Jobs

JOB PURPOSE
Crarae is one of the finest examples of an exotic Himalayan style woodland garden. Set beside the banks of Loch Fyne, this unique 40-hectare garden is planted around the glen of the steep sided Crarae burn. The garden was started by Grace, Lady Campbell in 1912 and includes a National Collection of southern beech as well as excellent examples of rhododendron, maples, mountain ash and eucalyptus.

Under the direction of the Head Gardener, with supervision from the First Gardener, and as part of the property team, you will assist with the conservation, maintenance, and development of the garden and designed landscape to ensure that Crarae Garden is presented to the highest standards to its visitors and guests.

As such, we are looking for a knowledgeable and passionate horticulturist to work with our enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers and to assist with the continued development of a wide range of horticultural aspects of the garden as well as increasing the overall importance of Crarae Garden as a visitor attraction.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Grounds person post
The Key Purposes of the job will be met by:
1. To assist with the conservation and practical maintenance of the garden and policies in terms of:
a. Practical horticulture Grass cutting on ride on gang mower. Regular use of pedestrian rotary mowers, regular use of edging shears, strimmers/brushcutters, blowers and other basic machinery. Other gardening /landscaping work when required.
b. Participating in horticultural machinery operations including grass cutting, tractor driving, blowing, strimming, hedge cutting, and other general horticultural or landscaping machinery operations.
c. Ensure that machinery/tools are used in accordance with the Safe Systems of Work procedures at the property and where appropriate, effect minor repairs or maintenance as instructed.

SCOPE OF JOB

People Management
 Will work closely with other property colleagues
 Will have regular (daily) interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities.

Tools/equipment
 Will be a frequent user of driven vehicles such as tractors
 Will be a frequent user of powered tools such as mowers, strimmers, leaf blowers, etc.,
 Will be a frequent user of hand-tools such as spades, forks, trowels, rakes, hoes, shears, and secateurs

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

The above outlines the key skills the post-holder will need to possess and exercise. In addition, either knowledge of or experience in the following is required:

Experience

Essential
• Solid interest in gardening with at least basic gardening skills and enthusiasm and practical experience.
 Strong attention to detail and takes pride in their work
 Good interpersonal and communication skills; confident in interacting and dealing with a wide range of people; happy to work alone as well as part of a team.
 Driving Licence, valid for driving within the UK from start date.
 Sound knowledge of basic tool and machinery use and maintenance.
 Sound practical knowledge of Health and Safety processes and procedures and the ability to work effectively within these processes.

Desirable

 Experience of working in a garden open to the public
 First Aid qualification.

The Purpose, Context, Key Responsibilities, and Person Specification reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.

Application Deadline: Sunday 23/07/2023