Combat Stress – Gardener

Confederation of Service Charities; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits as a Gardener with a leading mental health charity for veterans. Join a dedicated estates team to maintain and enhance 12 acres of beautiful grounds at the Head Office. This role involves a variety of tasks, from tree and shrub maintenance to ensuring the gardens are pristine. With a commitment to supporting veterans, this organization offers a fulfilling work environment. If you have a passion for horticulture and enjoy working outdoors, this position is perfect for you. Embrace the chance to make a difference while developing your skills in a supportive atmosphere.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Stakeholder pension scheme

Discount shopping vouchers

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working

Access to Blue Light Card scheme

Death in Service Scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum level 2 horticultural qualification required.
• Experience in horticulture or landscaping is essential.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop grounds and gardens to a high standard.
• Carry out horticultural operations and lawn maintenance.

Skills

Horticultural Experience

Interpersonal Skills

Self-motivation

Ability to work outdoors

Education

Level 2 Horticultural Qualification

Tools

Garden Machinery

Hand Tools

Mechanical Equipment

Job description

Based at our Head Office Leatherhead, Surrey

Status: 12 month fixed term contract

Salary: BAND 3, £25,516 – £26,075, per annum, dependent on experience, plus 5% Outer London Fringe Allowance

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 07.30 – 15.00

About Us:

Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans. For over a century we’ve been helping former service personnel deal with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Today we provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues related to their military service. We provide a range of community, outpatient and residential mental health services to veterans with complex mental health problems.

About the role:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time Gardener to join our estates team to maintain and develop the 12 acres of grounds and gardens at our Head Office / England South Hub site to a high standard. The Gardener will report to the Head of Property and Estates and will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of trees, shrubs and herbaceous borders as well as maintaining ponds, hedges, fences, walls, paths, roadways and woodland areas. He / She will carry out horticultural operations along with lawn maintenance using both hand and mechanical equipment. Additional duties include cleaning the drives and pathways of debris, litter picking, clearing snow and applying grit salt. Periodically, the Gardener will assist with non-gardener tasks within the estates team.
Applicants should hold a minimum of level 2 horticultural qualification, have horticultural / landscaping experience and a good general garden machinery knowledge. PA1 / PA6 spraying certificates and CS30/31 chainsaw certificates would be an advantage.
Candidates must have excellent interpersonal skills, be self-motivated and be capable of working alone or as part of a team, and are comfortable working outside in all weathers.
This role is subject to a DBS check.

What we offer:

You will work within a reputable charity that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our veterans, that has a fantastic cause and a committed follower base.

1. 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
2. Stakeholder pension scheme – contributions matched up to 11% of salary
3. Discount shopping vouchers
4. Cycle to work scheme
5. Access to the Employee Assistance Programme
6. Flexible working
7. Access to Blue Light Card scheme
8. Death in Service Scheme
9. Plus many more.

How to apply:

To apply, send an up to date CV and covering letter to [e-mail]
If you have been informed about the role by a current employee, please state this and the employee's name in your covering letter.

Closing date: 9 May 2025
Interview date: TBC

Please note, we reserve the right to close this advert early, should we receive a sufficient amount of applicants.