Gardening jobs in Boxley

Apprentice Gardener

Location: Iden Manor Nursing Home

Contract: Apprenticeship - 30 hours per week

Salary: £10.70 per hour

Reporting to: Head Gardener / Estates Manager

About us

Set within beautiful grounds, Iden Manor Nursing Home provides exceptional care in a peaceful and picturesque environment. Our extensive grounds are an important part of daily life for residents, families, and visitors, offering seasonal colour, tranquil spaces, and opportunities to connect with nature.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Gardener to join our Estates Team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for horticulture who wishes to develop practical skills while working towards a recognised qualification.

Role Purpose

The Apprentice Gardener will support the maintenance and development of the estate gardens and grounds, helping to ensure they remain safe, attractive, and enjoyable for residents and visitors. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will gain hands-on experience across a wide range of horticultural activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the upkeep and enhancement of formal gardens, lawns, borders, pathways, and landscaped areas.
• Plant, water, weed, prune, and maintain shrubs, flowers, and trees throughout the seasons.
• Help maintain vegetable plots, sensory gardens, and wildlife-friendly areas.
• Support lawn care activities including mowing, edging, and seasonal treatments.
• Operate and maintain gardening tools and equipment safely under supervision.
• Assist with composting and environmentally sustainable gardening practices.
• Keep greenhouses, sheds, and storage areas clean and organised.
• Help prepare displays and planting schemes to provide year-round interest and enjoyment for residents.
• Support the Estates Team with general grounds maintenance and seasonal projects.
• Engage positively with residents, families, and visitors, recognising the therapeutic value that gardens bring to those in our care.
• Adhere to health and safety procedures, infection prevention measures, and safeguarding policies at all times.
• Attend off-site or online training and complete coursework required for the apprenticeship programme.

Person Specification

Essential

• A genuine interest in horticulture, gardening, and the natural environment.
• Willingness to learn and develop practical skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable, punctual, and enthusiastic approach.
• Ability to undertake physical work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards and contributing to a caring environment.

Desirable

• Previous gardening experience, either through employment, volunteering, or personal interest.
• Basic knowledge of plants and seasonal gardening tasks.
• Awareness of sustainability and environmentally friendly gardening practices.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.

What We Offer

• A recognised horticultural apprenticeship qualification.
• Mentoring and support from experienced gardening and estates professionals.
• The opportunity to work within a stunning manor estate and beautifully maintained grounds.
• A rewarding role contributing to the wellbeing and enjoyment of nursing home residents.
• Relevant training provided.
• Employee benefits and wellbeing support.
• Opportunities for future career progression within horticulture and estate management.

Hoama Group Ltd is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate pre-employment checks.

If this sounds like the right fit for you, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply Now!

Pay: £10.70 per hour

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food

Work Location: In person