ROLE:                          Landscape Team Leader

RESPONSIBLE TO:       Landscaping Standards Manager

 ROLE PURPOSE

 To manage a team of landscapers in the construction of individual garden landscaping projects consisting of a range of hard and soft features of a garden design, on time, on budget and to the level of quality set by the Landscape Manager.

KEY AREAS

This job description sets out a summary of the key features of the role. It is not intended to be exhaustive and will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains appropriate for the role.

The main technical duties of this position are to lead in the construction of hard and soft landscaping tasks including to:

·        Mark out site, set levels using a laser level and string lines, excavate and level a site using a 360 digger

·        Prepare bases and foundations including the use of ready mixed concrete and supervise and/or use a wacker plate

·        Lay paving slabs, block paving, stone setts including machine cut and tumbled paving

·        Construct footings and block walls ensuring they meet suitable construction standards

·        Build brick, slate and dry-stone effect or stone-faced walls, apply tier walling, build steps and other hard landscaping features

·        Frame up and construct decking including composite decking using clip system

·        Construct close board, panel, chain link and other types of fencing

·        Excavate, construct, line and dress water features

·        Prepare ground for turf, including setting of levels, even compaction of ground and correct laying of turf

·        Prepare soil and beds for planting, correct plant handling, identification and basic maintenance

·        Use of 360 degree excavator, dumper, rotovator, grinders, disc cutter, circular saw

·        Supervise the installation of irrigation systems and garden lighting

The main management responsibilities of this position are to: 

·        plan and manage a schedule of works in close liaison with the Landscape Manager and designer for the job, report daily on work progress and re-schedule/re-plan as required

·        Set an example of good working practices at all times - quality standards, timekeeping, attitude and professional behaviour

·        Conduct Risk Assessments for projects and supervise the safe and correct use of all equipment by the team, adhering to Health and Safety standards where specified

·        Transport staff and materials in company vehicle and trailer to site and use the vehicle in the course of duties and ensure all vehicles, tools and machinery used by your team are kept clean and correctly maintained

·        Manage the day to workload of your team – allocating specific tasks to individuals, supervising their work and ensuring it meets the company’s quality standards

·        Provide hands-on training, guidance and advice on specific hard and soft landscaping tasks to junior members of the team

 The postholder must also undertake other duties within his/her competence or otherwise appropriate to the grading of the post as required and directed by the Company Directors.

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience (preferably 5 years plus) of practical domestic hard and soft landscaping
- Previous experience (preferably 2 years plus) of managing domestic landscaping projects, people and materials
- Full, clean and valid driving license
- Fully competent and skilled in the use and maintenance of disc cutter, grinder, chop saw, wacker plate and cement mixer

Desirable
- Formal qualification in Landscaping
- Trailer towing qualification B+E
- Valid PA1 and PA6 certificates. Chainsaw and 360 digger tickets
- Trained in First Aid at work

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Essential
- A thorough understanding of relevant Health and Safety policies and procedures
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and pay attention to detail     
- Effective team leader with the ability to build team performance   
- High level of interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain positive relationships with team members, clients, landscape manager and Directors   
- Excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills   
Desirable
- Good understanding of the concepts of GDPR and confidentiality with regards to personal data handling
- Competent user of IT (Microsoft Packages – training provided)
 
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Patience, persistence and tenacity
- Reliability, flexibility and a willingness to ‘go the extra mile’     
- Ability to be tactful, respectful and sensitive to the needs of others   
- Emotional resilience    
- Enthusiastic with a positive and optimistic outlook and a sense of humour   
- Commitment to the Company’s values