Heritage Grounds Lead Gardener

Bath Spa University; Newton St. Loe; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension scheme

Hybrid working

On-site nursery

Enhanced maternity scheme

Employee assistance programme

EV/Cycle to Work

Job summary

Bath Spa University invites applications for a Lead Gardener based at Newton Park, Bath. The role focuses on supervising the grounds team, seasonal garden maintenance, and operating a range of horticultural machinery.

Based at the historic Newton Park campus, you will lead planting, ground prep, and routine lawn care, while complying with safety and record-keeping requirements. A hands-on role with outdoor work and driving duties is expected.

Qualifications

• Must hold RHS Level 2, HND, NVQ or BTEC Level 3 or equivalent, or be working towards it.
• Experience in varied gardening roles, preferably in historic gardens.
• Ability to identify and read garden plans.
• Able to work on own initiative and lead when required.
• Experience using horticultural machinery.
• Prepared for manual handling tasks and outdoor work in all weather.
• Hold a full manual UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist with supervision of gardeners and placement students, liaise with contractors in routine maintenance.
• Seasonal care of shrub and herbaceous borders, including pruning.
• Ground preparation for planting trees, hedges, and borders.
• Routine mowing, edging, and lawn care including seasonal renovations.
• Maintenance of sports pitches where applicable.
• Undertake supplementary pesticide records and inventories.
• Basic maintenance to machinery and updating records.
• Clean drives and pathways, litter picking, snow clearing with salt.

Skills

Gardening experience

Plan identification

Initiative & teamwork

Machinery operation

Driving licence

Education

RHS Level 2 / HND / NVQ / BTEC Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Bath Spa University invites applications for a Lead Gardener based at Newton Park, Bath. The role focuses on supervising the grounds team, seasonal garden maintenance, and operating a range of horticultural machinery.

Based at the historic Newton Park campus, you will lead planting, ground prep, and routine lawn care, while complying with safety and record-keeping requirements. A hands-on role with outdoor work and driving duties is expected.