Leathermarket JMB are looking for an experienced and skilled Head Gardener to plan and manage gardening activities on our estates, overseeing the work of a small gardening team and contributing to the ongoing development of our green spaces by working with stakeholders to identify sustainable projects for grant funding.

The JMB is a tenant-managed housing organisation based in the vibrant community of Bermondsey, managing 1,600 properties on behalf of Southwark Council. Our patch is located between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, with all estates within easy walking distance of our friendly and welcoming office. You’ll be supported by our Estates Upkeep Manager and benefit from an excellent salary and good range of benefits.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong understanding of horticultural practice
• A commitment to excellence
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with a wide range of people
• A collaborative approach

Previous supervisory experience is desirable.

Purpose of the Job

To plan and manage gardening activities to maintain those gardens attached to Leathermarket estates and other green areas that are under the management of the JMB. To undertake gardening tasks, supervise a small gardening team, and support greening of our estates by identifying and contributing to sustainable funding bids and projects where capacity allows.

Main Accountabilities

1. Plan gardening and landscaping activities in accordance with good horticultural practice, to create suitable and attractive green spaces for residents to enjoy.
2. Purchase gardening equipment, plants and associated products in accordance with JMB financial procedures and within allocated budgets.
3. To manage a Gardener and Assistant Gardener. Allocating work tasks, managing performance and conduct, providing supervision and development.
4. Ensure that all garden-related activities are fully compliant with H&S legislation and procedures; including risk assessments on all activities to ensure the safety of staff and the general public.
5. Secure equipment and materials including flammable and other hazardous items. Ensure all equipment is kept clean, appropriate for use and that related records are kept.
6. Perform maintenance tasks such as cutting the grass, trimming grass edges, removing garden debris, managing weeds and leaf raking.
7. Undertake a variety of gardening and landscaping tasks. This may include; planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants, pruning trees and shrubs, where specialist arboricultural input is not needed; applying fertilizers and weed control treatments.
8. Work with hand tools and heavy machinery such as; garden power tools, and small diggers.
9. Report to colleagues any instances of fly tipping on estates, anti-social behaviour and circumstances that may require repair.
10. Communicate with residents politely and in a way that upholds the JMB’s reputation.

Job Context

Actual tasks will vary according to the growing season.

This role is physically challenging that will require the postholder to be outside in various weather conditions, to lift, to bend, stretch, to stand or walk for much of the day.

Person Specification

• Strong understanding of horticultural practice
• Previous supervisory experience desirable
• Ability to meet physical demands of this year-round role
• Self-motivated, strives for excellence, and able to motivate others
• Comprehensive health and safety awareness
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with a wide range of people
• Collaborative approach
• Interest in garden design
• Experience of operating garden machinery
• Qualifications Spraying (PA1 & PA6) and Chainsaw (CS30 & CS31) desirable

To apply for this position and to find more information including the full job description and person specification, please visit our website www.leathermarketJMB.org.uk

Please note that job offers will be subject to the JMB receiving satisfactory evidence of the successful applicant’s right to work in the UK.

Closing date for application: Monday 14 August 10am

Terms and conditions:

Salary: £32,418 – £33,510 per annum
Hours:  Full time 36 hours per week (Monday to Friday plus occasional weekend work)
Annual Leave: 27 days per year plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years service
Benefits: Generous pension, Season Ticket Loan, Life Assurance, Employee Assistance Programme.

This Head Gardener 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: head gardener, Live Out