Gardener Vacancy
Job Opportunity: Gardener – The Orchard
Yarnton Parish Council is seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Gardener to care for and maintain our community Orchard area and surrounding green spaces. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, values nature and sustainability, and takes pride in making a visible difference to a local community space.
Job Details
Job Title: Gardener – The Orchard
Location: Yarnton Orchard and associated green spaces
Responsible To: Clerk
Contract Type: Part-time
Hours: 1 day per week, flexible
Pay Rate: To be discussed – please state your expected hourly rate if applying on a self-employed basis
Main Responsibilities
• Maintain the Orchard area through pruning, weeding, and seasonal care. Occasional grass cutting may be required, however we use a contractor for this.
• Care for fruit trees, shrubs, and hedgerows using best horticultural practices.
• Assist in promoting biodiversity (e.g., managing wildflower areas, supporting pollinators).
• Plant and mulch new vegetation as needed throughout the year.
• Monitor for pests, diseases, damage or vandalism and report concerns to the Clerk.
• Keep paths, access points and public areas tidy, safe, and welcoming.
• Make use of the compost area in the removal of green waste in line with environmental good practice.
• Safely operate and maintain hand tools and small machinery.
- Promote the Orchard positively, including in any use of social media.
- Manage a team of volunteer gardeners.
• Carry out work in line with Yarnton Parish Council’s environmental and health & safety policies.
Person Specification
Criteria | Essential | Desirable |
---|---|---|
Experience in gardening, landscaping or grounds maintenance | ✓ | |
Knowledge of orchard or fruit tree care | ✓ | |
Physically fit and capable of outdoor manual work in all weather | ✓ | |
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision | ✓ | |
Basic knowledge of safe tool use and maintenance | ✓ | |
Relevant horticultural qualification (e.g. RHS Level 1/2) | ✓ | |
Awareness of ecological gardening principles | ✓ | |
Interest in sustainable, wildlife-friendly gardening | ✓ | |
Friendly, respectful and approachable when dealing with the public | ✓ | |
Self-motivated and able to work alone as well as with others | ✓ | |
First Aid training | ✓ | |
Local knowledge of Yarnton and the orchard area | ✓ |
Additional Information
• You may be required to provide your own basic tools and equipment (to be discussed).
• Work schedule to be agreed in advance with the Clerk.
• Occasional weekend work may be requested for community events or volunteer days.
• The Parish Council values environmentally conscious and sustainable practices.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining your experience and why you are interested in the role to:
clerk@yarnton-pc.gov.uk
Parish Clerk, Yarnton Parish Council, Yarnton Village Hall, The Paddocks, Yarnton, OX5 1TE
Enquiries: 01865 378476
Deadline for Applications: 10th June 2025
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.