Winchester College is looking to appoint a skilled Gardener to join the gardens team who look after all aspects of the college and boarding house gardens and facilitate third part events such as National Garden scheme and gardens tours throughout the summer months.
The department is based in Kingsgate Road and maintains a wide variety of sports facilities to a very high standard, including football pitches, cricket squares, grass tennis courts and various artificial surfaces. In addition, the College campus covers many acres of land including fine mown areas, ornamental gardens and lawns, gardens within the boarding houses, and water meadows.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF GARDENER
Key Responsibilities
- Being conscious of a positive effect of a well-presented gardens/grounds on members and visitors is a vital requirement as is the biodiversity of the entire college gardens
- Applying a practical knowledge of gardening skills to care for the existing gardens that range from formal quads, medieval gardens through to modern planting, including the Headmasters and the Wardens Garden along with all boarding house gardens.
- High presentation and attention to detail is essential, using the correct techniques in pruning, plant care and maintenance to ensure our gardens look their best all year catering for day-to-day college life along with the vast array of events that brings
- Have experience in all aspects of pruning and caring for shrubs, roses and perennials
- An interest in garden design or a willingness to learn are needed for our ongoing garden development plan with continuous improvements, this is achieved through planning, design and planting
- Propagate and obtain plants as required, locating and developing contacts with local nurseries and specialist suppliers
- Undertake tours of the gardens and plan for Garden Open Days
- To be able to work on their own initiative and in all weathers and being flexible with working hours to meet the college requirements
- Good physical fitness and the willingness work at heights
- Spraying qualifications required PA1 and PA6 Desired
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Professional Experience
- Full driving licence is essential
- Honesty and reliability.
- Self-motivation.
- Good organisational ability.
- Be capable of working under pressure and on their own initiative as required.
- Have an awareness of Health and Safety and a willingness to undergo appropriate training where needed.
- Enjoy working in a school environment
- Have good Interpersonal and communication skills
BENEFITS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND APPLICATIONStart Date
Flexible start date for the right candidate with preference for as soon as possible
Hours of Work
This is a Full time, 40 hours per week position where staff will be expected to accept reasonable flexibility in working arrangements and the allocation of duties to reflect the dynamic roles and responsibilities within the College environment. This will include weekend work on a rota-based system as well as additional evening hours to cover sporting fixtures, College events and additional workloads, as deemed necessary by the Head of Grounds
Salary
Competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary is paid monthly,
in arrears, to a nominated back account in 12 equal payments.
HOW TO APPLY
Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application. Applicants MUST hold a full driving licence.
Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes.
Closing date for applications: Friday 31st July 2026
For the full job description and to apply please visit our College website.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- Referral programme
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
