Gardening jobs in Penicuik

Job Title: Assistant Gardener

Status: Part-time Permanent 28 hours per week

Pay: £13.45 per hour

Salary: pro rata f/t £24,480 – Grade 1, Spine Point 5

Location: Abbotsford, Melrose

Reporting to: Head Gardener

Employee Benefits:

· Real Living Wage employer

· Pension contributions matched up to 4% of salary

· Free parking – enjoy free family walks any time at Abbotsford

· Staff discounts – 20% off in our shop and café, for public events and self-catering bookings

The house, garden and landscape of Abbotsford are the creation of Sir Walter Scott and were developed between 1811 and 1825. Scott is justly famed worldwide as Scotland’s most successful and prolific author, but his surmounting interest was the designing of his 1400 acre estate and garden. It is categorized as having ‘Outstanding Significance’ by Historic Environment Scotland.

Major capital investment since 2013 has in restoring the house and creating a much improved visitor experience with a new car park, visitor centre, play trail and interpretation. Some 300,000 visits a year are made to the estate, and 35,000 visits a year to the walled gardens. The improvement of the gardens remains a focus of Trustees’ plans.

Job Purpose

· To work with the Gardening Team under the supervision of the Head Gardener assisting in maintaining the gardens and grounds to a high standard for the public’s enjoyment.

· To work as part of a team on hard and soft landscaping projects, to develop the gardens and grounds for the enjoyment of visitors throughout the season.

· To undertake work with due regard to the health and safety of staff, volunteers, visitors, and team members.

· To contribute to the sustainability of the garden through increasing its green credentials.

Scope and Accountability:

The gardening team comprises the Head Gardener, Assistant Gardeners and any volunteers, students, groups and local employability agency clients.

The Assistant Gardener will work under the supervision of the Head Gardener to agreed work programmes. They will work closely with members of the gardening team to develop, enhance, and conserve the garden and grounds, and to contribute to the delivery of projects for the community. They may be required to work evenings or weekends occasionally.

Key Responsibilities:

· To help to maintain and improve the gardens through digging, mulching, weeding, hoeing, pruning, staking, labelling, leaf and litter clearance, fertilizing and watering as well as lawn care and mowing, edging, strimming, hedge clipping and other appropriate tasks for maintenance.

· To help rear new plants, including herbaceous, vegetable and shrubs and trees, such as taking cuttings, sowing, dividing, transplanting, potting on and planting out.

· To help establish new planting, including watering, mulching, staking and winter protection.

· To help maintain the security and upkeep of the fabric of the gardens, grounds, and ornamental policies such as fencing, gates, signage, benches, and buildings etc.

· Carry out regular maintenance tasks throughout the woodlands and estate.

· To ensure that tools and equipment are properly cleaned and in good order prior to storage.

· To contribute to the maintenance and cleaning of machines.

· Work closely with volunteers, supervising when required.

· To interact with the public daily, in particular signposting around the site and gardens.

· To take responsibility for health and safety tasks as directed.

Person Specification

Knowledge:

· Horticultural qualification to SVQ Level 2 Horticulture at SCQF Level 5.

· Willingness to learn and apply horticultural and plant husbandry techniques.

· Willingness to learn and apply knowledge of environmental best practise.

· Willingness to learn Health and Safety Compliance requirements.

Experience:

· Experience of gardening and horticultural practice.

· Familiarity with a range of machinery/equipment and basic cleaning/maintenance of machinery.

· Competent in use of ATV vehicles.

· Experience of working with and interacting with the public.

Skills and Abilities:

· Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate.

· Willingness to learn and apply time management skills.

· Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing work situations.

· Good team working skills.

· Willingness to work in difficult climatic conditions and outdoors in all weathers.

Personal Qualities and Requirements:

· Commitment to the Abbotsford Trust’s mission, vision, and values.

· Commitment to valuing equality and diversity.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Benefits:

· Employee discount Ochiltree’s café

· On-site parking

· Employee store discount

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £13.45 per hour

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Work Location: In person