Experienced Gardener

Manpower Recruitment are recruiting for a passionate and enthusiastic qualified Gardener with at least 3 years' experience to work within a friendly and experienced team in the College gardens and grounds. Candidates must have a high level of horticultural knowledge combined with good craft gardening skills. Excellent opportunity to work within a pleasant environment offering an interesting and varied work experience.

Salary will be in the range £26,707 to £33,002 per annum (pro rata) according to qualifications and experience, plus Oxford Location Allowance of £1,730 per annum.

This is a fixed term role from 1 May 2026 - 31 October 2026.

Working hours will be Monday Friday 8am-4.30pm.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preservation and enhancement of the estate's horticultural landscape, undertaking a broad range of seasonal operations.
• Expert pruning, training and seasonal care of shrubs, wall shrubs, climbing plants, roses, topiary and hedges.
• Understanding of meadow management.
• Cultivation of shrub and herbaceous borders, including weeding, edging, planting, dividing, staking, pruning and deadheading.
• Professional turf management, precision mowing, application of fertilisers, biological pest and disease control, top dressing and re seeding, plus full seasonal manual and mechanical lawn renovation.
• Proactive grounds care, keeping paths, open spaces and landscapes pristine, safe and welcoming for students, staff and visitors.
• Skilled operation and maintenance of tractors and specialist equipment.
• Support greenhouse and nursery production, application of IPM programme, propagating shrubs and trees and growing bedding plants for seasonal displays.
• Mechanical, manual and chemical control of weeds, litter picking and seasonal leaf clearance.
• Contributing positively as part of a collaborative team while confidently managing independent tasks.
• Uphold the highest standards of health, safety and environmental compliance across the Estate.
• Perform any other tasks reasonably expected of a qualified gardener and estate worker.

Person Specification - Essential

• Horticultural qualifications, minimum level 2 in practical horticulture (e.g., RHS, City & Guilds, NVQ or equivalent).
• Minimum of 3 years' experience as a qualified gardener in an amenity horticultural environment.
• Good plant knowledge and understanding of correct horticultural practices.
• Experience in all aspects of pruning wall shrubs, roses and ornamentals.
• Experience in fine turf management.
• PA1 & PA6 knowledge.
• Conscientious and professional in all aspects of work and engagement.
• Proven ability to work in a team and alone.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to have a flexible approach to the work environment.

Desirable

• CS30/31 chainsaw certificates.
• Certificate for Safe Use of Steps & Ladders.
• Manual handling certificate.
• Experience caring for greenhouses and nursery stock.
• Experience working with animals.
• First Aid trained.
• Experience driving tractors and operating relevant machinery such as shredders, ride on mowers, mulch / flail mowers.