Job description

GARDENER – SOUTH EAST REGION – GILLINGHAMLocation: A mobile role based out Gillingham covering Kent and East London areaContract Type: PermanentSalary: Circa £ 25,000 depending on skills and experienceHours: Full time. Average of 37 hours per week worked seasonally.As the global leader in commemoration with over 13,000 sites in the UK, we are dedicated to ensuring the memory of those members of the Commonwealth forces who died during the two World Wars will never be forgotten. We are excited to offer this opportunity for two people, experienced in gardening and horticulture, to join our team maintaining the plots in our care at Brookwood Military Cemetery in Woking, a site which covers around 37 acres and commemorates over 5,000 identified casualties.We take a conservation-based and sustainable approach to maintaining our sites; selecting plants naturally suited to their location, looking at viable watering options and enhancing the biodiversity of our estate. This job is not just mowing lawns. You will be involved in all aspects of horticulture; turf culture, border maintenance, tree care, weeding, pruning, mulching and care of ornamental features. You will also be encouraged to share your ideas of how we can continue to improve the care of our sites and the environment in which we work.To be successful in this role you will be hard working, highly motivated and able to bring a proactive and flexible approach to your work. You should be able to turn your hand to most tasks as the role is practical and hands-on and requires commitment and a decent level of physical fitness. You should have a basic understanding of horticultural techniques, plant identification, pruning, lawn care, pest and disease identification. Most of all we would like you to enjoy being part of a dedicated, enthusiastic and skilled team and have the ability to integrate well. As the site attracts many visitors you will also enjoy speaking to members of the public and be able to interact with them in a caring and sympathetic manner.Everyone who works for us, or with us, shares our Values, which are formed around our concept of CARE (Commitment, Ambition, Respect and Excellence). We are proud and committed to ensuring we bring this to life every day, for ourselves, each other and those who lost their lives.You will be able to demonstrate:· A full driving licence is essential· Keen gardener and horticulturist, with NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture and/or experience of horticultural techniques and plant identification· Maintaining the highest horticultural standards· Understanding of Health & Safety· Knowledge of sustainable garden practices· Experience with a wide range of garden machinery, including ride-on mowers· Reliable, trustworthy, self-motivated, punctual, good attention to detail and able to manage your own workload· Able to work in all types of weather· Pride in the quality of your work and a genuine interest in who we are, what we do· Pesticide Certificates (PA1 and PA6) would be an advantage and the Commission is willing to provide the necessary support and training to gain these qualifications.What We Offer:· Generous pension scheme with employer contributions up to 15%· Training and development opportunities· A generous holiday allocation of 25 days, plus paid public holidays and office closure between Christmas and New Year· Paid time off for all the public and bank holidays & paid closure between Christmas and New Year. To compensate for working additional hours over the course of a year, there are an additional 7 paid non-working days at Christmas.· Life Assurance of up to 6 x salary· Employee Benefits: 24-hour wellbeing helpline, Discount Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme· Workwear, PPE, van and tools and equipmentHow to Apply:Please send your CV, completed application form and cover letter to [email protected]. Visit our careers web page at Careers | CWGCfor more details about the role and for a downloadable copy of the application form.We value the differences that a diverse workforce brings and are committed to creating a respectful work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect and where any unlawful and/or unfair discrimination is eliminated. We will not unlawfully discriminate directly or indirectly in recruitment or employment on grounds of sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, age, sexual orientation or marital status, religion or belief.Job Types: Permanent, Full-timeSalary: Up to £25,000.00 per yearBenefits:Additional leaveCompany pensionCycle to work schemeEmployee discountLife insuranceSchedule:Monday to FridayLicence/Certification:Driving Licence (preferred)Work Location: On the road