Garden & Estate Assistant

Job Description

Job Title: Garden & Estate Assistant

Status: Permanent contract, 35 hours/week

Salary: Grade 1 £10.42/hour (£18,964 per annum)

Location: Abbotsford, Melrose

Reporting to: Head Gardener

Employee Benefits

· Pension contributions matched up to 4% of salary

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

· Staff discounts 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 1300 acre estate and garden. It is categorized as having ‘Outstanding Significance’ by Historic Environment Scotland.

A major £12 million capital campaign resulted in restoring the house in 2013 and creating a much improved visitor experience with a new car park, visitor centre, play trail and interpretation. The upgrading and improvement of the gardens is now the focus of the 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, the Ranger 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 the gardening team and Ranger 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

Essential

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

Essential

Experience of gardening and horticultural practice

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

Certification in chainsaw operation.

Certification for use of knapsack sprayer

Competent in use of ATV vehicles and tractor driving.

Desirable

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: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £18,964.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person