Assistant Gardener - Estates - 20467 - Grade 3

at  University of Birmingham

POSITION DETAILS

Estates
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £24,368 to £25,876
Grade: 3
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 20th February 2025

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE

• Extensive experience in professional grounds maintenance in a similar organisation or contractor.
• Experience of driving vans, tractors, road sweepers and similar.
• Experience of operating horticultural equipment.
• Full, clean driving license.
• Knowledge and ability to carry out straightforward horticultural and grounds work activities to the standard and timescales required.
• Ability to acquire new job relevant knowledge and skills including through short courses and other formal training.
• Ability to acquire necessary knowledge of the University. For example, site locations.
• Ability to prioritise and schedule varied ground maintenance and landscaping activities within the day, to fit them into broader grounds maintenance and landscaping routines.
• Ability to exchange straightforward information.
• Understand of and ability to apply relevant standard procedures, particularly those governing health and safety.
• Ability to provide basic routine supervision, guidance and advice to colleagues, new staff and casual staff.
• Willingness, skills and ability to communicate in a helpful and courteous manner with staff, students, visitors.

ROLE SUMMARY

The post holder will carry out amenity horticultural grounds maintenance and landscaping works to a high standard utilising a wide range of equipment and machinery, often as part of a team.

MAIN DUTIES

• Carry out a range of straightforward horticultural and grounds activities within a routine or established process in compliance with the University Performance Quality Standards. This involves amenity grounds maintenance works around various campus sites, gardens and external sport facilities including grass cutting and turf maintenance, soil and site preparation, pitch marking, planting shrubs, laying turf, hedge cutting and some tree and shrub pruning.
• Assist in maintaining a clean Campus including removal of litter and debris.
• Operate horticultural machinery according to standard processes, including driving vehicles, vans, road sweepers, tractors etc and power-take-off driven equipment.
• Apply products/chemicals as directed as per manufacturer specification in relation to health and safety legislation as directed.
• Carry out straightforward routine record keeping, For example, daily records and timesheets.
• Provide basic, routine supervision and guidance to Grounds Operatives and new staff.
• Receive and respond courteously and helpfully to everyday enquiries from customers (staff, students, visitors and colleagues). Where the enquiry is outside the post-holder’s own knowledge or experience, refer it to the Team Leader or appropriate person, to provide a timely and effective service, and promote a positive image of Estates and the University.
• Participate in the Emergency call out system as required for snow and ice clearing, storm damage and other emergencies.
• Carry out basic equipment and vehicle maintenance. Comply with relevant procedures, including those covering health and safety.
• Inform supervisor of stock levels for low value supplies to ensure stock is available to meet work unit requirements.
• All works are carried out in compliance with Grounds and Gardens Performance Quality Standards
• Carry out such duties as are required from time to time commensurate with the grade of the post to assist the Grounds & Gardens Manager with sports and gardening operations.