Head Gardener
From Private Advert
Working For: Woodbridge Town Council
Head Gardener – Vacancy
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Head Gardener will be an Officer of Woodbridge Town Council (‘the Council’) and will be responsible for ensuring that the instructions of the Council in connection with its function as a local authority are carried out.
The Head Gardener will report to the Estates Officer for the effective management of resources.
The Head Gardener will manage and supervise the Assistant Gardener, and as a team will work towards maintaining the overall appearance of the estate of the Council, which requires high standards of garden maintenance throughout the year by way of best horticultural practice and industry standards.
The Head Gardener will work primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and will be required to perform physical tasks as part of their role. This is an important public-facing role and the post-holder will have to be comfortable working in the public eye.
The Head Gardener will be principally based at Elmhurst Park but will be required to work at any of the Council’s sites as required to meet the needs of the service.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead, motivate and manage the gardening team to ensure that the Council estate is maintained to the highest standard.
Work closely with the Estates Officer to develop and implement a detailed garden maintenance plan that includes, but is not limited to, weeding, pruning, planting, pest control, feeding, and watering to ensure that the Council’s estate remains in the condition as specified by the Council.
Maintain hedges, lawns and grass to a variety of finishes (fine to rough meadow type, including sports pitches) using a variety of machines, including pedestrian operated, tractors & ride-on mowers, strimmer’s and brush cutters.
Maintain formal borders including staking, pruning, replanting and weeding as required.
Manage the maintenance and upkeep of garden structures, such as fences, trellises, paths, outbuildings and composting areas.
Provide recommendations on proper care of trees and remedies for disease and pest control.
Maintain good relationships with other staff and park users.
Ensure that all tasks and activities are undertaken in accordance with council health and safety procedures including risk assessments, safe systems of work and hand arm vibration (HAVS).
Ensure tools and equipment are stored and maintained in the correct and safe manner.
Make recommendations for the purchase of grounds maintenance equipment, supplies and services; control inventory and evaluate material and equipment requirements.
To undertake various maintenance duties to maintain the overall high standard of appearance and general upkeep of the Town Council estate. Tasks may include but are not limited to:
– internal and external painting and decorating
– maintenance of internal and external fixtures and fittings, including minor repairs, maintenance on doors and door furniture etc.
– plumbing, including unblocking sinks, traps and waste pipes, adjusting and re-washering taps etc.
– affixing signs, pictures, paintings etc.
To undertake any other tasks as reasonably directed by the Town Clerk and Estates Officer.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Notify the Estates Officer of any concerns or problem areas and define staffing resource needs and allocates them as required to maintain outdoor spaces and facilities.
To attend training courses, seminars and other learning and development sessions related to the work and role as required by the Council.
Provide support for Town Council organised events.
Answers questions from the public and staff.
For more information about the roles and to request an application pack, please contact the Town Clerk, Mr Greg Diaper – townclerk@woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk, 01394 383599, option 4.
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £35,412 plus entry in the Local Government Pension scheme.
This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. Horticruitment are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.
If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please click here and the Royal Horticultural Society, please click here
For more gardener roles please click here