Gardener - Oxford, United Kingdom - University of Oxford

University of Oxford

Verified Company

Oxford, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Job Title:
Gardener

Department:
Estates Services - Parks Department

Grade & Salary:
Grade 3 - £22,681 - £25,138

Location:
South Lodge, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RF

Contract Type:
Permanent

Hours:
Full Time (36.5 hours per week)

About Us
The University of Oxford's Estates Services oversees the management and strategic development of the University's extensive estate. This includes properties used for research, teaching, student accommodation, and commercial activities.

Within Estates Services, the Parks Department is responsible for maintaining the beautiful green spaces that contribute to Oxford's unrivalled campus environment.

This includes the maintenance of the iconic University Parks as well as the grounds surrounding department buildings across the estate.

The Parks Department team has established working relationships with Colleges and local organisations, offering high quality horticultural and arboricultural services.

This contract work generates essential income to facilitate continued excellence in the care of the University's gardens and landscapes.

The Parks Department employs dedicated specialist staff and invests in advanced equipment to deliver their services to the highest standards.

They are committed to sustainable practices and carbon reduction strategies.

The department's work ensures that the University's staff, students, and visitors - whether part of the University community or tourists exploring the city of Oxford - can enjoy the University's exceptional gardens and parklands.

What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

Comprehensive in-house training program, including certifications in Pedestrian Powered Machinery, First Aid, and a range of other valuable training opportunities, to empower your skillset and career advancement
An excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future
38 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays)
Personal and professional development opportunities
A comprehensive range of childcare services for working parents
Generous family leave for pregnancy, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave
Cycle loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting
Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

About the Role

We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Gardener to join our friendly team caring for the beautiful University Parks and green spaces across the University of Oxford estate.

This is a full time permanent role reporting to the Team Supervisor.

Your responsibilities will include:

Perform general grounds maintenance tasks, including mechanical and chemical weed control, sweeping, litter removal, clearance work, cultivations, waste chipping/shredding, and mulching.
Prune shrubs, climbers, and small trees.
Assist with new plantings, including staking, tying, watering, and deadheading.
Maintain borders, caring for shrubs, herbaceous plants, and seasonal bedding.
Manage turf, including mowing, spiking, topdressing, overseeding, and more, using various equipment.
Perform hedge maintenance, including planting, pruning, and cutting.
Safely operate and maintain a wide range of vehicles and machinery.
Collaborate on landscape and nursery projects as part of a team.
Fulfil other duties as specified by the Parks management team.
Use a mobile device for recording hours worked at various sites (equipment provided).

About You

You will have:

Craft qualification (e.g., NVQ or City & Guilds) in horticulture or a related field.
Demonstrated knowledge of horticultural practices.
Experience with a broad range of horticultural, landscape, and grounds care equipment.
Good plant knowledge.
Full, clean driving licence.
Flexible approach to work requirements

It would be desirable if you have: