Gardener (Maternity Cover)

Were looking for an experienced, practical gardener to join our team and help develop and maintain our nationally important, award-winning RHS Partner Garden. Applicants should have strong plant knowledge, be confident using garden machinery, enjoy practical outdoor work in all weather and be able to work both independently and as part of a team.

This post is offered as a

one-year fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover.

KEY RESULT AREAS

1. Care and Maintenance of the Garden

• Assist the Head Gardener to ensure that the vision for Dunvegan Castle gardens is delivered according to the Garden Management Plan.
• Undertake general garden duties consistent with maintaining the high horticultural standards expected by our visitors.
• Be part of the weekend rota of greenhouse and polytunnel watering duties when required.
• Employ best practise when using chemical sprays by adhering to all the current H&S regulations and guidelines.
• Ensure that all areas of the castle garden, car park, holiday cottages gardens, estate office grounds etc. are maintained to a very high standard.
• Ensure that all MacLeod Estate garden vehicles, machinery, equipment and tools are securely stored at the end of each working day.
• Any other tasks as identified by the Head Gardener to ensure the smooth running of the Gardens.

2. Customer Care and Communications

• Be responsible for developing and maintaining the highest standards of customer care and communications throughout all activities relating to this post.
• Be responsible for ensuring that the garden is ready for opening to the public in a safe manner and to the standards agreed, at the published opening times.
• Foster a good relationship with other MacLeod Estate staff, visitors and the local community, and help to broaden the appeal and enjoyment of the garden as appropriate through, for example, talks, events, open days, and by communication with other staff.
• Develop a good understanding of the garden and its management to be able to respond positively to requests for information from our visitors and to be able to attend and contribute to department team meetings.
• To undertake group tours of the castle gardens as and when required by the Head Gardener.

3. Health and Safety & Security

• Actively promote awareness of, and be responsible for, your own Health and Safety, ensuring that all statutory and MacLeod Estate requirements are complied with and that all machinery and equipment are in safe working order before being operated.
• Use garden machinery in accordance with the MacLeod Estate Health and Safety procedures and with due regard for the safety of self and others.
• Ensure the safety of visitors by adopting safe working practices at all times and by carrying our regular safety checks and risk assessments.
• Be responsible for maintaining all records and systems associated with Health & Safety relating to the garden and associated areas.
• Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
• Work with the Head Gardener to ensure all the Gardens team are familiar with all Health & Safety and COSHH regulations as they affect the operations of the gardens and assist the Head Gardener in managing the risk assessments and workplace inspections for the Gardens department.
• Ensure all the buildings and garden areas are secured at the end of each day.