Experienced Landscape Operative – Hard and Soft Landscaping
Boardman Gelly + Co is looking for an experienced Landscape Operative to join our established landscape construction team.
This is a practical, physically active role working in small teams of two or three people on high-quality private gardens, schools and bespoke outdoor projects across Surrey, London and occasionally Sussex and Kent.
We are looking for someone with genuine landscaping experience who can work methodically, use their initiative and complete everyday tasks without requiring continual supervision.
Essential Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have at least two years’ recent, paid experience in landscaping, landscape construction or a closely related trade.
- Be competent in a range of basic hard or soft landscaping tasks.
- Be able to understand instructions, measurements, levels and falls.
- Work efficiently without compromising workmanship.
- Look ahead, identify what needs doing and support the team leader.
- Keep the site, tools and immediate working area organised and safe.
- Take care to avoid wasted materials, unnecessary mess and avoidable rework.
- Be reliable, punctual and able to work effectively within a small team.
- Communicate politely and professionally with clients.
- Hold a full UK driving licence.
- Have reliable transport to reach our yard at RH2 8NX by 7.30am.
- Have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
- Be willing to complete the appropriate DBS check arranged by the company, as some projects take place in schools.
The Role
Depending upon your experience, your work will include:
- Site clearance, excavation and ground preparation.
- Moving, organising and preparing materials.
- Preparing concrete, mortar and sub-bases.
- Establishing levels, falls and finished heights.
- Laying paving, edgings and other hard landscaping materials.
- Basic brickwork and blockwork.
- Installing oak sleepers, fencing and timber structures.
- Soil preparation, planting, hedging and turfing.
- Using mixers, compactors, disc cutters and other tools or small plant for which you are trained.
- Maintaining a clean, organised and professional site.
- Assisting with deliveries and the loading and unloading of company vehicles.
The work is outdoors throughout the year and involves regular manual handling. Reasonable adjustments will be considered where appropriate.
About You
You will suit this position if you:
- Take pride in producing work to a high standard.
- Notice what needs doing rather than waiting for every instruction.
- Complete tasks methodically and think about the effect on the next stage of the work.
- Treat clients’ homes, gardens and possessions with care.
- Are comfortable working as part of a small, close-knit team.
- Are interested in stable, long-term employment with a respected landscaping company.
Experience working in private gardens or school environments would be advantageous.
What We Offer
- Permanent, full-time employment.
- 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
- Competitive pay based on proven experience and ability.
- 28 days’ paid holiday, including bank holidays.
- Workplace pension.
- Company uniform and PPE.
- Free parking at our yard.
- Varied and interesting landscaping projects.
- The opportunity to develop your practical skills within an experienced team.
- Long-term employment with a well-established family business.
About Boardman Gelly + Co
Boardman Gelly + Co is a family-run landscaping company with more than 35 years’ experience.
Drawing upon our heritage of designing RHS medal-winning show gardens, we create high-quality private garden landscapes and bespoke school playgrounds throughout Surrey, London and the surrounding counties.
Our reputation is built upon attention to detail, personal service and consistently high standards of workmanship.
Applying
Please submit an up-to-date CV showing your relevant employment history.
As part of your application, please tell us:
- How many years of paid landscaping experience you have.
- Which landscaping tasks you can confidently complete without close supervision.
- Your responsibilities on your most recent landscaping project.
- Whether you hold a full UK driving licence and have any current penalty points.
- Whether you can reliably reach RH2 8NX by 7.30am, Monday to Friday.
- Your current notice period.
Employment will be subject to satisfactory references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, an appropriate driving licence check and, where applicable, a satisfactory DBS check.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £580.00-£680.00 per week
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have your own transport to get to our yard at RH2 8NX?
Experience:
- landscaping: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving (preferred)
- DBS (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: On the road
