The Norton Priory Museum Trust Limited: Job Description

Job Title: Gardens and Groundskeeper

Salary: £17,000 p.a.

Responsible to: Head Gardener

Responsible for: Volunteers, contractorsand work experience placements

Job Purpose: To assist the Head Gardener in managing, developing and maintaining the gardens and grounds to ensure the highest quality standards of service and experience for all of our visitors and users

Requisite Skills and Experience:

  • Grounds Maintenance experience
  • Level 2 or higher NVQ or equivalent in Horticulture
  • IT literacy
  • Certificates in PA1 and PA6 Spraying and Chainsaw Cross Cutting CS30 would be desirable

Budget responsibility: None

Principal Responsibilities:

  1. Support, and when required, deputise for the Head Gardener, developing a programme of work which aims to attain the highest standards of horticulture and presentation to encourage greater use of the facilities by an increased number of visitors.
  1. Supervise contractors, volunteers, students, apprentices etc. in their work across the gardens and grounds.
  1. Carry out an agreed programme of work throughout the grounds, including skilled fine turf work, tractor and trailer operations including loading, tipping and operating tractor mounted implements, grass-cutting using a tractor and hand-held mowers, planting, weeding strimming, hedge-trimming, litter-picking and clearance of the site.
  1. Maintaining, ordering, cleaning and ensuring the safe use of tools in ensuring the maintenance of equipment and buildings across the site, reporting needs to the Head Gardener.
  1. Maintain checklists for regular buildings and grounds maintenance, assisting in the arranging of testing for plant and equipment, keeping up-to-date records of all test certificates and relevant paperwork.
  1. Research and develop a high standard of knowledge of Norton Priory’s diverse horticultural wealth and history and communicate this knowledge to the benefit of our visitors.
  1. Undertake chainsaw training and gain tractor driving licence, appropriate PA1 and PA6a spraying certificates and recognised qualifications or equivalent in horticulture.
  1. To take appropriate training in, monitor and conduct regular inspections of the Trust’s outdoor play equipment.
  1. A basic competence in IT, notably in the use of Microsoft Office packages and email is a requirement.
  1. Take reasonable care for your own safety at work, the health and safety of other persons affected by your actions at work and cooperate with colleagues in implementing Norton Priory’s Health and Safety procedures.

Notwithstanding the detail in this job description, in accordance with the Trust’s flexibility policy the job holder will undertake such work as may be determined by the Trust Director from time to time up to or on a level consistent with the principal responsibilities of the job.

Special Conditions of Employment:

- Regular weekend, public holiday and occasional evening work are required.

-There will be a three month probation period for the successful candidate

-All staff are asked to actively take part in the core business of the Trust – that of public engagement – which includes participation in the demonstration of traditional skills

- It is a condition of your employment that you do not smoke in Trust buildings.