About Company
Ready to cultivate your career in the green heart of Oxfordshire? Career.supersecrets connects passionate individuals with rewarding horticultural opportunities. For a dedicated Gardener (Manual), our network provides exclusive access to diverse and picturesque estates, public parks, and private gardens throughout Oxford. We pride ourselves on matching your skills and green thumb with environments where you can truly flourish. Join us to find a stable role where your hard work is genuinely valued, contributing to the local landscape’s beauty while building a fulfilling career.
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Job Description
This is a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated and physically fit Gardener (Manual) to join our client’s vibrant grounds maintenance team, contributing to the upkeep and enhancement of some of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes across Oxford, Oxfordshire. As a crucial member of the outdoor team, you will be responsible for a wide range of horticultural tasks, ensuring our client’s gardens, historic estates, college quadrangles, and public green spaces consistently present a pristine and welcoming appearance. This role demands a strong work ethic, an exceptional eye for detail, and a genuine, deep-seated passion for gardening and the natural environment.
Working both independently on specific projects and collaboratively as part of a close-knit team, you will engage in all aspects of garden maintenance. Your daily responsibilities will span from seasonal planting, precise pruning, and careful propagation to meticulous turf care, effective weed control, and general site tidiness. We are looking for an individual who is not only proficient in using various hand tools and powered horticultural machinery safely and efficiently but also understands the fundamental principles of sustainable horticulture. The successful candidate will be someone who takes immense pride in their workmanship, relishes working outdoors in diverse weather conditions, enjoys physical labour, and is unwavering in their commitment to delivering exceptionally high standards of garden care.
You will be expected to manage your time effectively, prioritise tasks based on seasonal needs and client requirements, and communicate clearly and proactively with team leaders and other staff members. Our clients’ properties range significantly, from the tranquil beauty of historic college gardens to the modern aesthetics of corporate campuses, offering a truly diverse and stimulating work environment where no two days are quite the same. This position offers more than just a job; it’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Oxfordshire, continuously develop your horticultural expertise, and make a tangible, positive difference to the local environment and community. If you are passionate about creating and maintaining stunning outdoor spaces, possess the necessary physical stamina, and are looking for a stable, full-time role with genuine opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement, we strongly encourage you to apply. We are committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to excel in their craft.
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Key Responsibilities
- Perform general garden maintenance tasks including weeding, watering, mulching, pruning, and planting.
- Operate and maintain garden machinery such as mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers safely and efficiently.
- Prepare soil for planting, including digging, raking, and enriching with compost.
- Care for lawns, including mowing, edging, scarifying, and fertilising.
- Monitor plant health, identifying and reporting signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies.
- Undertake seasonal tasks such as bulb planting, autumn leaf clearance, and winter protection of plants.
- Maintain paths, patios, and other hard landscaped areas, ensuring they are clean and free of debris.
- Assist with landscaping projects, including laying turf, planting new beds, and installing garden features.
- Ensure all tools and equipment are cleaned, stored correctly, and well-maintained.
- Adhere to health and safety regulations at all times.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in manual gardening and grounds maintenance.
- Physical fitness and stamina to perform demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions.
- Knowledge of basic horticultural practices, including plant identification, pruning techniques, and soil care.
- Proficiency in operating and maintaining a range of gardening tools and powered machinery.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality workmanship.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic.
- Excellent communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Horticultural qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or similar).
- PA1/PA6 certification for pesticide application.
- Experience with chainsaw operation (NPTC certification desirable).
- Full UK driving licence.
- First Aid certification.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage with opportunities for overtime.
- Paid holiday entitlement.
- Access to training and professional development opportunities in horticulture.
- Company uniform and essential PPE provided.
- Pension scheme enrolment.
- A supportive and friendly team environment.
- Opportunity to work in beautiful and diverse outdoor settings across Oxford.
How to Apply
To apply for this exciting Gardener (Manual) position, please click on the application link below. We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about your experience and passion for horticulture.
