Grounds keeper





Now Hiring - September 2022



The Mellerstain Trust wishes to recruit a part-time Groundskeeper to join a newly formed grounds and garden team. Mellerstain House and Gardens is a historic visitor attraction, set within 100 acres of landscaped parkland, watercourse and woodland overlooking the Cheviot hills. The grounds consist of wildflower meadows, specimen trees, and a circuit of paths linking follies and other points of interest.


Maintenance of these routes for public access is a core responsibility. The more formal areas of the grounds and garden feature an expanse of lawn and beach hedges to care for. The Trust wants to create large areas of wild-flower meadow. A knowledge of meadow creation, or willingness to learn would be essential.


A cross-cutting chainsaw certificate will be required to clear up windblow and perform basic care on the trees in the parkland. The Groundskeeper will continue to develop features such as the woodland walk, splitting bulbs on the forest floor to propagate snowdrops, bluebells and daffodils.


A knowledge of machinery maintenance and operation will be very important. Hedge trimmers, pole saws, chainsaws, push and ride-on mowers are just a few of the tools at your disposal.


There is potential for this role to be made into a full-time position for the right applicant. This job offers a great learning opportunity in a garden open to the public.



Job Description





Hours : Part time – 3 days/week

Salary : £24k Pro Rata


Objectives

To maintain the paths, lawns and parkland

To clear fallen wood

To care for the garden machinery


Role

• To ensure lawns are cut, edged and kept healthy

• To maintain paths, gravel and paved areas throughout the grounds

• To assist with hedge pruning

• To care for the lake, ponds and fountains

• To look after the outdoor furniture

• To clearing and plant woodland areas

• To do pest control with the assistance of the Mellerstain Estate gamekeeper

• To process fallen trees with the chainsaw and log splitter

• To manage log deliveries

• To work with the assistance of outside contractors on specific projects

• To help with the wildflower meadow sowing and cutting

• To maintain Trust garden equipment and machinery

• To manage expenditure within the annual machinery budget

• To keep all garden sheds tidy and with an updated inventory

• To plan and prioritise work on a weekly basis with consideration of forecast weather conditions

• To work alongside garden and seasonal staff

• To assist with general security within the Trust grounds

• To assist in other aspects of the work of the Mellerstain Trust as required


Requirements

• Experience in managing a large garden

• Level 3 RHS or equivalent qualification

• Creative plantsmanship and a sense of garden design

• Good working knowledge of plant propagation and maintenance

• Understanding of soil improvement strategies

• Mature, flexible personality with good communication skills

• A welcoming and professional manner

• Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

• Supervision and support of other garden and grounds staff

• Facilitate and maintain the safe use and storage of fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides and other hazardous substances used within the gardens and grounds

• Good working knowledge of garden and grounds machinery

• Awareness and compliance of Health & Safety requirements and regulations.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding Trust matters at all times


Reporting Structure

The Mellerstain Trust is run by six Trustees, one of whom is appointed Garden manager. They will oversee the strategy of the garden and manage staff reviews. The day-to-day management will be done by the Head gardener who will lead the grounds keeper, part-time garden, garden trainees and volunteers.


Assignment and Review of Work

All work plans to be agreed and reviewed with Garden Manager on a monthly basis. Review will be on a continuous basis and carried out by the Garden Manager. Review will be based on:

• Timely and effective completion of tasks.

• Neatness and overall standard of the grounds.

Job appraisal will be conducted annually.


To apply please submit your CV and a Cover Letter to enquiries@mellerstain.com.

Closing date: 5pm Friday 11 November 2022








Mellerstain House, Gordon, Scottish Borders TD3 6LG
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Tel: 01573 410 225


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