Grounds & Gardens Technician

John Lewis Partnership; Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK hospitality provider is seeking an experienced gardener to join the Grounds and Gardens team at their stunning location alongside the River Thames. You will be responsible for maintaining the estates, enhancing guest experiences, and ensuring high standards throughout the grounds. Ideal candidates will have strong horticultural skills, a minimum of 2 years of experience, and good communication abilities. This is a permanent position with a competitive salary range of £26,200 to £36,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years professional gardening experience.
• Good understanding of plants, pests, and soil types.
• Full driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the improvement and maintenance of the gardens.
• Undertake all horticultural and maintenance tasks.
• Maintain and use a wide range of tools and powered equipment.

Skills

Horticultural experience

Communication skills

Ability to work independently

Education

NVQ Level 2 Amenity Horticulture

Tools

Chainsaw certificate

Pesticide use certificate

Job description

About the role

This exciting permanent role is based at The Odney Club in Cookham, our beautiful John Lewis and Partners hotel, set in 95 acres by the River Thames in Cookham, Berkshire which offers both character and charm. You’ll work as part of the Grounds and Gardens team, developing the estate’s grounds, gardens, sports areas, lakes, play areas and woodland. You will deliver high standards throughout the grounds and gardens, enhancing the reputation of the hotel and providing an excellent guest experience.

You’ll need proven competency in horticulture and an understanding of the operation and maintenance of grounds and garden machinery. In addition to your contractual pay, you’ll receive a night premium of £4.00 per hour for any time worked between 22:00 and 06:00.

At a glance

• Expected Salary – £26,200 to £36,000 (depending on experience)
• Contract type – Permanent
• Working pattern/flexible working – Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm, 1 in 6 weekends
• Location – Odney Club, Cookham

As the role involves handling of potentially hazardous equipment and access to restricted areas, all successful candidates will undergo a DBS check conducted by a third‑party registered body. A financial probity check will also be completed.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with the improvement and maintenance of the gardens, ensuring they are presented at the highest standards.
• Efficiently undertake all horticultural and maintenance tasks as requested, ensuring high levels of craftsmanship.
• Maintain and use a wide range of tools and powered equipment and complete any required records.
• Ensure and promote health and safety of yourself and others in accordance with partnership requirements.
• Establish good working relationships with other partners and managers.
• Welcome and communicate with visitors to the gardens – giving talks, selling tickets, answering questions.
• Maintain current knowledge of horticultural practices and environmental considerations and apply when appropriate.
• Provide departmental out‑of‑hours cover on a rota basis.
• Support and participate in estate events as required, involving occasional extra hours at weekends and evenings.

Essential skills/experience you’ll need

• Experience working within a grounds and/or gardens team.
• Experience of propagation and working in a production garden.
• Able to work with minimal supervision.
• Minimum 2 years professional gardening experience with a good understanding of plants, pests and soil types.
• Full driving licence.
• NVQ Level 2 Amenity Horticulture or equivalent professional experience.
• Good communication skills.

Desirable skills/experience you may have

• Certificate in chainsaw use (NPTC CS30/CS31).
• Certificate in safe use of pesticides (NPTC PA1/PA2/PA6).
• Experience working in a commercial greenhouse.
• Qualification in garden design.
• Hard landscaping experience.
• PA1 & PA6a pesticide certificate.

Closing Date: November 17, 2025

Pay: £26,200.00 – £36,000.00 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours of Work: 37.5

Job Level: Partnership Level 9

Where You’ll Be Working: Odney Club, Odney Lane, Cookham, Berkshire, SL6 9SR