Gardener

Job overview

The Gardener plays a key role within the Essentia Operations team, ensuring that all Trust sites are maintained to the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and presentation.

The role is responsible for the delivery of grounds maintenance services across a range of healthcare settings within multiple boroughs, supporting both clinical and non-clinical environments.

The post holder will work closely with a diverse team and be expected to embody the Trust’s values of caring, ambition, and inclusivity in all aspects of their work.

** The postholder will be required to travel to various community sites across South London **

Main duties of the job

• Undertake a wide range of grounds maintenance tasks, including grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, watering, and clearing litter.
• Ensure the ongoing health and appearance of plants, shrubs, and trees, including fertilizing, pest and disease control, and regular monitoring.
• Maintain and replant shrub borders and bedding, clear weeds and debris from all areas, and keep car parks and smoking shelters tidy.
• Perform inspections of paths and pavements, report hazards, and carry out leaf clearance and salting as required.
• Carry out basic repairs and maintenance on gardening tools and machinery.
• Liaise with a variety of staff, contractors, and external partners to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Follow all Trust policies regarding confidentiality, health and safety, infection control, risk management, and equal opportunities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Gardener is responsible for providing high-quality grounds maintenance across all Essentia sites, covering both acute and community healthcare settings. Key responsibilities include:

• Grass cutting, edging, and hedge pruning to maintain neat and safe outdoor spaces.
• Watering and fertilizing plants and trees to promote healthy growth and appearance.
• Identifying and addressing plant pests, diseases, and other threats to plant health.
• Regularly inspecting plant beds, paths, and paved areas for hazards or defects, and reporting issues promptly.
• Planting and maintaining seasonal bedding, shrubs, and borders.
• Clearing weeds, litter, leaves, and rubbish from all areas, ensuring a tidy and welcoming environment.
• Salting roads and paths during adverse weather, and completing audits on outdoor safety.
• Conducting basic maintenance and repairs on gardening equipment.
• Working flexibly to support the needs of the Trust, which may include evening or weekend shifts.
• Adhering to all Trust policies on information governance, equality, health and safety, infection control, and sustainability.
• Supporting the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults in the course of daily duties.
• Actively contributing to a positive team environment and upholding the Trust’s core values.