Job Description
Job Description: Mobile Gardener (1st Class)
Salary: £26,722 per annum
Location: Harrogate Mobile Group, North Region
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Department: Operations
Job Purpose
A Mobile Gardener (1st Class) is an experienced horticulturist responsible for the maintenance and renovation of specific plots and green spaces across a designated geographical region. This is a practical, field-based role requiring high-level craft skills to maintain grounds to an exceptional standard of excellence.
You will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including turf culture, border maintenance, planting, pest control, and the operation and care of professional machinery.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
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Horticultural Excellence: Undertake practical maintenance including mowing, edging, hedge cutting, weeding, pruning, and pesticide application.
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Mobile Site Management: Plan and organise a daily workload across multiple sites, ensuring all locations meet set quality standards.
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Logistics & Stock: Compile orders for plants, chemicals, fertilisers, PPE, and machinery parts to ensure uninterrupted service.
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Equipment & Vehicle Care: Responsible for the safe operation, daily maintenance, and minor repair of all work equipment and team vehicles.
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Health & Safety: Conduct site-specific risk assessments and ensure all work adheres to H&S policies, COSHH regulations, and safe working practices.
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Inspection & Reporting: Monitor and report any structural defects, environmental changes, or security issues observed at sites during maintenance duties.
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Digital Administration: Competently use smartphones and tablet-based technology for routine administrative duties, scheduling, and reporting.
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Public Interaction: Provide polite and professional advice or direction to members of the public and visitors at site locations.
Working Hours
This role operates on a seasonal hours model to reflect horticultural demands:
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Summer Hours:
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Monday to Thursday: 08:00 – 17:00
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Friday: 08:00 – 16:00
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Winter Hours:
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Monday to Friday: 08:30 – 16:00
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Occasional overtime or out-of-hours work may be required, for which Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) will be granted.
Job Requirements
Education and Knowledge
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Desirable: NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent.
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Essential: Significant practical experience in professional gardening or grounds maintenance.
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IT Skills: Good level of computer literacy or the ability to learn mobile reporting systems quickly.
Skills and Abilities
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Craftsmanship: High-level gardening skills and experience with commercial machinery.
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Autonomy: Proven ability to work alone and use initiative while managing a mobile circuit.
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Communication: Effective listening and verbal skills for interacting with colleagues and the public.
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Organisation: Strong time management skills and the ability to take responsibility for service delivery.
Mandatory Requirements
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Driving Licence: A full UK car driving licence is essential.
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Travel: Willingness to travel within the UK as required.
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Right to Work: Must have the legal right to work in the UK.