Job Summary
Yarnton Parish Council are seeking a dedicated Community Gardener to join our team in cultivating and maintaining vibrant green spaces within the local community. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting landscape projects, assisting with gardening activities in the Community Orchard, and ensuring the upkeep of communal outdoor areas. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about horticulture and landscape maintenance to contribute positively to community environments while developing their skills in gardening and landscape care. Benefits include enrolment on the Local Government Pension Scheme, annual pay increases in line with the Local Government Services Pay Agreement and an annual pay increment within the LC1 pay range. This role is primarily one of lone-working, but does involve regular involvement with the community and opportunities to organise volunteer days. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, values nature and sustainability, and takes pride in making a visible difference to a local community space.
Responsibilities
- Maintain the Orchard area through pruning, weeding, and seasonal care. Occasional grass cutting may be required; we regularly use a contractor for this.
- Utilise hand tools, power tools, and irrigation equipment to carry out gardening and landscape maintenance tasks efficiently.
- Care for fruit trees, shrubs, and hedgerows using best horticultural practices.
- Assist with planting, pruning, watering, fertilising, and general care of plants and shrubs, planting and mulching vegetation as needed throughout the year.
- Support the installation and upkeep of community gardens and green spaces.
- Management of volunteer gardeners.
- Promote the Orchard positively, including in any use of social media.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organisation of tools, equipment, and work areas.
- Make use of the compost area in the removal of green waste in line with environmental good practice.
- Collaborate with Council members to plan and execute landscape projects that enhance community aesthetics.
- Monitor plant health and identify signs of pests or disease, reporting issues promptly.
- Carry out work in line with Yarnton Parish Council’s environmental and health & safety policies.
- Follow health and safety guidelines during all gardening activities to ensure a safe working environment.
Qualifications, skills and experience
Essential
- Prior experience in gardening, horticulture, or landscape maintenance is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, irrigation systems, and general gardening techniques.
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
- A proactive attitude with a genuine interest in horticulture and community beautification.
Desirable
- RHS L2 is preferred.
- Growing experience or knowledge of plant care is advantageous.
- A valid UK driving licence is preferred but not essential.
- Experience with working in areas used by the general public.
This position offers an engaging environment for those passionate about green spaces and community development. Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm for gardening tasks and a commitment to maintaining high standards of landscape care within the community setting.
Pay: £13.69-£15.06 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
