Castle Howard Estate Limited

Job Description – Gardener

(Skills Framework Level 1)

It is the vision of Castle Howard Estate Ltd to conserve and restore Castle Howard for the benefit of future generations. It is essential that the appearance of the Estate is maintained to the highest standards for the benefit of visitors and other customers of the business.

The Gardens Department is employed to maintain the public areas of the main gardens and grounds surrounding the main house as well as providing a contracting service to other departments e.g. Forestry and Lakeside Holiday Park. In addition, maintenance of the main avenue, Obelisk and VII Earl Monument are the responsibility of the Gardens Department.

The ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team, communicate well with others at all levels in a helpful and professional manner, and be flexible, is essential.

Job Title:Gardener

Job Requirements:

Good plant knowledge and general garden skills

Ability to work within a team

Flexible and adaptable approach to working

Good communication skills

Full, clean driving licence

Hourly rate:TBA

Hours of work:40 hours per week, with Mondays & weekends off.

Reports to:Head Gardener

Liaising with:As above and any other team members as appropriate

Main Objective:To assist in maintaining high standards of presentation in the Rose garden, vegetable and fruit gardens.

To cover all aspects of grounds maintenance, including the use of tractors, ride-on and pedestrian grass cutting machinery and powered hand tools such as brushcutters and hedge trimmers.

Key Duties:To maintain all landscaped areas of the Castle Howard Estate to include soft and hard landscape, gardens and grounds in accordance with an agreed management plan.

Use and maintain proficiency in the use of all tools and machinery required to carry out the work.

Acquire a good working knowledge of Castle Howard and of the history and development of the gardens in order to respond effectively to visitors’ enquiries.

Assist with the development and use of interpretation information for visitors.

Support the events programme, give talks and lead walks if required.

Where, and when necessary, apply chemicals used to control or promote growth in plants in accordance with all legislative requirements.

Maintain a good working knowledge of all aspects of health and safety as it relates to this post, including risk assessments, COSHH and safe working practices.

Ensure that professional knowledge (including plant knowledge), practical skills, techniques and developments are kept up to date.

Attend meetings, staff training courses and workshops which are considered to be appropriate to the post.

To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required by the Head Gardener and/or Agent.

Desirable Qualifications:

Spraying PA1 and PA6(a), Chainsaw, Brushcutter, Ride-on Mower, Manual Handling, Abrasive Wheel, First Aid.

CASTLE HOWARD – SKILLS FRAMEWORK

The Castle Howard Skills Framework is used for a number of personnel management purposes including recruitment and selection, the appraisal process, as well as for longer term training and development needs. The Framework should not be seen as a tick list, rather it is indicative of the types of behaviour that should be observed at a particular level of competence. Further guidance can be found in the Skills Framework booklet, which is available from the Estate Office or via the intranet.

As a Level 1 employee you are expected to demonstrate the following skills and behaviours:

Teamworking - Supporting each other to produce better results

  • Is tactful, patient and courteous with others irrespective of their status
  • Listens to others and tries to see things from their point of view
  • Recognises when help is needed and offers support to others
  • Helps colleagues to understand the department’s role and activities
  • Understands and applies the principles of health and safety both for self and for others

Leadership - Taking personal responsibility and empowering others

  • Adopts a positive approach to work
  • Knows own objectives fit in with the Estate’s activities
  • Reliable under pressure and remains calm and tactful when dealing with difficult situations
  • Challenges unacceptable behaviours or discrimination
  • Is able to state own positions and views
  • Readily accepts responsibility for own and delegated work
  • Adapts to suit different situations and responds constructively and flexibly to change
Building Relationships - Working in co-operation across the Castle Howard Estate
  • Knows who the internal and external customers are and what service they require
  • Takes responsibility for finding solutions to customers, referring up the line if necessary
Communicating - Sharing information and opinions to achieve understanding
  • Chooses content, language, style and medium to suit the audience/recipient and context
  • Communicates accurately and to the point, avoiding jargon
  • Pays careful attention and asks questions to check detail or understanding remains clear
  • Is calm and persuasive even when dealing with difficult people
  • Contributes to team meetings when there are opportunities to do so
  • Records messages and information accurately and passes them on promptly
Delivering a Quality Service - Focusing on results
  • Organise workload to meet deadlines and objectives
  • Understands the main functions of one’s own department and how it affects the work of other departments
  • Knows and applies rules and legislation relevant to one’s own department
  • Focuses on priorities and is not easily distracted or put off by minor set backs or interruptions
  • Applies Castle Howard’s financial, personnel and resource management rules and procedures
  • Recognises problems and alerts those likely to be affected

Developing and Applying Expertise - Making the most of our own and others’ personal qualities and contribution

  • Asks questions and is not afraid to admit to mistakes or lack of knowledge
  • Takes an active interest in matters affecting the work of their department
  • Willing to learn new skills as the job changes
  • Identifies own development needs and agrees a development plan with line manager
  • Keeps relevant knowledge and expertise up to date
  • Applies previous experience to new situations
Thinking and Decision Making - Making sound operational and policy decisions
  • Identifies the essential information needed to do the job and knows when and where to seek additional information and advice.

CASTLE HOWARD YORK YO60 7DA

Registered Office: Castle Howard Estate Limited, The Estate Office, Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA

Registered in England and Wales No. 480214