Gardener 

Shrewsbury School is set in approximately 105 acres of grounds and we are looking to appoint a highly motivated and experienced Gardener, who can uphold the very highest standards in maintaining our gardens.

As part of our dedicated Grounds and Gardening team, you will be helping with the general day-to-day maintenance and presentation of the gardens at Shrewsbury School. Duties specific to this role will include amongst other things, mowing, strimming, weeding, pruning, planting. leaf collection, hedge cutting, digging over gardens etc. you must have proven gardening experience and be able to use the machinery required to complete these tasks.

It would be an advantage to hold a qualification in Horticulture or equivalent, excellent plant knowledge and PA1 PA6 pesticide qualifications would be desirable.

Job Description

MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE

To provide an efficient gardening service to the school, in liaison with the Grounds Manager.

LEVEL OF POSITION

The Post holder will report directly to the Grounds Manager who is responsible for day-to-day Line Management including annual reviews, training and development and health and safety.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

The duties and responsibilities below are illustrative. The position holder will be expected to become involved in a range of work on occasions that may not be shown below:

Main Responsibilities

• To assist in all aspects of annual, perennial and shrub bed maintenance as well as ornamental tree care around School property.
• To assist in the preparation of winter and summer beds, which involves turning soil, planting of annuals in spring and removal of plants in
• To carry out a varied range of gardening duties, working independently and part of a team.
• To ensure that all paths and external areas are clear of debris and maintained throughout the year (clear of ice and snow in the winter).
• To assist manage the greenhouse on the School site.
• The safe use of pesticides and other treatments in line with COSHH Regulations.
• Grass cutting, lawn care and hedge cutting.
• The safe use and operation of equipment and machinery.
• To assist the whole department in all its activities. This may include setting up of sports turf areas.

Specialist Responsibilities

• To operate machinery including driving a tractor in carrying out responsibilities.
• To be responsible for identification of plant disease, pest etc.

Suitability to work with children

• Shrewsbury School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• The postholder must comply with the School’s Safeguarding & Child Protection policy at all times.
• The postholder must undergo Safeguarding & Child Protection training as directed by their Line Manager.
• Full safer recruitment checks will be completed on successful candidates which will include an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring (DBS)

Contacts:

In all contacts the successful applicant will be required to be a good ambassador for Shrewsbury School as well as maintain constructive relationships.

Person Specification

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

Qualifications:

Essential

• A good standard of education.

Desirable

• A qualification in Horticulture related programme or equivalent.
• PA1 and PA6A Pesticide Certificate
• Tractor Licence.
• First Aid Certificate would be an advantage, but training can be given.

Work Experience:

Essential

• A minimum of 2 seasons of horticultural related work experience
• Proven record of gardening experience
• Good all-round knowledge of plant disease and pest identification.

Desirable

• Full experience in all aspects of gardening work.
• Able to drive a tractor

Personal Attributes:

Essential

• A good team player who is willing to be flexible when required.
• Able to demonstrate a commitment to a high standard of customer care.
• Practical person who can solve problems.
• Conscientious, hardworking, and reliable.

Specialist Knowledge:

Essential

• Able to use a wide range of gardening equipment including ride on mowers
• Knowledgeable of Manual Handling Regulations

This is a full-time position working 39 hours a week, working during term-time and during school holidays.  Monday to Thursday 8am to 5pm and Friday 8am to 4pm with 1 hour for lunch. The successful candidate will also be required to work some evenings and weekends on a rota basis, which are paid as overtime and claimable on a timesheet.

Salary: £26,254

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer generous benefits including enhanced holiday entitlement, pension, life insurance, school lunch when the kitchens are operational, free car parking and free use of school facilities when not in use by pupils (library, swimming pool, gym, tennis, squash and padel courts).

 Apply to download a recruitment pack and  job description .

Closing date for application: 10:00am, Friday 27 November 2026

Interviews will take place the week commencing 30 November 2026

To Apply

CVs cannot be accepted, applicants must complete and submit the application form.

Please submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as the school reserves the right to appoint before the closing date.

A full induction programme is provided for all new members of staff, in addition to a programme of continuous professional development.

Shrewsbury School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. English Country Gardeners are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.

If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please click here and the Royal Horticultural Society, please click here

For more gardener roles please click here

Tagged as: full time, Gardener, Private Advert, Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury School, Shropshire