Gardener / Assistant Gardener

Canford School; Merley; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Canford School in Dorset is seeking a dedicated Gardener or Assistant Gardener to join our Estates team. This role involves planting, lawn care, pruning, and maintaining the school's diverse outdoor spaces.

The successful candidate will operate gardening machinery, support sports grounds upkeep, and help ensure safe, high-standard grounds. Entry-level to experienced garden staff are encouraged to apply; full-time permanent contract.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining and enhancing the school's gardens and grounds, including weeding, pruning, planting, grass cutting, edging, and general horticultural maintenance.
• Operating, maintaining, and carrying out basic servicing of gardening machinery and equipment, including mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, tractors, and powered tools.
• Supporting the upkeep of sports grounds and outdoor facilities, assisting with the maintenance of grass, synthetic, and hard surface areas as required.
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety procedures, including safe use of equipment, chemicals, PPE, risk assessments, and safe working practices.
• Working collaboratively with the Senior Gardener, Estates team, contractors, and colleagues to deliver grounds projects, respond to maintenance requests, maintain records, and ensure the school grounds are presented to a high standard.

Job description

Gardener/Assistant Gardener

Location: Dorset

Salary: £27,133 to £28,177 (dependant on experience)

Vacancy Type: Full-time, Permanent

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Gardener or Assistant Gardener to join our team at Canford School.

Set within beautiful school grounds, this is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors and takes pride in creating and maintaining impressive gardens and outdoor spaces.

The successful candidate will assist with a variety of gardening duties, including planting, pruning, lawn care, and the general upkeep of the school's grounds. Previous gardening experience is desirable, along with a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and an eye for detail.

In return, we offer a friendly and supportive working environment, opportunities for development, and the chance to be part of a vibrant school community.

About the role

You'll be involved in:

• Maintaining and enhancing the school's gardens and grounds, including weeding, pruning, planting, grass cutting, edging, and general horticultural maintenance.
• Operating, maintaining, and carrying out basic servicing of gardening machinery and equipment, including mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, tractors, and powered tools.
• Supporting the upkeep of sports grounds and outdoor facilities, assisting with the maintenance of grass, synthetic, and hard surface areas as required.
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety procedures, including safe use of equipment, chemicals, PPE, risk assessments, and safe working practices.
• Working collaboratively with the Senior Gardener, Estates team, contractors, and colleagues to deliver grounds projects, respond to maintenance requests, maintain records, and ensure the school grounds are presented to a high standard.

About you

You will:

• Demonstrate competence in the safe operation and maintenance of horticultural machinery, equipment, and power tools, with relevant training or certifications desirable.
• Be a proactive, reliable team player with the ability to work independently, use initiative, communicate effective with a wide range of people, and support or guide colleagues when required.
• Show flexibility and enthusiasm for outdoor work in all weather conditions, with a willingness to undertake further training, work additional hours during peak periods, and develop specialist skills.

Early applications are very much encouraged. We will review and shortlist candidates on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy once the right candidate has been identified. Candidates are therefore advised to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo child protection screening.