Head Gardener

Head Gardener Role 

Liberty Woodland School is a school for the future. We embrace academic rigour, but not at the expense of the development of life and character skills which will give our young people access to any and all opportunities ahead of them in the future. Our rich and varied, immersive, academically rigorous and exciting curriculum enables students to develop their personal understanding, their emerging sense of self and responsibility in their community. 

The majority of our time learning is spent outdoors as the connection between spending time in nature and positive mental health is irrefutable. Our learning is experiential and project-based, working towards an ethic of excellence through a cross-curricular approach which is intellectually challenging, dynamic and exciting.  

We are looking for a committed, experienced and passionate gardener with strong knowledge to assist in the maintenance, development and improvement of the school’s gardens, kitchen garden and greenhouse by producing high-quality work that creates excellent visual impact for pupils, parents, visitors and staff.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

• Develop and implement a detailed garden maintenance plan that includes weeding, pruning, planting, and watering to ensure that the gardens and grounds are always in excellent condition (no chemicals to be used). 
• Manage the planting, propagation and cultivation of all plants, shrubs, trees and flowers in the garden and greenhouse, ensuring that they are healthy and thriving.  
• Encourage students to use the herbs, fruit, vegetables and cut flowers  
• Help develop, promote and manage an Environmental Strategy to include Biodiversity 
• Plan and oversee the design and layout of the gardens and outdoor spaces to ensure that they look attractive, and are functional and practical. 
• Operating and maintaining hand tools, such as loppers, saws and shovels efficiently. 
• Keeping grounds free from litter, and debris, and emptying rubbish receptacles. 
• Cleaning and maintenance of school signs /lighting 
• Plant and tree identification; 
• Carry out specific projects as directed; 
• Clearing snow as well as gritting the drive, paths and any areas to which pupils, visitors or staff have access  
• Carry out composting 

NATURE OF ROLE 

This is a full-time role.  

During the school term, working hours will be from 8.30am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday. 

During the school holidays working hours will be from 8.30am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday. (Flexible timings) 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Job related skills and knowledge 

• A strong knowledge and vision of horticulture. 
• Good communication and inter-personal skills. 
• Creativity and ability to find solutions to difficult problems. 
• Appropriate knowledge and training to meet the requirements of the position. 
• Ability to promote the image of the School through an articulate and confident approach. 
• Organisational ability;  to be systematic;  efficient; and meet deadlines and priorities. 

Experience 

• Proven track record in a similar role. 
• Work well in a team. 
• High personal and professional standards. 
• Demonstrate the ability to enthuse and encourage others. 

Other requirements 

• A good standard of general education 
• Flexibility, motivated, ability to work unsupervised  
• Physically agile and dextrous 
• Successful candidate requires enhanced DBS clearance. 
• Willingness to take part in the wider life of the School 
• The school is a NON SMOKING site and employees are not permitted to smoke anywhere within the School grounds 

Salary – £28,000 - £32,0000 (DOE)

Holiday entitlement 33 days per annum including 8 Bank Holidays.