Gardener/Maintenance Supervisor
Role Description
Permanent Part Time (average of 20 hours per week) on a self-employed basis
Pay: Dependent on experience
Start Date: Immediately
Ellon Castle Gardens is a thriving community garden and visitor attraction, run by volunteers for the benefit of the community. Due to retirement, we’re looking for a Gardener/Maintenance Supervisor. It is an interesting and varied role for the right candidate who will become part of a diverse and enthusiastic team.
This permanent role is for an average of 20 hours per week, with more hours in the summer and fewer in the winter. Some flexibility in the working hours is offered to suit the candidate and the needs of Ellon Castle Gardens.
Key Responsibilities
General
- Supervise our team of volunteers to maintain Ellon Castle Gardens to a high standard
- Work with our Board of Trustees on various improvement projects
- Manage our gardening/maintenance budget
Gardening
- Plan and undertake seasonal maintenance of our Walled Garden including lawns, trees, hedges, shrubs, roses, wall trained fruit trees, herbaceous plants, annuals and compost piles
- Undertake basic maintenance work in our Woodland and Deer Park
- Supervise contractors on larger maintenance and improvement projects across our estate
- Identify tasks suitable for volunteers
- Supervise volunteers during their twice-weekly gardening sessions
- Order supplies
Maintenance and Repairs
- Carry out day-to-day maintenance checks and minor repairs across our estate
- Liaise with contractors for plumbing/electrical/joinery etc. repairs
- Organise servicing of powered tools and vehicles
- Report any serious defects to the Trustees
Safety and Security
- Monitor our estate for hazards and tackle or report problems
- Adhere to safety policies and procedures
- Ensure the Walled Garden is secure when closed
Other Duties
- Assist with setting up for public and private events
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Practical gardening or horticultural experience
- Experience of supervision
- Good with people
- A desire to help volunteers
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Good attention to detail
- Proactive in suggesting improvements
- Able to use initiative
- A flexible approach and can-do attitude
- Ability to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
- Full driving licence
Desirable, but training can be provided if/when necessary
- Royal Horticultural Society Level 2 certificate, or equivalent
- Experience caring for apple trees
- Experience with compost management
- Experience with hard landscaping
- Pesticides Certificate
- Ride-on Mower Certificate
- Chainsaw Certificate
- First aid qualification
- Knowledge of public safety and security
Apply
Please apply in writing by sending your CV and a short covering letter to the Chair of the Trust, Alison Craigon, at info@elloncastlegardens.net
Closing date: 8th June 2025