VSA currently have an exciting opportunity available to join our Property and Maintenance Team as a Gardener based at our Easter Anguston Farm in Peterculter (however you will be expected to work at other VSA locations across the city). This will be a full-time permanent position and in return, you will receive competitive salary and benefits.

Easter Anguston Farm is an operational farm, and local community resource, which serves as a training facility for adults with learning difficulties and other additional support needs.

Situated in Peterculter, the farm has 75 acres of arable land, used as a working farm, plus 20 acres of woodland attracting visitors from across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and beyond.

The farm and its associated woodland, conservation and education areas provide a vital community resource that is invaluable.

Hours: 39 hours per week

Job Status: Permanent (Full-time)

Salary: £12.00 per hour

Work Pattern: Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m & Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Based at Easter Anguston Farm, Peterculter, but working at all VSA locations across the City – Access to own transport as well as holding a valid drivers licence is essential to be considered for this role. Please state in your covering letter if you have these.

We offer all our staff fantastic benefits including:

– Competitive Salary

– Generous Paid Holidays

– NEST Pension Scheme

– Refer a friend scheme

– Ongoing Training and Development

About the role:

To provide a routine and proactive gardening service at all VSA’s establishments and associated grounds.

Main Duties & Responsibilities of will include:

Follow instructions from Head Gardener and identify and act upon any gardening and maintenance issues that may arise including winter maintenance when applicable.
Maintaining site grounds (footpaths, gutters, blocked drains etc) and assist with the maintenance of the gardens.
Ensuring Health and Safety standards are rigorously met by all, whilst undertaking gardening and maintenance work.
Any other duties that may arise from time to time provided they are within the post holders capabilities.

What we are looking for in our Gardener:

Qualifications/Training/Education:

Essential:

Good standard of education
Experience:

Essential:

Appropriate gardening experience
Knowledge of Health and Safety
Willingness to undertake relevant training

Key Skills/Aptitudes:

Essential:

Ability to work well on own initiative
Communicate well with others
Quality workmanship
Planning and prioritising work
Proactive approach
Organisational skills
Desirable:

Spraying Certificate
Chainsaw Certificate

Personal Qualities:

Essential:

Flexibility
Uses Initiative
Self Motivated
Reliable and punctual

Other Job Requirements:

As the post will involve aspects of manual handling on a day to day basis, applicants must be capable of carrying out this kind of work, which can at times be demanding. Due to the nature of the work and the various sites you will be required to work at it is essential you hold a valid and up to date Drivers Licence and have access to your own transport.