Gardener / Groundsperson

The Post:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled, suitably qualified Gardener & Groundsperson to join our dedicated Estates Team, working across both our Saighton and Aldford sites, which are both beautifully maintained, with a combination of gardens and grounds, enjoyed by pupils, colleagues and visitors alike.

Job Description:

Line managed by our Estates Manager, the Gardener & Groundsperson will perform an essential role in ensuring that the grounds are maintained in optimum condition for use by our pupils, colleagues and visitors. A desire to share a passion for gardening is essential.  

Key Duties Include:

• maintaining general grounds and pathways – weeding and hard landscaping, and maintaining gravel drives;

• cutting, boxing and removing cuttings from the sites;

• ensuring that the grass is cut a minimum of once per week between March and October. More frequent cutting may be required during periods of fast growth or for special events; 

• ensuring that the grass is maintained by disposal of weeds, fertilising, over seeding, topdressing and aeration, as necessary; 

• ensuring that the sports pitches are line-marked, as required, in liaison with the PE department; 

• maintaining sports facilities; goal posts, nets, hurdles, all weather pitch, tennis courts etc. in liaison with the PE department regarding grounds requirements on a daily basis; 

• inspecting all sports fields, emptying all bins and disposing of litter on a daily basis;

• maintaining hedges and banks around sports fields, as necessary. Hedges are to be cut once each year and banks cut back / sprayed twice each year; 

• using hand-operated horticultural machinery, ride-on mowers and trailed gang units in a safe manner, ensuring appropriate cleaning after use;

• maintain the workshop, store shed and pavilion in a tidy and safe working condition

• caring for, managing and developing the gardens, fully respecting the history of the sites, and ensuring identified garden areas and useable for our pupils and appropriate for curriculum use;

• completing risk assessment relevant to the gardens / grounds;

• undertaking any required tasks in order for the gardens to be health and safety compliant, enabling colleagues and pupils to use the gardens safely;

• purchasing required materials, plants and equipment so the gardens can be cared for, managed and developed effectively. 

• offer support to teachers, when they access the identified garden areas, by working with the children and sharing skills, knowledge and expertise related to the role of gardener. 

• working closely with our staff Sustainability Lead and student Head and Deputy Head of Sustainability, to develop cross-curricular involvement regarding the grounds and gardens; and

• working with the College’s Catering Manager regarding sustainability and the incorporation of vegetables grown by our students into their weekly menus;

For further information, including a full job description and person specification, please visit our website at: https://www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk/about-us/vacancies/

Salary:

The salary for this role is £14,350 (Grade AGS 3, Grade Point 11). This is based on 20 hours per week, on a full-year basis (i.e. term time plus school closure periods).

We can be flexible regarding the working pattern; the 20 hours could be worked over three to five days per week (Monday to Friday).

As this is an all-year-round role, the annual leave entitlement is 25 days plus bank holidays per year (pro-rata accordingly as part time). 

There may be the requirement to work occasional weekends to assist in the preparation and supervision of sites for important events, such as open days, at the College.  

Workwear, equipment and personal protective equipment will be provided, and the post-holder is responsible for the maintenance and safety of these items.

Safeguarding & Child Protection:

Abbey Gate College is committed, as a priority, to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Applicants will, therefore, be subject to stringent vetting and induction processes, including an enhanced DBS disclosure. 

References for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to interview; please inform your referees. 

An internet / social media search will be completed for shortlisted candidates prior to interview.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Checks Self-Declaration form prior to interview.

Whilst criminal convictions are not necessarily a bar to appointment, this safety consideration will be central to all decisions regarding the employment of staff, approval of volunteers, and standards of external contractors.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and to treating all staff with dignity and respect. Therefore, applications from individuals are encouraged, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships. 

Process for Applications:

• Closing date for applications: Monday 24th March 2025 at 9.00am.

In order to apply for our Gardener & Groundsperson vacancy, please complete our Abbey Gate College application form (available at https://www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk/about-us/vacancies/) or apply using the TES online application form.

Please also include a covering letter, which should be addressed to our Head, Mr Craig Jenkinson, outlining your interest in, and suitability for, the role and the College. 

Your completed application form and covering letter should be returned to Mrs Sue Moran, HR and Staff Wellbeing Manager, at: sue.moran@abbeygatecollege.co.uk by the above closing date.  

Should you require any additional information or have any difficulties in completing / submitting your application, please also contact Sue Moran.  

Please visit our website at www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk for more information about the College.