Are you passionate about working outdoors and maintaining stunning landscapes? Castle Howard Estate is seeking a dedicated Groundsperson to help keep our historic grounds looking their best.
Job Purpose:
It is the vision of Castle Howard Estate Ltd to conserve and restore Castle Howard for the benefit of future generations. It is essential that the appearance of the Estate is maintained to the highest standards for the benefit of visitors and other customers of the business.
The Groundsperson role will cover all aspects of grounds maintenance including the use of tractors, ride-on and pedestrian grass cutting machinery and powered hand tools, such as brush-cutters, chainsaws and hedge trimmers.
The Gardens department is employed to maintain the public areas of the gardens and grounds surrounding the main house as well as support for events and to other departments such as Forestry and the Lakeside Holiday Park. In addition, maintenance of the main avenue, Obelisk and VII Earl Monument are the responsibility of the Gardens Department.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Maintain excellent standards of garden presentation at all times
- Seasonal maintenance of informal and formal ornamental areas, including lawns, hedges, meadows, ornamental waterways and woodland gardens
- To operate in accordance with Castle Howard Health and Safety Policy at all times;
- Proficient, safe use and maintenance of all tools and machinery required to carry out work
- Proficient use and application, as directed, of chemicals
- To ensure that professional knowledge, practical skills, techniques and developments are kept up to date
- Capable of some supervision of volunteers, work experience students, etc.
- Acquire a good working knowledge of Castle Howard and of the history and development of the gardens in order to respond effectively to visitors’ enquiries
- Undertaking of any other duties that may reasonably be required by the Head of Landscape & Gardens
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and statutory codes of practice, as advised
- Ensure all paperwork and certification required for work undertaken is fully up to date at all times
- Be prepared to cover occasional weekend duties, for instance watering greenhouses or supporting the Estate’s events
Person Specification
Essential
Knowledge & Experience
- A general knowledge of the use of relevant machinery, including strimmers, backpack sprayers, hedge trimmers, tractors, mowers, etc. preferably with some certificates of training
- Working knowledge of annual turf management, general garden skills and basic plant knowledge
- Capable of undertaking all aspects of horticultural work and physical challenges of the post
- Knowledge and understanding of current Health & Safety legislation
Competencies
- Flexible and adaptable approach to working
- Good communication skills and a professional manner
- Ability to work well within a team and alone
- A friendly manner with visitors, volunteers and other Estate staff
- A willingness to learn new techniques and to expand relevant knowledge
Special Features
- Full clean driving licence
Desirable
Education/Qualifications/Training
- Chainsaw certificate
- PA2
- Ride on Mower certificate
- Manual handling training
- Abrasive Wheel Certificate
- First aid trained
- Mini-digger certificate
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 22/02/2025
