Assistant Gardener

Job title: Assistant Gardener

Reporting to: Senior Management team

Contract: 7 hours a week – part time flexible working.

Location: The Royal Foundation of St Katharine, 2 Butcher Row, E14 8DS

Job purpose:

The role is to assist in the upkeep, maintenance, development and presentation of the ‘Extra Ordinary Oasis’ of the Royal Foundation of St Katharine. As a Christian Retreat House our gardens are an important part of our environment. The Presentation, landscaping elements and maintenance of the garden is led by the inhouse team drawing in relevant specialist contractors as required.

Salary: London Living Wage £14.80 per hour

Main duties

· To undertake horticultural tasks that include border preparation and planting, pruning, mowing, edge cutting, hedge cutting and occasional landscaping tasks.

· Work in a horticultural environment on their own initiative both in a team and alone.

· Identify plant health and undertake relevant cross-contamination preventative measures.

· Undertake shaping and pruning (with plant health as the main priority).

· To undertake regular machine maintenance, pesticide application, litter and leaf clearance.

· To maintain a high standard of horticultural practice in all tasks undertaken.

· To take a full and active role in the care of the gardens by using initiative to report problems and suggest areas of improvement.

· To play a full part in helping to produce gardens of high quality by following best practice to develop an aesthetically pleasing environment.

· At all times to work safely with due regard to the safety of others and members of the public.

· To comply with RFSK policy, all other internal/external Health & Safety regulations/Safe Systems of Work and ensure day to day risk assessments of routine works are carried out.

· Report all potential hazards, defective tools or incidents.

Other duties

· The post holder will be expected to carry out from time to time any other duties as instructed.

· As a Christian Retreat Centre, the garden contributes significantly to this ethos so it is desirable for the this post holder to have an active understanding of the Christian faith.

Skills and aptitude required

Knowledge and Training:

· Excellent general horticultural knowledge and plant base

· Excellent time management skills

· Good pruning skills

· Good plant identification skills

· Wide horticultural interest

Ability to:

· Deal calmly, courteously, efficiently but firmly with residents, consultants, contractors and others

· Feel comfortable to contribute to the rhythm of Christian Prayer in our Chapel.

· Cope with a demanding workload, working flexibly and collaboratively as part of a small team

· Manage time and priorities effectively

· Be a people person – personable, well mannered and presentable

· Excellent hands-on horticultural and plant identification skills

· Ability to handle successful interactions with residents and guests

· Good knowledge of garden equipment and machinery, its safe operation and maintenance

RFSK offers a generous staff package to all employees.