Lead Gardener & Grounds Supervisor, Wellbeing Gardens

Southern Hospice Group; Chichester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme or NHS pension

Up to 35 days' annual leave inclusive

On-site education support and study-le

Bupa access for healthcare

Free parking and subsidised meals

Corporate gym membership and Blue Life

Employee Assistance Programme

Death in Service

Job summary

Southern Hospice Group is seeking a Lead Gardener to shape and maintain welcoming outdoor spaces that bring comfort and reflection for patients, families and staff. You will lead garden staff and volunteers, plan workloads, and ensure safety and environmental standards across all sites.

The role involves hands-on gardening, supervisory responsibilities, and collaboration with the Grounds Manager to deliver high-quality outcomes in varied spaces such as polytunnel propagation, kitchen gardens,

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year experience in gardening with experience of powered garden machinery.
• Broad understanding of garden maintenance is desirable.
• Experience with crops within a polytunnel, including planting, watering, feed and harvesting.

Responsibilities

• Supervising garden staff and volunteers, providing clear directions, guidance, and support to maintain high standards across all sites
• Carrying out a full range of horticultural and grounds maintenance tasks independently, without the need for supervision or ongoing guidance
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
• Carrying out maintenance of lawns, flower and vegetable gardens, including watering, fertilizing, and caring for trees, shrubs, turf, and associated hard landscaping features such as irrigation systems and water features
• Managing teams of volunteers and corporate groups on a weekly basis, ensuring guidance and support are effectively provided, while also supporting gardening staff to deliver the same high standards of supervision and assistance
• Working with external suppliers
• Taking responsibility for the upkeep of garden sheds, workshops, tools, and machinery, overseeing garden staff to ensure high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and safety are consistently maintained
• Leading on grounds compliance checks, including daily and monthly playground inspections and routine water feature treatments, ensuring accurate documentation while overseeing and supporting garden staff to carry out these responsibilities effectively
• Identifying and treating pests, diseases, and plant health issues
• Reporting and updating the Grounds Manager with any progression or issues
• Responsible for seasonal growing, vegetables and plants
• Developing and coordinating work schedules for the gardening team, working closely with the Grounds Manager to incorporate wider operational input, set priorities, and ensuring tasks are allocated efficiently and effectively
• Expereince of crops within a polytunnel, including planting, watering, feed and harvesting

Skills

Leadership

Gardening

Team supervision

Volunteer coordination

Health and safety awareness

Tools

Powered garden machinery

Irrigation systems

Water features maintenance

Job description

Southern Hospice Group is seeking a Lead Gardener to shape and maintain welcoming outdoor spaces that bring comfort and reflection for patients, families and staff. You will lead garden staff and volunteers, plan workloads, and ensure safety and environmental standards across all sites.

The role involves hands-on gardening, supervisory responsibilities, and collaboration with the Grounds Manager to deliver high-quality outcomes in varied spaces such as polytunnel propagation, kitchen gardens,