Job Title

Manpower Recruitment have teamed up with an established college on the edge of Oxford City Centre who are looking for a Part-Time Gardener (maternity cover) on a 1 yr. FTC.If you are interested in applying for this job, please make sure you meet the following requirements as listed below.The pay will be 16242-16,779 p.a. for 22 hours per week, in which you can be flexible with days and times spread over three days during the week. Interviews will take place on Monday, 30th June 2025, and will be in person.Main purpose of job: To support the Head Gardener in the care, maintenance, and ongoing enhancement of the College gardens, ensuring they remain an attractive and valued asset to the College community.Key responsibilitiesMaintenance and UpkeepMaintenance of Lawns mowing, irrigation, feeding, edging, scarification, top dressing, spiking, rolling, turf lifting/laying, grass seeding and leaf sweeping.Maintenance of Borders including planting, pruning and general care of all plants.Learning the identity and characteristics of annual, herbaceous and shrubby plants and trees.Working with the Head Gardener on seasonal tasks that will involve the use of hand tools.Planters & troughs Seasonal planting for attractive displaysGreenhouse caring for greenhouse plants, propagation, watering, feedingComposting & recycling where possible recycle green waste, including mowings and leaves on site, otherwise bag up shrubby material for removal from site or create wood piles for biodiversity.Weed Control on hard surfaces, hedge lines, beds and borders by mechanical means. Chemicals to be applied on paths only following appropriate training.Principals garden general gardening, grass cutting, keeping neat and tidy with attention to patio planters.Leaf control Clearing of all leaf litter in garden areas (not normally bicycle sheds).Litter Control Attention to litter on external hard and soft surfaces.Machinery and tools Operate college machinery as directed by line manager with appropriate instruction and training, and in accordance with the appropriate risk assessments.Ensure all machinery and tools are adequately cleaned at the end of each day.Tennis Courts Keep clear of leaves and garden debris, cut overhanging branches and trim hedges as necessaryBe mindful of subsidiary objective of biodiversity and sustainability, working with natural resources rather than against them.Encouraging beneficial wildlife, including birds and bats.Occasional working on outside properties as requiredOther related tasks as appropriateHealth & SafetyEnsure all work is carried out in accordance with the Health & Safety at Work Act and other relevant legislation. Follow safe working practices at all times.Risk and COSHH Assessments maintain Risk and COSHH assessments for all work tasks and chemicals used within the gardens.Liaise closely with your line manager and Peninsula regarding all Health and Safety issues.Snow and Ice clear snow and ice as required to help keep main routes safe during inclement weather. Special attention to be given to external steps and ramps.TrainingTraining will be provided in specific areas such as manual handling, use of ladders, safety at height to ensure work is carried out in a safe and healthy way.The option to train for PA1 and PA6, the Theory and Practice of knapsack spraying for the use of chemicals, will be made available.Other training as required for personal and career development.Sustainability & BiodiversityWork in harmony with natural processes, supporting sustainable gardening practices.Encourage and protect beneficial wildlife, including birds, bats, and insects.Person SpecificationEssentialSome horticultural qualifications necessary or equivalent experienceAn ability to communicate effectively with college members at all levelsA positive and helpful attitude towards work and colleaguesSelf-motivation and the ability to work unsupervised as well as in a teamThe applicant must be physically fitDesirableA good sense of aesthetics is held desirableHours22 hours per weekHolidayPro-rata of 38 days per annum (including Bank Holidays and college closure days).PensionThe post is pensionable and the post holder eligible for membership of the Universities OSPS contributory pension scheme.Duration of contract:This post is required to cover maternity leave which is expected to be for one year.Other benefitsEligibility for Oxford Colleges Healthcare Scheme (paid by employee through salary deduction)Enhanced maternity paySick pay, related to length of service, rising to six months full pay and six months half pay after five yearsInterest-free travel to work loanParking is currently available on a first-come first-served basis (this is not a contractual right for staff, and it may be removed at any time)Free lunches are provided when the kitchens are openUse of college sports facilities including tennis, squash, punt and gymUniversity Card giving free access to the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum, libraries and other college gardens (by appointment)If interested, please get in contact with a Manpower representative.