JOB PURPOSE
Under the direction of the Head Gardener and as part of the property team, assist with the conservation and development of the gardens to ensure that Culzean Castle Gardens are presented at the highest standards to its visitors and guests. The post exists to in order to ensure that the garden and policies across the Property are managed and maintained as an internationally recognised garden of outstanding horticultural importance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
The Key Purposes of the job will be met by:
1. Undertaking practical maintenance of the garden and wider estate (e.g. managing trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, and turf care; pest/disease/weed control; composting and soil improvement; hard-landscaping; path care; waste management) to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by visitors;
2. Fostering positive relationships promote the work of the Trust.
3. On occasion, working with volunteers and/or staff members to ensure they deliver required outputs at the appropriate standard, and gain benefit/satisfaction from their activities.
4. Demonstrating self motivation, organizing, planning, and the ability to prioritise along with good time management;
5. Undertaking such other reasonable duties as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth running of the property as required by the Head Gardener.
6. Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety, and environment policies and procedures.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
The below outlines the key skills the post-holder will need to possess and exercise. In addition, either knowledge of or experience in the following is required:
Essential
An interest in gardening and the outdoor environment and a willingness to learn about the care and husbandry of our historic gardens and designed landscapes.
Some knowledge of basic tool and machinery use and maintenance.
Some practical knowledge of Health and Safety processes and procedures and the ability to work effectively within these processes
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; confident in interacting and dealing with a wide range of people; and able to represent the Trust
Good organisational and time-management skills – including the ability to prioritise work where necessary and also the ability to work using own initiative, In the absence of direct line management.
Eye for detail and finish, quality standard and best practice.
Current driving licence valid for driving in the UK
Desirable
Some basic IT skills sufficient for use of the internet/intranet, assisting volunteers, on-line learning etc.
Experience of working with the public in some capacity
Experience of working in a mixed-team that includes short-term/seasonal staff and/or volunteers
DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB
People Management
Occasional supervision of volunteers/apprentices or other work parties.
Works closely with other members of the Culzean Castle, Garden and Country Park team.
Regular interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities.
Occasional working with external contractors.
Finance Management
Not a budget-holder, but will be expected to take responsibility for the careful and effective management of Trust tools, materials, equipment and resources.
Tools/equipment
Will be required to be a user of driven vehicles such as ride-on mowers;
Will be a frequent user of powered tools such as, mowers, strimmers, hedge-cutters;
Will be a frequent user of hand-tools such as spades, forks, trowels, rakes, hoes, shears, and secateurs.
Occasional user of IT to assist with maintenance of records.