Gardener Bishop Auckland
Job description
RoleGardenerReporting toSenior GardenerContractPermanent, 37.5 hours per weekSalary£22,000 per annumThe Auckland ProjectAt the heart of our sites is St Peter’s Chapel, in Auckland Castle: the home of the Prince Bishops, and the historic seat of faith and power in the North of England. The experience across our sites is deeply linked to those two themes of faith and power – they are repeated throughout the Castle and Faith Museum, the Mining Art Gallery and the Spanish Gallery. The collection of our venues, spaces and places invite conversations about belonging, faith, loss, sacrifice, community, love and creativity. We would like our guests to explore: to discover things about our town, our country and their own lives. We want to create memorable and transformative encounters – and need your help to do so.The role purposeFor the successful candidate to join an exciting and rewarding project, delivering beautifully maintained gardens, in a unique historic setting.The Auckland Project is a collection of heritage attractions including galleries, gardens and parkland, centred around Auckland Castle, a former home of the Prince Bishops of Durham.The successful candidate will be working to assist in the development and maintenance of a wide range of gardens. From our walled garden, built in the 17thcentury but now under development with a contemporary glasshouse and a new production space, to a range of gardens within the castle curtilage, including water features, courtyards, wildflower filled wilderness areas and a medieval bowling green. The applicant will also help maintain other gardens throughout the estate including hotels and carparks. It will be a varied and rewarding role.ContextThis role will require the successful applicant to be a good all-round horticulturalist, with an eye for detail and pride in their work, and because our gardens are a part of a larger visitor attraction, we are looking for someone who also feels comfortable engaging with the public.Key ResponsibilitiesTo undertake the maintenance of all elements of the varied gardens and park that include extensive flower borders, topiary, hedges, fruit, vegetable, cutting flowers and lawns as directed.To work collaboratively to support volunteers’, placements, and apprentices.To ensure that all grounds are kept to a high standard.To work with colleagues, with an absolute focus on the Visitor.Engage with visitors using a variety of techniques which may include the use of demonstrations and historic stories linked with the project.To work flexibly to support the delivery of events as required.Adhere to quality systems, operating procedures, and risk assessments to facilitate the safe, smooth, and timely delivery of works throughout the gardensTo carry out any other duties within the level of responsibility as may be determined from time to time.Person Specification:Requirements / AssessmentSkills/ Knowledge/ ExperienceExperience in a similar role.Horticultural skills, knowledge of plants and experience of the use of horticultural tools and machinery.Able to communicate effectively with members of the public, staff, and volunteersAble to work with attention to detail and commitment to the highest standards.Interview/Application FormQualifications/TrainingRelevant qualifications, training and/or experience in the use and maintenance of horticultural machinery.Level 2 or higher / or equivalent experience in professional gardening would be desirable.PA1-PA6 would be desirableInterview/Application FormRequirementsAn enthusiastic ‘can do’ approachFlexible approach to hours and prepared to work occasional weekends, bank holidays or evenings as required.Ability to undertake a variety of manual handling duties appropriate to the post.Full UK driving licenceKnowledge/Interest in gardens history and a history of the northeast of EnglandInterview/Application FormThe Auckland Project focusThe Auckland Project works hard to create a positive change for those living, working and visiting Bishop Auckland. We have created a visitor destination in Bishop Auckland, incorporating Auckland Castle (once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham), a Spanish Art Gallery, Faith Museum, Walled Garden, Deer Park, Mining Art Gallery, Auckland Tower visitor centre and Weardale Railway.Our visitor destination and community development programme broadly fits into three areas:The social environment: we help individuals and communities by creating a sense of curiosity, hope and faith in themselves and the world around them. We provide opportunities for skills development and partnerships, building a year-round tourist market and supporting small creative industries to thriveThe natural environment: we protect, sustain and enhance the world around usThe built environment: we restore and enhance the beauty and historic significance of the buildings, structures and assets in our care.By working with us, you are helping to ensure the town’s future is as magnificent and vibrant as its past.How to ApplyApply for this role by downloading and completing an application form from https://aucklandproject.org/about/join-the-team/Closing date: Thursday 19 October 2023 at midnightWe reserve the right to close application date early if we receive a high volume of applications.Job Types: Permanent, Full-timeSalary: £22,000.00 per yearBenefits:Bereavement leaveCompany pensionDiscounted or free foodEmployee discountFree parkingHealth & wellbeing programmeLife insuranceOn-site parkingSick payStore discountSchedule:Day shiftMonday to FridayWork Location: In personApplication deadline: 19/10/2023Reference ID: GArdener
