Assistant Gardener

University of St Andrews; St Andrews; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 30 days + 5 public hols

Hybrid working environment

Staff discount scheme

Free staff parking

Carshare / Cycle to Work

LinkedIn Learning access

Salary sacrifice scheme

Job summary

The University of St Andrews is seeking a dedicated gardener to join the Estates gardening service at the North Haugh Grounds Department. You will maintain lawns, borders, meadows, woodland and other general gardening tasks, working with the team led by the grounds Team leader.

Experience with modern gardening equipment and PA1/PA6 qualifications are advantageous; strong health and safety knowledge is essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills and a proactive, helpful manner.
• PA1/PA6 qualification would be advantageous.
• Horticultural knowledge would be advantageous and beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Maintain fine lawns, herbaceous borders, open grassland meadows, natural woodland and all general gardening maintenance.
• Operate modern gardening equipment safely and efficiently.
• Work as part of the team led by the grounds Team leader and collaborate with teammates.
• Uphold health and safety standards and machinery maintenance.

Skills

Communication skills

Gardening equipment operation

Health & Safety

Education

PA1/PA6 qualification

Horticultural knowledge

Tools

Gardening equipment

Job description

We are looking to appoint a new member to join our gardening service team based at the North Haugh Grounds Department.

You will work as part of an experienced team lead by the grounds Team leader and work effectively within your team.

You will be responsible for the upkeep of fine lawns, herbaceous borders, open grassland meadows, natural woodland and all general gardening maintenance.

Experience in operating modern gardening equipment would be advantageous.

Experience in Horticultural knowledge would be advantageous along with PA1 /PA6 qualification

You must have excellent communication skills and a keen and helpful manner.

The ability to cope under pressure and the ability to demonstrate a flexible approach without supervision is essential.

You must have a sound knowledge of Health and Safety and machinery maintenance.

This could be the perfect opportunity for the right candidate to join our experienced team.

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Annual leave of 30 days, plus 5 public holidays pro rata
• Financial contribution to relocation where applicable
• Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme

At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa or by contacting our HR Immigration Team on [e-mail] Description: MC1188 FPs.pdfClosing Date: 30 October 2026Interview Date: 9 November 2026

Estates

Salary: £25,353 per annum

Start date: 1 December 2026