Port Regis is one of the country’s leading co-educational day and boarding schools for children aged two to thirteen. A school in which tradition and innovation have gone hand in hand for more than a century, we provide a thoughtful, rounded education that enables children to thrive. This education goes well beyond our beautiful buildings and outstanding facilities – it is rooted in our culture and values.
We are seeking to appoint a Gardener to join our delightful grounds team.
Role Profile
The Grounds team are looking for a self-motivated, efficient and experienced gardener. This is a varied role which will involve assisting with the maintenance and development of the gardens and grounds on our 150 acre estate.
Remuneration and Benefits
The successful candidate(s) can expect:
- Competitive rates of pay, pension and holiday benefits
- An employee assistance programme with extensive support in relation to wellbeing and wellness, finance and legal, work and personal issues, as well as a wide range of rewards and discounts
- Free car parking
- Complimentary use of the school’s staff gym and Sports Centre
- Delicious meals in our Dining Hall during working hours
- A beautiful setting in which to work
- To join a delightful team and an exceptional working environment
- Competitive school fee remission
Start Date
September 2026
Job Description
Responsible to
Head of Grounds
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare grounds for the planting of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants
- Carry out horticultural operations, such as planting, pruning and maintenance of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants
- Maintain borders, ponds, hedges, fences, walls, paths, roadways and woodlands
- Carry out horticultural operations on lawns with the use of pedestrian and ride on equipment to scarify, aerate, top-dress, over-seed, lift and lay turf, feed, irrigate and cut
- Clean drives and pathways of debris, litter picking, clearing snow and applying grit salt as required
- Safely use, maintain and clean horticultural equipment including hand tools, strimmers, hedge-cutters, pedestrian and ride on mowers, scarifiers, aerators, tractors and any other machinery required to undertake allocated tasks
- Work in a tidy and safe manner
- Follow departmental and school policies
- Periodically assist with non-gardener tasks within the school, e.g. maintain and prepare the sports pitches, grass cutting, line marking and erecting sports equipment as directed by Head of Grounds
- Undertake other duties that are required and are commensurate with the grade of the post
Person Specification
Essential:
- Be able to work on own and as part of a team
- Use their own initiative
- Self-motivate
- Be adaptable
- Be willing to undertake tasks to given time constraints
- Excellent timekeeping and reliability
- A full UK driving licence
Special Role Requirements:
- Will be required to work out of doors in all weather conditions
- At times the role may require heavy lifting
- Will be required to use machinery e.g. hedge cutters, strimmers, lawn mowers, tractors etc.
Desirable:
- Previous experience of working in a school is not a requirement, but would be advantageous
- Previous experience in maintaining large or historical gardens
Application Procedure
If you feel you can meet the requirements of the post, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Please complete the application form on the school website (portregis.com) and send it, along with a covering letter, to: Clair Beaty-Pownall, Director of People ([email protected]) or via post to Port Regis, Motcombe Park, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 9QA at your earliest convenience and to arrive before 12.00 on Friday 21 August 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive sufficient applications; therefore early applications are encouraged.
Please read the Safer Recruitment Pack and Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy in conjunction with your application.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Port Regis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Diversity and Inclusion
Port Regis is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from a diverse range of suitably qualified candidates, including candidates wishing to work flexibly or requiring reasonable adjustments.
Work Location: In person
