Gardener

TN United Kingdom; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An inspiring workplace set within a park, this role offers the chance to manage and maintain beautiful grounds at the University of Reading. You will be part of a dedicated team focused on enhancing biodiversity while caring for diverse landscapes. The position requires outdoor work year-round, with a commitment to safety and quality maintenance practices. Join a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion, and enjoy generous annual leave and pension benefits. If you have a passion for grounds maintenance and are eager to learn, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Defined Contribution Pension

Reward and Recognition Schemes

Qualifications

• Previous experience in grounds maintenance, preferably in a commercial setting.
• Knowledge of health and safety practices and expectations.

Responsibilities

• Managing and maintaining grounds around halls of residence and academic buildings.
• Caring for specimen trees, meadows, and lakeside environments.

Skills

Grounds Maintenance

Health and Safety Knowledge

Manual Tasks

Machine Operation

Outdoor Work

Education

GCSE in English Language

Tools

Grounds Maintenance Tools

Job description

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Closing Date: 1st June 2025 at 23:59 (BST)

Please note we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may close the advert earlier if a suitable candidate is found

Candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Further information is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University of Reading offers a unique “University within a Park” setting, making it an inspiring workplace.
Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a defined contribution pension, and reward and recognition schemes.
This role involves managing and maintaining grounds around halls of residence, academic buildings, and sports facilities, as well as caring for specimen trees, meadows, woodlands, and lakeside environments.
The team is committed to adapting maintenance techniques to enhance biodiversity. The position is based at Whiteknights Campus, with a requirement to work at Greenlands Campus three days a week. Please apply via the Jobtrain site, clearly describing how you meet the key criteria listed below and in the person specification. Applications lacking this information may not be considered for an interview.

You will be:
Able to perform all lifting, machine operation, and manual tasks associated with the role.
Capable of working outdoors year-round in various environments.
Expected to work from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, across three campuses.

You will have:
An unlimited (Manual) UK driving license valid for driving light vans.
GCSE or equivalent in English Language.
Previous experience in grounds maintenance, preferably in a commercial setting.
Experience with the safe use of common grounds maintenance tools and machinery.
A willingness to learn and participate in training.
Knowledge of health and safety practices and expectations.

Contact Name: Rupert Taylor
Contact Job Title: Head of Grounds Maintenance
Contact Email: [emailprotected]
Alternative Contact Name: Lucy Jellis
Alternative Contact Job Title: Deputy Head of Grounds Maintenance
Alternative Contact Email: [emailprotected]

The University is committed to diversity and inclusion, supporting the Athena SWAN Charter, the Race Equality Charter, and LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered according to business needs.