Assistant Gardener

Job Purpose Working as part of the grounds team across the Gilmorehill and Garscube estates (220 acres), to enhance and maintain the award-winning University grounds by undertaking a range of core duties in horticulture and environmental maintenance to provide a safe and welcoming environment for staff, students, and the public. Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To undertake work as instructed by the Lead Horticulturist daily which will include the upkeep of high amenity grass areas using pedestrian or ride on mowers, hedge cutting, and strimming. This maintenance also includes renovating mature shrub beds, pruning, planting, mulching and weeding of shrub beds and seasonal planting of formal annual bedding and bulb displays including sowing and maintenance of wildflower areas in keeping with the University biodiversity policy. Tree planting and pruning.

• General environmental duties across the campuses and safe use of pesticides following all health and safety guidance.

• General upkeep and maintenance of machinery and driving of various pieces of plant equipment including tractors and ride on mowers. Reporting of machine defects to either the Lead Horticulturist or transport services for quick repair and to minimise down time.

• Assist in preparations of the campuses for ceremonial events and high profile visits.

• Act as part of the support team to clear snow and ice which includes working as part of an on-call team to respond to grounds department related emergencies which will include snow and ice clearing.

• Ensure that all health and safety policies and procedures are always followed.

• Undertake appropriate training to comply with University policies and procedures and any role related updates that are required.

• Use of IT equipment which includes a PDA to obtain work lines.

• Other general grounds maintenance duties as required.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience Knowledge/Qualifications Essential: A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role. A2 Horticultural qualification e.g.: NVQ. A3 Basic horticultural/ plant knowledge. A4 Knowledge of Health and safety practices. Desirable: B1 Full Clean Driving License. B2 Certificate in amenity Tractor operations. B3 PA1/PA6 Pesticide certificate. Skills Essential: C1 Ability to plan or schedule workdays and weeks ahead, and to respond to changing pressures or requirements. C2 Adaptable and Flexible approach to work. C3 Ability to communicate clearly, clarifying requirements and responding to customers, colleagues and contractors. C4 Proficiency in the use and maintenance of grounds equipment. C5 Effective planning, organising and prioritising. C6 Initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently. Experience Essential: E1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with an assistant Gardener role having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role with qualifications above. E2 Working knowledge of relevant health and safety policies and procedures. E3 Customer service experience. E4 Basic computer skills and experience. Terms and Conditions Salary will be on Grade 3, £20,400 - £21,197 per annum. This post is full time (35 hours p/w) and open-ended. New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months. As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity. As a valued member of our team, you can expect: 1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared. 2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/ , benefits and discount packages. 3 A flexible approach to working. 4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/. We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/. We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University. We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information