Gardener - Babraham, Cambridge- £25-£27,000 DOE

Job Title: Gardener
Location: Babraham, Cambridge
Salary: £25,000 to £27,000 per annum DOE
Contract: Fixed Term Contract (12 Months Starting in October)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week

The successful candidate will join a dedicated team responsible for the upkeep and management of the formal gardens and landscapes for our client. This role is a fixed-term maternity cover position, expected to last approximately 12 months.

You must hold a valid UK driver's license.

All employment offers are subject to security screening and may require health screening. The organisation operates as a non-smoking site.

Responsibilities

• Execute seasonal maintenance tasks for the estate as outlined by the Head Gardener and based on the management plan.


• Perform various gardening tasks, including but not limited to grass cutting, weeding, planting, watering, leaf collection, and hedge trimming.


• Operate and maintain a variety of garden and grounds machinery, such as ride-on and walk-behind mowers and tractors, while undergoing any necessary specialised training.


• Conduct formative and rejuvenative maintenance on deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, climbers, and hedges.


• Assist in upholding health and safety standards in the gardens and grounds to ensure the safety of both staff and visitors.


• Maintain hard landscaped areas, roads, and pathways.


• Receive training for the safe and timely application of pesticides and pest control methods.


• Provide support to the Estates Team in waste collection as needed.


• Be on-call during winter months (November to March) to respond to adverse weather conditions, including snow clearing and salting/gritting of paths, car parks, roads, and building access areas.

Experience

• Prior experience working as a Gardener.


• Familiarity with gardening machinery, including ride-on mowers, strimmers, walk-behind mowers, and tractors.


• Experience operating larger estate machinery (e.g., tractors).

Skills and Abilities

• Strong commitment to health and safety practices.


• Proficient in English, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.


• Excellent interpersonal skills for effective communication with staff.


• Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively within a team.


• Ability to prioritise tasks, especially in the absence of the Head Gardener.


• Flexible, enthusiastic, and possessing a positive attitude.


• Willingness to assist and support colleagues.


• Dedicated to providing excellent service to customers.


• Competent in making independent decisions and solving routine issues.


• Self-motivated and adaptable to change.


• Understanding of the life sciences work conducted at the Institute.


• Availability to work flexible hours as required.

Company Benefits:

• Pension Scheme: A Group Personal Pension Scheme with a company contribution of 10.5% of salary, contingent on a staff contribution of 3%.


• Holiday Entitlement: 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and 3 additional privilege days for the Christmas shutdown.


• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Employees may qualify for a performance-related bonus based on discretion.


• Employee Well-being Service: Access to confidential support, expert advice, and specialised counselling services for all employees.


• Dining Facilities: On-site restaurant available for employee use.


• Accommodation Options: Various hostels, flats, and houses available for rent (currently with a waiting list).


• Social Activities: Membership in a Sports & Social Club and access to an on site gym.


• Childcare Services: Nursery and holiday play scheme available on-site, subject to demand.


• Parking: Free car parking available on the campus, with a commitment to a green transport policy.