Landscaper

Eton College; Dorney; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in England seeks an experienced landscaper to maintain its expansive grounds. The ideal candidate will be responsible for various landscaping tasks, including tree and hedge maintenance, and must hold a Level 2 certificate in Horticulture along with relevant chainsaw certifications. This full-time position requires 37.5 hours per week, with a focus on ensuring high-quality landscape management. Benefits include pension contributions, enhanced parental leave, and access to sport and leisure facilities.

Benefits

11% employer pension contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in landscape maintenance and horticulture.
• Ability to work with chainsaws and handling fencing duties.
• Valid UK manual driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and repairs across assigned landscaping tasks.
• Install and maintain fencing across the College grounds.
• Conduct routine tree and hedge maintenance.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Problem-solving initiative

Communication skills

Education

Level 2 certificate in Horticulture

Chainsaw certificates (CS 30.1, 30.2, 31, CS 32, CS 47, CS 48)

Tools

Tractor driving certificate (NPTC)

Spraying certificates (PA1, PA6)

Job description

Role Introduction

With 1450 acres of land, we consider the outside areas of Eton College to be equally as important as the classrooms, particularly with all the Sports and Co-curricular activities available to the students.

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and experienced landscaper to join the large, supportive team who tend to all the grounds and outside areas of the College, with all the due care and consideration they deserve.

The role will involve undertaking all landscape maintenance such as grass cutting, hedge cutting, strimming, meadow cutting, tree maintenance, fencing, shed building, Pinks and any other work directed by the Landscaper Supervisor or Deputy Grounds Manager. All works are to be carried out to an exceptionally high standard and in an efficient and effective way in line with departmental plans and programmes.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

• Undertake maintenance and repairs across assigned tasks (Pinks), ensuring all work is completed to a high standard and within agreed timeframes:
• Install, maintain, and replace fencing throughout the College grounds;
• Carry out shed removals and installations;
• Deliver soft and hard landscaping projects;
• Perform routine tree and hedge maintenance;
• Manage grass cutting operations, from lawns to meadows;
• Conduct leaf blowing and seasonal collection, maintaining clean and safe outdoor environments;
• Maintain front-of-house and public-facing areas, including pavements, roadways, waste bins, and other external features;
• The safe use and operation of equipment and machinery used in horticultural maintenance;
• To adhere to current health and safety legislation and best practice in accordance with the college health and safety policy statement;
• Take personal responsibility for safety, including the wellbeing of colleagues and visitors;
• Promptly report hazards or defective equipment and cease work if serious risk is identified;
• Carry out specific projects as directed;
• To undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required of you in the post;
• All employees of Eton College are also expected to:Develop a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’;Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This includes but is not limited to completing safeguarding training as required, complying with all safeguarding procedures and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood.Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality;Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you will need the following;

• A Level 2 certificate in Horticulture and/or relevant experience to do the job competently;
• Chainsaw certificates in the following cs 30.1, 30.2, 31, cs 32, cs 47 cs48;
• A valid UK manual driving licence;
• General knowledge of Horticulture;
• General knowledge and experience in fencing;
• The ability to use your own initiative to identify and fix problems;
• A NPTC tractor driving certificate would be desirable;
• NPTC PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates would be desirable.
• A basic tree survey qualification is desirable;

Working Pattern

• You will be working 37.5 hours per week, 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, with a 30 minute unpaid lunch break.
• You will be working 52 weeks per year.
• When a bank holiday falls within a school term period, this is considered to be a working day and a day off in lieu will be given.
• 4th of June is a celebration day for the founder of the College and is day we would expect you to work.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.