Gardener

About you

This is a role for someone who is well organised with excellent communication skills, patience
and empathy and the ability to work on their own initiative, as part of a small team. Previous
experience as below is expected, but some training will also be provided. You will ideally
bring with you a strong focus on sustainable food growing as well as flexibility, openness and
a sense of humour. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, practical, willing to learn
and contribute to a hard-working team.

An interest in the Trust’s charitable work and mindfulness would also be an advantage. Staff
are able to access the Trust’s programme of mindfulness courses and retreats.

For this role you will need to be able to travel to Sharpham House which is not served by
public transport.

Apply

To apply, please complete our application form (available on our website) and return
to [email protected]

Closing Date: Monday 9th October – 9am

Interviews: w/c 16thOctober

Further Information

Please see our website for further information.

Informal Enquiries

Before submitting an application, you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting our
Head Gardeners on: [email protected]

JOB DESCRIPTION

Salary: £23,205 + pension + holiday
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week Mon-Fri
Report to: Head Gardener
Supervision of: Volunteers, Retreatants, Garden Trainees

Main Purpose of the Role

To assist the Head Gardeners in maintaining Sharpham House ornamental gardens and growing fruit
and vegetables in the Walled Garden, as well as supporting retreatants, volunteers and trainees
in horticultural tasks.

Key Objectives and Responsibilities

1. Growing food in the kitchen garden organically

• Grow a range of fruit and vegetables throughout the year without the use of pesticides or
  artificial fertilisers
• Harvesting of produce ordered by the house cooks
• Recording what and how much is produced
• Contribute towards the production of planting plans for the kitchen garden

2. Help to maintain the walled, formal and woodland gardens

• Mowing lawns and strimming of wilder area, using garden machinery
• General care of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous borders and our tea garden
• Maintaining paths and steps around the house and in the gardens

3. Oversee and support volunteers, trainees and retreatants

• Liaise with the Head Gardeners on daily tasks
• Supervise groups of volunteers, retreatants and trainees
• Ensure suitable PPE and equipment is provided and safely used

4. Health and Safety

• Follow risk assessments and abide by the Trust’s Health and Safety procedures and policy
• Ensure retreatants, volunteers and trainees are properly briefed and supervised
• Reporting of any Health and Safety risks or incidents

5. Other

• Pursue suitable training opportunities
• Communicate well with Trust staff and volunteers
• Help with Trust Open Days
• Work flexibly and support other areas within the Trust as required

Hours/Shift Pattern:

37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday

Work pattern is 8.00-4.00pm i.e. 7.5 hours per day with ½ an hour unpaid lunch break.

There will be the occasional need to work evenings or weekends.

The Trust operates a Time Off in Lieu system.

All staff members are expected to assist and contribute to the Trust’s annual open days. This
will be on a TOIL basis unless otherwise agreed.

You will be entitled to 33 days annual leave during your employment.