Gardener – Sevenoaks School
Salary: £29,540 per year
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 07:00–15:00)
Location: Sevenoaks, Kent
Driving licence required
Please note: if you choose apply for this position, you will be contacted and asked to complete an online application form before your application can progress to the next stage. Please ensure your contact details are up to date before proceeding.
Are you a qualified horticulturist with an eye for detail and a passion for maintaining beautiful, historic landscapes?
Sevenoaks School is looking for an experienced, self-motivated and efficient Gardener to join our dedicated Estates team.
This is a varied and rewarding role where you will help maintain and develop the school’s stunning gardens and grounds across all school sites, ensuring they remain a source of pride and enjoyment for students, staff and visitors all year round.
What you’ll be doing -
As part of the gardens team, you will support the maintenance and development of the school’s outside areas, including:
- Planting, pruning and maintaining trees, shrubs, hedges and herbaceous plants
- Lawn care and maintenance using pedestrian and ride-on machinery
- Keeping pathways clear of litter and debris
- Assisting with the maintenance of ponds, fences, walls, paths and patios where possible
- Periodically supporting the Grounds team with the maintenance of the school’s sports facilities
- Helping with seasonal duties such as snow clearing and gritting
- Carrying out other duties appropriate to the role when required
This role reports to the Head of Gardens and involves working closely with a friendly team who share a passion for horticulture and high standards.
About you -
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Qualified to NVQ Level 3 in Horticulture (or equivalent)
- Experienced in maintaining large or historic gardens
- In possession of a full UK driving licence
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Self-motivated, adaptable and able to use their initiative
- Efficient and able to undertake tasks within given time constraints
- Committed to working in a safe and tidy manner at all times
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
You should also be comfortable using machinery such as hedge cutters, strimmers, lawn mowers and tractors. The role may involve heavy lifting at times, and occasional working at height, with appropriate training provided where required.
Previous experience in a school setting would be advantageous, but it is not essential. What matters most is your professionalism, enthusiasm and pride in your work.
Why join us?
At Sevenoaks School, you’ll be part of a supportive community that values craftsmanship, collaboration and care for the environment. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
- 27 days’ holiday per year, rising to 30 days after 3 years of service, plus bank holidays
- School lunch
- Free parking (subject to availability)
- Membership of the school’s defined contribution pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Membership of the school’s fitness centre
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free or reduced-price tickets to events in The Space, the school’s Performing Arts Centre
- Sevenoaks School Savers voluntary benefit scheme
- Fee remission policy (terms apply)
Safeguarding & Compliance
Sevenoaks School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment and adhere to the school’s safeguarding policies at all times. The successful candidate will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List check, references, and verification of qualifications, career history and fitness to undertake the role.
If you’re a skilled gardener with a passion for maintaining exceptional grounds and gardens, and you’d like to work somewhere your efforts genuinely make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us keep Sevenoaks School looking its best all year round.
