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AWD online; Polegate; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

AWD online is seeking a Soft Landscaper / Landscape Operative to bring strong horticultural skills to varied, high-quality landscaping projects. You will help create and establish planted areas to drawings and specifications.

Across commercial, construction and infrastructure sites, the Soft Landscaper / Landscape Operative will combine careful planting and soil preparation with safe use of tools and equipment, maintaining quality and site presentation.

Qualifications

• Recognised horticultural qualification (RHS Level 2+).
• Valid CSCS card (Green Labourer or higher).
• Experience in soft landscaping, landscape construction or grounds maintenance.
• Ability to read planting plans and follow landscape specifications.

Responsibilities

• Plant trees, shrubs, hedging and other soft landscape material to required standards.
• Prepare and improve soils and planting areas.
• Lay turf and seed areas and finish landscaped spaces.
• Apply mulch, compost, fertiliser and soil conditioners as specified.
• Water, maintain and care for newly planted areas.
• Read and apply landscape drawings, schedules and specs.
• Check plant quality, spacing and levels; ensure proper staking and protection.
• Operate hand and power tools safely; maintain site presentation.
• Follow RAMS and site safety rules to protect people and environment.
• Report defects or site constraints to the Site Supervisor promptly.

Skills

RHS qualification

CSCS card

Plant knowledge

Site experience

Reading plans

Education

RHS Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Join a skilled landscaping team delivering high-quality planting, turfing and landscape establishment across commercial, construction and infrastructure projects. Strong practical horticultural knowledge, relevant experience and a valid CSCS card are essential.

If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Soft Landscaping Operative, Landscaping Operative, Landscape Gardener, Horticultural Operative, Horticulturist, Commercial Landscaper, Grounds Maintenance Operative, Grounds Maintenance Landscaper

SALARY: £125 to £150 per Day (depending on experience)

LOCATION: Polegate, East Sussex

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

JOB OVERVIEW

An excellent opportunity is available to bring strong horticultural skills to varied, high-quality landscaping projects. The Soft Landscaper / Landscape Operative will help create and establish planted areas to drawings and specifications.

Across commercial, construction and infrastructure sites, the Soft Landscaper / Landscape Operative will combine careful planting and soil preparation with safe use of tools and equipment, maintaining quality and site presentation.

The Soft Landscaper / Landscape Operative will work independently and with the site team, reporting defects, plant-quality concerns and site constraints promptly while supporting safe, environmentally responsible delivery.

DUTIES

Your duties as the Soft Landscaper / Landscape Operative include:

• Planting and Establishment: Plant trees, shrubs, hedging, whips, herbaceous plants and other soft landscape material to the required standard
• Soil Preparation: Cultivate, grade and improve soils and planting areas using appropriate amelioration and soil-improvement methods
• Turfing and Seeding: Lay turf, undertake grass seeding and complete final preparation of landscaped areas
• Soil Treatments: Apply mulch, compost, fertiliser and soil conditioners in accordance with specifications
• Plant Care: Complete watering, establishment maintenance, pruning, formative pruning, weeding and general plant care
• Plans and Specifications: Read and work accurately from landscape drawings, planting plans, schedules and specifications
• Quality Checks: Check plant quality, planting depth, spacing, finished levels, staking, tying and protection measures
• Tools and Equipment: Use hand tools, power tools and landscaping equipment safely and correctly
• Site Standards: Maintain high standards of workmanship, productivity, housekeeping and site presentation
• Health, Safety and Environment: Follow approved RAMS, site rules, environmental controls and health and safety requirements
• Reporting: Raise damaged plants, defects, specification issues and site constraints promptly with the Site Supervisor

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL

• A recognised RHS horticultural qualification, preferably RHS Level 2 or above, or an equivalent recognised horticultural qualification
• Valid CSCS Green Labourer Card or a higher relevant CSCS card
• Strong practical horticultural knowledge, including plant identification and correct planting techniques
• Previous practical experience in commercial soft landscaping, landscape construction or grounds maintenance
• Good knowledge of soil preparation, planting, turfing, seeding, watering and plant-establishment requirements
• Ability to read planting plans and follow landscape specifications accurately
• Sound understanding of workplace health, safety and environmental requirements
• Ability to carry out physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions
• Reliable and punctual, with the ability to work independently and as part of a site team
• Full UK driving licence
• Practical, proactive and solution-focused approach with good communication and pride in high-quality work

DESIRABLE

• PA1 and PA6 pesticide application qualifications
• Relevant plant or machinery tickets, including excavator, dumper or telehandler
• Manual Handling and CAT & Genny training
• Experience working on highways, construction sites or large commercial landscaping projects
• Experience supervising or supporting a small landscaping team