Apprentice Gardener - Magdalen College Oxford

Magdalen College is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our first-class team.   Applicants should have a proven interest in horticulture and wildlife, and be self-motivated, active and able to work as part of a team or independently. 

The job can at times be very demanding. However, the successful candidate will gain the opportunity to make an immediate contribution to the work effort whilst drawing on the experience of a skilled and friendly team. The diverse landscape is rich in both flora and fauna.
 
Duties will include the following: 

General ground maintenance including sweeping and litter removal, mechanical and chemical weed control, manual and mechanical ground cultivation, leaf clearing, path maintenance Pruning: shrubs and wall shrubs  Border maintenance: weeding, forking, cutting back, lifting and splitting, planting, staking, tying in, deadheading and watering  Turf maintenance: mowing using various types of machines, scarifying, spiking, top dressing, re-seeding, weed control, pest control and disease control, repairing and renovating lawns Hedge maintenance  Driving and routine maintenance of tractors and attachments  Managing the College deer herd including: moving deer from park to meadow at the correct times; managing monitoring of animals; feeding the deer herd; assisting with the transportation of animals Maintaining machinery and vehicles, which will include, servicing and checking the conditions of machinery as appropriate and keeping accurate records of machinery  Assist in the maintenance of greenhouses and nursery  Grow relevant bedding for herbaceous border  Perform duties as part of team, but also to work independently when required  Abide by health and safety rules and regulations 

You will be provided with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment, which must be maintained at all times. Should replacements be required, it is the Gardener’s responsibility to notify the Head Gardener. 
 
This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and you may be required to carry out alternative tasks as instructed by your supervisor to ensure the Department can operate an efficient service at all times.

Training:

Training is delivered in the workplace with day release at both Abingdon Campus and Common Leys Campus, Hailey near Witney.

Duration

15 months practical training period, plus 3 months for End Point Assessment

Delivery model: 

Work-based training with your employer Approximately 12 on-site assessment visits per year 20 days college attendance to complete Horticulture Principles and Practice course 1 day college attendance to complete Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid course 2 days college attendance to complete Level 2 PA1 Pesticides course (theory) 2 days college attendance to complete L2 PA6 Pesticides course (practical)  Level 1 Functional Skills in maths and English (7 days at college for each, if required) Off the job training will count for at least 6 hours a week of an apprentice’s time at work  

Qualifications included: 

Level 1 Functional Skills in English and maths Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Level 2 Award In The Safe Application of Pesticides Using Pedestrian Hand Held Equipment Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship 

End Point Assessment: 

Knowledge test Practical assessment Professional discussion based on portfolio

Training Outcome:
Seek a full-time position within the horticultural industries or Higher-level horticultural course

Employer Description:
Magdalen College is one of the most beautiful of the Oxford Colleges with a hundred-acre site of ancient and modern buildings, including the landmark Great Tower beside Magdalen Bridge. The gardens and grounds are set in 120 acres and consist of a diverse landscape including Formal Quads, Fellows’ Spring Garden with pond, Church Meadow, surrounding natural areas at Marston, a formal Rose Garden, outlying properties, Holywell Ford gardens and drive, river walks, water meadow and deer park.

Working Hours :
February to November: 8.00am to 4.30pm including 30 minutes unpaid break. December to January: 8.00am to 4.00pm including 30 minutes unpaid lunch break.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Non judgemental,Patience,Physical fitness