Gardener Job Advert
We are looking for a Gardener to join our experienced team working across the whole school. The successful candidate will have the ability to work within a team and experience as a gardener is essential. This position combines a passion for gardening and environmental stewardship. The Gardener is also responsible for maintaining and developing the school’s outdoor areas, coordinating gardening activities and collaborating with the maintenance and cleaning team. The ideal candidate will also speak Greek and English at a conversational level.
St. Catherine’s is a leading independent British international school that teaches 1,400 pupils from 3 to 18 years of age. The school is a member of HMC, COBIS and is an IBO world school. It teaches the EYFS curriculum and the National Curriculum for England and Wales, as well as IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Please apply by email, to hr@stcatherines.gr, using the school’s application form. Further information regarding the school, the job description, person specification and details of the application procedure can be obtained from the school’s website http://www.stcatherines.gr/about-us/opportunities/. Please note that we do not accept the simple submission of a CV and that we reserve the right to interview candidates before the stated closing date; we would therefore welcome early applications.
St Catherine’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the ACRO Criminal Records Office. Please include the names and contact details of three referees. Please note that any personal data collected will be used for recruitment purposes only and for unsuccessful candidates’ personal data will be destroyed on completion of the process.
St Catherine’s is a Registered Charity No. 313909.
Application Deadline: Tuesday 02nd June 26 Interviews will be arranged at the earliest convenience thereafter.
Gardener Job Description
Reports to: Maintenance Manager
Type of contract: Permanent, full-time
Hours: 7am – 3pm which includes a 30-minute break, 5 days a week, Wednesday, and Sunday off Place of Work: Upper School and Lower School (each site is a 3-minute walk from the other)
Main responsibilities:
To ensure that all paths and external areas are clear from debris and maintained throughout the year (clear of ice and snow in the winter).
The safe use of pesticides and other treatments in line with Greek Health regulations.
Day to day care, cultivation, and maintenance of ornamental landscapes e.g., weeding, mulching, pruning, and planting.
Day to day tidying-up of hard landscaping and grounds e.g., blowing, sweeping, and leaf collection and removal.
Safe use of horticultural tools and machinery, and their care, cleaning, and storage after use.
Ensuring lawns and sports turf are regularly cut, trimmed, and edged of, and to undertake grass repairs where necessary.
Assistance with preparation of hard courts, artificial turf, and pitch marking.
Greenhouse plant care for e.g., tender plants, bedding, plugs, and bulbs grown and propagation.
To maintain planter displays throughout the school and for school events.
Spreading of grit salt during periods of ice and manual snow clearance from footpaths.
Any other reasonable duties taking into account ability, training, experience and qualifications
While the above includes a description of the essential functions of the position, other duties may be assigned by the Site Manager as appropriate.
St. Catherine’s British School is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children. This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Act 1975, the successful applicant will be required to apply for an International Child Protection Certificate if they are a non-local hire. Local hires are required to complete a Greek criminal record check.
Gardener Person Specification
| Essential | Desirable | Identified by | |
| Experience | Gardening experience in anyestablishment. | Preferred experiencewithin a schoolenvironment. | Application& Interview |
| Knowledge Excellent interpersonal skillsGood verbal English and verbalGreekSelf-confident in dealing with awide range of people andsituations in a polite andcourteous mannerconstructively with othersWell organised individual.Good adherence to Health andSafety practices.Ability to prioritise workload.Good communication skills.Flexibility in working hours afterschool due to occasional eventsat the school. Hours worked willbe compensated through asubmission of a timesheet. | Ability to deal withgeneral maintenancerequirementsGood written English | Interview &References | |
In addition to a candidates’ ability to perform the duties of the post the selection process will also explore issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children including:
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Motivation to work within a child-centred environment.
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Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with people of all ages.
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Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours.
All shortlisted applicants will have any relevant issues arising from his or her references taken up at interview.