Gardener/Groundsperson

Gardener/Grounds person

Batsford Arboretum- Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire

£22,000 - £26,000  - Permanent, Full-time

Initial six months probationary period

Closing date for applicants 12/04/2024

Batsford Arboretum is looking to add a qualified and enthusiastic gardener/grounds person to join the current team working in the established arboretum which is open to the public. This position will suit a person seeking to improve their knowledge and experience with an interest in working with unusual trees and shrubs from around the world.

It is a hands-on role member of the arboretum team, involved in every aspect of  both arboriculture, horticulture, and landscaping within the arboretum. Responsible for high standards of maintenance throughout the season whilst improving the experience of visitors to the arboretum.

On a rota basis, you will cover weekends and work peak busy times at weekends in spring and autumn.

Batsford Arboretum is home to a unique collection of the world’s most beautiful and rare trees, shrubs and bamboos spread across sixty acres. The tree collections at Batsford cover a wide range of plants from around the world but have an emphasis on East Asia. There are over 2,850 labelled specimens including about 1,300 different trees, shrubs, and bamboo.

The arboretum also has an incredible display of spring flowering bulbs – from swathes of snowdrops, aconites, hellebores, daffodils and narcissi, magnolias, and the national collection of Japanese flowering cherries. With streams, ponds and amazing views makes Batsford a picturesque place to work in and be part of a friendly team.

Please follow the link for more information about Batsford Arboretum https://batsarb.co.uk/.

Working in the Arboretum

You will be helping to keep the arboretum in tiptop condition every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting throughout the season,  tasks such as weeding, pruning, and mulching, and using machinery such as leaf blowers, lawnmowers, strimmer’s, tractors, utility vehicles, chainsaws, chppers and hedge cutters.

Other duties might include tree planting, general repairs to gates and fences or unblocking land drains. You may be involved in recycling and managing waste, along with the rest of the garden team. You will also be responsible for keeping bins emptied around the car parks and arboretum along with making sure parts of the site are gritted in the winter months. Playing a part in the maintenance and servicing machinery.

We would like to hear from you if you are:

A recognised horticultural qualification to RHS Level 2 standard or ABC Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Ability to work both in a team and on your own, when required.

Motivation & pride in maintaining a consistently high standard of work.

Excellent communication skills Good at talking to and engaging with members of the public.

Have proven practical gardening, horticulture, or arboriculture experience, as well as a competent knowledge of woody trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.

PA1 & PA6 spraying licence, preferred but not essential as training can be provided. 003921 - City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Felling Small Trees up to 380mm preferred but not essential as training can be provided.

Certification or equivalent Competence with using  machinery/equipment. Driving license required

What Batsford Arboretum are offering-

Full time position £22 to 26,000 per annum

40-hour week Monday – Friday

23 days paid annual holiday.

Weekend overtime throughout specific times of the year.

Shortlisting is done by assessing the information you provide against the requirements of the job as set out in the job role. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted and invited to attend an interview.

Applicants who are shortlisted will be contacted and invited to attend an interview.