Propagator/Gardener

TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE PLEASE GO TO: https://www.nts.org.uk/volunteering-jobs/job-search

JOB PURPOSE

To assist in the maintenance of Branklyn Garden as an internationally-recognised garden of outstanding horticultural importance, contributing to its conservation and development and to its enjoyment by visitors and supporters. The post holder will take the lead in managing the propagation needs of Branklyn, ensuring its significant collection of plants, including National Collections, is conserved and enhanced.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Key Purposes of the job will be met by:

§ Manage the propagation, conservation and enhancement of the Garden’s plant collection in accordance with Trust policy and the Head Gardener’s direction.

§ Manage the propagation areas (including glasshouse, cold frames, potting area and associated equipment) for plant production, to ensure they are efficient and maintained to a high standard.

§ Monitor compliance with the Trust’s health, safety, and environment policies and procedures, in particular that Branklyn’s propagation activities conform to acceptable standards of environmental protection, e.g. in the use of pesticides, peat free growing media, and in methods of refuse disposal.

§ Ensure that all aspects of plant recording, are recorded onto the Trust’s Iris plant records database, and that plant labelling is routinely and efficiently processed.

§ Support the plant sales facility as directed, including raising selected “Branklyn” stock for sale.

§ Assist with maintenance of garden areas to the required standards expected by the Trust, for the maximum safety and enjoyment by visitors.

§ Supervise and work with volunteers and /or students to ensure they deliver required outputs at the appropriate standard, and gain benefit / satisfaction from their activities.

§ Assist with delivering education and interpretation activities such as introductory talks and guided walks.

§ Contribute to the review and development of property action plans and operational workplans for the garden.

§ Promote positive relationships with local communities to promote the work of the Trust.

The current duties of this job do not require a criminal record (Disclosure Scotland) check to be carried out.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications

Essential

§ NVQ/SVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in amenity horticulture or demonstrably significant and high quality directly relevant experience, including working in a similar garden or nursery with specialist collections.

• Driving Licence, valid for driving within the UK.

Desirable

• PA1 and PA6a spraying certificates.
• Current First Aid certificate.

Experience

Essential

§ Demonstrable skills and experience in a broad range of propagation techniques.

§ Competent IT skills sufficient for maintaining plant records, producing labels, use of the internet / intranet, assisting trainees / apprentices and distance learning.

§ Experience of managing and instructing staff and volunteers.

§ Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; confident and competent in interacting and dealing with a wide range of people, and able to represent the Trust.

§ Self-motivated with good organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritise work.

Desirable

§ Knowledge of a broad range of plants: alpines, woodland, and woody plants.

§ Sound knowledge of basic tool and machinery use and maintenance.

§ Knowledgeable about general amenity gardening.

§ Practical knowledge of Health and Safety procedures and the ability to work effectively within them.

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

People Management

§ Not a line manager but will supervise volunteers and staff regularly under instruction from the Head Gardener.

§ Will work closely with other property colleagues and will have some interaction with other technical / specialist advisory colleagues based in other locations and departments (e.g. other NTS gardeners in the region).

§ Will have regular daily interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities.

Finance Management

§ Not a budget-holder.

Tools / equipment / systems

§ Frequent user of plant propagation facilities such as mist unit and hydropod as appropriate.

§ Frequent user of garden hand-tools.

§ Regular user of powered equipment such as mower, strimmer, hedgecutter, leafblower, power barrow, soil steriliser.

§ Frequent user of Iris BG to maintain plant records.

Place in organisational structure:

The Purpose, Context, Key Responsibilities, and Person Specification reflect the requirements of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £24,737.00-£26,395.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 07/04/2023