appropriate certification

Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

• 2 Years horticultural experience

• Strong Health and Safety knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of plants and planting

Desirable:

• Experience of working with community groups

• An understanding that we are a cemetery

• Current driving licence

Personal Skills:

• Capable of working independently and flexibly with minimal supervision but willing to listen and seek advice

• Highly motivated, confident and creative

• Ability to communicate and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work as part of a team and respond to sudden change and unforeseen pressure

• Willing to work outside in all weathers

• Have a reasonable level of fitness and able to climb ladders

• Ability to respond positively to new challenges

• Good punctuality and time keeping

If you feel you have the qualities to join us, we would like to hear from you.  Please email: admin@jewishfunerals.org.uk with your covering letter and CV