Are you our potential new Gardener based in the Wych Cross / Forest Row (East Sussex) area?
Come and join the c.200-strong team and work for a well-loved, national award-winning garden centre with a strong brand and over 110 years of history in horticulture.
Coolings Garden Centre has a great reputation for excellent customer service and is “The Place to Go for Plants”. These high standards are very much reflected in our high profile events and catering, too. We have four garden centres - two in Knockholt and one in Bearsted near Maidstone, Kent and one in Wych Cross on the edge of the Ashdown Forest in East Sussex. All are located in beautiful, natural countryside settings.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our plants and products to the maintenance and care of our very own gardens and surroundings.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Gardener to join our warm, friendly team and maintain our garden areas to a high standard and contribute to our mission of fostering a thriving, green community.
Key responsibilities:
Day-to-day tasks will vary greatly, but will include (and not be limited) to:
- Maintaining and seasonal planting of all beds and borders on site from the main entrance through the site to include The Pump Garden. This will include, but not limited to, shrub pruning, herbaceous plant care, mowing, weeding, watering and replanting (when needed)
- At appropriate times trimming of hedges onsite. This only includes hedges that can acceptably be reached from the ground or within safe, easy reach of a forklift and cage. No climbing is necessary, all higher areas will be trimmed by external contractors
- Assist in the planning and choice of plants for planting schemes Weekly clean of the car park (primarily with a leaf blower) and ensure entrance & exits are clear of debris and detritus
- At such a time when the appropriate spraying licences are achieved, assist with spraying of pest and weed control measures in the areas you maintain
Requirements:
- Previous experience in a similar role or a strong personal interest and knowledge of gardening and horticulture
- Relevant qualifications (e.g., RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture) are desirable but not essential
- A good understanding of plant care, garden maintenance techniques, and common gardening tools
- Friendly, approachable, and able to offer great customer service
- Physically fit and capable of performing hands-on tasks in varying weather conditions
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Benefits:
- Pleasant, people-centred, customer-centric work environment in great location
- Ongoing training and opportunities for professional development
- Opportunities to be creative and bring your own ideas to life within the garden centre.
- 28 days holiday including Bank Holidays (pro rata in the case of part-time team members)
- 3 days additional holiday after 3 years’ service (pro rata in the case of part-time team members)
- Birthdays off after first complete year of service
- Generous staff discount and Company Pension
- Free on-site parking.
Hours
Pay
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £12.71 per hour
Work Location: In person
