Gardener/Horticulturalist

Gardener/Horticulturalist Wallingford Full Time £28,000- £32,000Our client designs, creates and cares for beautiful bespoke gardens that reflect their customers' lifestyles, homes and values. They specialise in delivering a highly personalised garden maintenance service to meet the diverse needs of their clients; from busy executives to retired garden-lovers whose gardens are a haven to connect with nature, re-charge and share special memories with the family.To meet the increasing demand for their high-quality garden maintenance and development services, they are seeking an experienced Gardener/Horticulturalist to join their current team of ten full and part-time staff, working in domestic gardens and estates across Oxfordshire , Bucks and Berkshire.The RoleAs a Gardener/Horticulturalist, you will work as part of a team of between two and four Landscape Gardeners caring for and developing gardens to an agreed standard. You will use your horticultural knowledge and practical skills to maintain a variety of gardens of varying sizes and maturity throughout the seasons.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide all aspects of garden maintenance, including:Weeding, pruning, splitting, re-potting, tying in and planting of trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbsDigging over beds, soil conditioning and mulchingHedge trimming, lawn mowing, strimming, edging and low-level tree pruning and loppingUse and maintain hand tools and garden machinery, including secateurs, loppers, petrol lawn mower, leaf blower, weed burner, hedge trimmer and strimmerIdentify common pests and diseases and understand how to prevent, control and treat them using natural and non-chemical treatmentsLiaise with clients on site, updating them on completed work and carrying out specific tasks as requestedWork effectively as part of a team, providing updates on completed work, outstanding tasks, materials required and suggestions for future garden careAssist the Design and Landscaping department with plant care, planting and other soft landscaping tasks when requiredRequirementsEssentialAt least 3 years' experience maintaining private gardens/estates in the UK, including managing herbaceous borders throughout the seasonsExperience with pruning, cutting back, splitting and identifying and treating pests and diseasesFull, clean and valid driving licenceHigh level of plant identification skills and horticultural knowledgeAbility to work outside in all weather conditionsGood time management skills and ability to work to deadlinesA high attention to detail and ability to keep working areas and tools clean and tidyStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain positive relationships with clients, colleagues and contractorsExcellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication skillsAbility to follow instructions, learn from previous mistakes and ask for help when requiredPatience, persistence, consistency, reliability and flexibilityDesirableLevel 2 RHS or equivalent qualification in Horticulture or working towards thisTrailer towing qualification B+E or experience and competence in towingUnderstanding of relevant Health and Safety policies and proceduresUnderstanding of GDPR and confidentiality when handling personal dataWhat's In It For YouRegularly reviewed competitive salary40-hour working week 7.45am – 4.45pm, Monday-Friday (no weekend working or late hours)Based out of fully-equipped, custom-built Operations Hub on outskirts of WallingfordVitality Health Insurance or equivalent contribution to a health and wellbeing benefit of your choice (eg. gym membership, physical and mental wellbeing support)28 days holiday, increasing with long service from 2 years.Up to 3 days additional holiday over ChristmasAdditional ‘Nature Day' to enable you to connect with natureWellbeing programme supported by PerennialWorkplace pensionCycle to Work schemeAll tools provided and on-site mechanic for repairs and maintenanceCompany uniform provided with annual boots allowanceUse of company vehicles for business useTwice-yearly Company Social events – Christmas and late SummerSupportive team environment that encourages ideas and initiativeTraining and development, both formal and ‘on the tools', underpinned by RHS and HTA standardsWhat's next? It's easy! Click “APPLY” now! We can't wait to hear from you!Complete and return an application form to highlight those employment skills and experiences that you believe make you suitable for this role and why, and to explain clearly why you're interested in this role and why it is a development for you and your career.Successful candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview at the Operations HubA trial day may be offeredOur clients mission is to create and develop beautiful and biodiverse gardens that support wildlife and wellbeing. As part of your application please tell them how you will help them to achieve this.Your data will be handled in line with GDPR.TPBN1_UKTJ