Job Title

Assistant GardenerLocation: Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire Contract: Full-time, permanent Hours: Annualised (seasonal hours) + occasional SaturdaysOur client is seeking a passionate and hardworking Assistant Gardener to join their friendly and highly motivated Grounds Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who takes pride in creating and maintaining beautiful gardens and landscapes, and who enjoys working outdoors as part of a professional team.The site estate spans 46 acres of stunning riverside grounds in rural Berkshire, featuring formal gardens, prestige sports pitches and extensive woodland. Our grounds are widely admired and enjoyed by pupils, parents and visitors, and they are proud of the exceptional standards they maintain.Working hours are annualised to reflect seasonal daylight:Autumn (Sept-Oct): 40 hours/week | 07:30-16:00Winter (Nov-Mar): 37.5 hours/week | 08:00-16:00Summer (Apr-Aug): 42.5 hours/week | 07:30-16:3030-minute unpaid break each dayOccasional Saturday work (typically one weekend in three during the summer term) - paid overtime or time off in lieu providedThe team works from a purpose-built Grounds & Maintenance facility with modern workshops, storage and staff rest areas. You'll have access to a wide range of professional equipment, including tractors, specialist turf machinery and a modern fleet of handheld tools.Your role as Assistant gardener:You'll focus mainly on the maintenance and development of the site's formal gardens and amenity areas, with occasional support across sports fields and woodland areas. Maintaining gardens and landscaped areas to the highest horticultural standardsSoil cultivation, planting, pruning, weeding, mulching and general garden careLawn care, hedge cutting and shrub maintenanceUse and basic maintenance of gardening machinery and hand toolsWeed control (chemical and mechanical)Maintaining safe, tidy and secure working areasSupporting estate presentation for school events and functionsWinter duties including gritting and snow clearanceWorking safely and in line with Health & Safety legislationSupporting the welfare and safeguarding of pupilsSkills required:1-2 years' professional gardening experienceExcellent plant knowledgeStrong understanding of Health & SafetyCompetent machine operatorHard-working with strong attention to detailReliable, trustworthy and comfortable working outdoors in all weathersAbility to work independently and as part of a teamGood communication skillsFlexible and enthusiastic approach to work Desirable:Horticulture Level 2 or Level 3 qualification (or equivalent)Spraying certificates (PA1, PA6)Full UK driving licenceTPBN1_UKTJ