Gardener

1 Further Particulars GARDENER Job Title: Gardener Department:Gardens Location:Merton College, Merton Street Contract Type:Permanent Salary:£27,373 - £30,000 per annum depending on skills and experience; Responsible to:Head Gardener Merton College Merton College was founded in 1264, and is the third oldest College in Oxford. It is well-known for the outstanding achievements of its undergraduates, and the high performance of its graduates. The College is one of the largest mixed Colleges, with approximately 300 undergraduates and a similar number of graduates. It has a Governing Body of over 70 Fellows, supported by 120 non- academic staff. More information on Merton College can be found on the website The Gardens The main site covers some 6.5 acres and has been under cultivation for the last 700 years for the enjoyment of Scholars, Fellows and College staff. The gardens are overseen by a skilled small team of four and our dedicated gardening staff look after the many lawns, species of plants, shrubs and trees that surround the college buildings. A botanically diverse plant collection contains over 1500 species, including historic specimens such as a c1600 Mulberry tree. Notable parts of the garden include a corner of the 13th century city wall with a terraced lavender and iris lined walkway. There are extensive perennial and herbaceous borders and we use exotic and arid plants in our seasonal bedding schemes. Seasonal bulb displays help to extend the season. Wildflower meadows are managed for the encouragement of wild flowers.2 We benefit from south facing walls and areas of favourable microclimate allowing us to grow borderline hardy climbers and other temperate species. Glasshouse facilities allow us to propagate a wide range of plant material and grow lots from seed. Main Duties of the Role To maintain and improve the Gardens at Merton College, Merton Annexes and other designated estate properties. Involved in the day-to-day cultivation and maintenance of the College’s plant collection, tree collection and lawns. Assisting the Head Gardener with sourcing of plants from nurseries. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of horticultural techniques and apply them to the following: Border maintenance – lifting and dividing, cutting back, staking, tying-in, dead heading and watering. Pruning of shrubs, climbers, small trees and hedge cutting to suit plant requirements. Turf culture – mowing, feeding, selective weed-killing, edging, scarification, top dressing, spiking, turf laying, grass seeding and leaf sweeping. Propagation – Carry out techniques according to season and species requirements, sowing, dividing, layering, cuttings, hygiene, ventilation and shading. Ensure accurate labelling of plants and assisting with maintenance of data on the collections database. Use of horticultural machinery, carrying out daily cleaning and lubrication as required. Training will be provided. Observe and report back to the Head Gardener on plant health, pests and diseases. Monitor the effectiveness of control measures. Botanize the three college wildflower meadows in support of the colleges ecological work. Contributing to the supervision of student volunteers and work experience placements. Working at height with ladders and mobile scaffold towers for pruning trees and climbers.3 Landscape work under supervision, training will be provided. Snow and ice – clear and apply rock salt to maintain college access ways. Seasonal infrequent weekend watering duties during the spring and Christmas closure. In-house composting. Carry out all duties safely in accordance with the College Health and Safety Policy. To undertake any training in the use of equipment and courses as required. To participate in projects as directed by the Head Gardener. Contribute to outreach and engagement events run by the college e.g. garden tours for conferences/local horticultural societies and floral arrangements. Other duties as required by the College. Person Specification Essential Working knowledge of plant classification. Enthusiasm for horticulture and a willingness to learn and develop knowledge. Able to apply knowledge of species requirements when maintaining plant collection. Understand weather and plant requirements and water according to each individual needs. Hold a RHS Certificate or other qualification in the theory of horticulture; equivalent experience of practical horticulture would be considered as an alternative. Work safely at heights including off ladders, safely carry out regular manual handling activities and work outside in different weather conditions. Good level of general computer skills including email, Word and Excel Ability to use own initiative in order to work as part of a team and/or independently as required. Desirable Demonstrate a sound knowledge of gardening techniques. Hold NPTC Spraying certificates. Hold NPTC Chainsaw certificates.4 The ability to answer horticulture questions asked by members of the public and guests of the College in a friendly and approachable manner. The ability to deliver and retain agreed horticultural procedures in a professional manner. Willing to undertake training as provided by the College or external provider. Experience in a similar role. Salary and Benefits The salary for this role is£27,373 - £30,000 per annum depending on skills and experience. Normal working hours are 40 hours per week inclusive of meal breaks, Monday to Friday 8.00am – 4.00pm. Occasional flexibility outside of these hours may be required in order to cover seasonal requirements. Therefore, a flexible approach to hours and duties is required. You will be able to take this time back as time off in lieu. The post holder is eligible for membership of the University of Oxford Staff Pension Scheme (OSPS), which is a contributory scheme, free medical insurance (which is assessable as a taxable benefit),30 days holiday per year (excluding bank holidays), free car parking, cycle to work and electric car schemes and loans for the purchase of seasonal travel passes. The College has a gym, which is free to use for staff and there are a number of organised activities such as yoga and circuit training that are also free for staff. Meals in College are provided free of charge when on duty. Application Process Those wishing to apply for this post should complete the online Application form at e mail to [email protected] the following in the named format ‘Last Name First Name CV’ and ‘Last Name First Name Covering letter’: A detailed covering letter outlining their motivation for applying and how their skills and experience equip them to undertake the role. A CV Please putyour last name and ‘Gardener’ in the email subject line. The closing date is 9.00 am on Monday, 29thSeptember 2025. Early application is encouraged. Candidates are encouraged to complete an Equal Opportunities Recruitment Monitoring form at the end of the Application form. The information collected on the equal opportunities recruitment monitoring form does not form part of the selection process and will not be circulated to the selection panel. It will be used solely to monitor the effectiveness of the College’s Single Equality Scheme which is published at The position may be discussed further with Lucille Savin, Head Gardener by email at [email protected]. This appointment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the duties of the post. No applicant will be treated less favourably than another because of sex, gender reassignment, marital status or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, racial group, disability, age, religion and beliefs or sexual orientation. Merton College is an equal opportunities employer.