Landscape and Habitat Design Lead

Join us in the New Year for a new post and a new challenge at the unique “University within a Park” setting of the University of Reading. Be part of a team that is responsible for the management and future planning of the University grounds ensuring a functional but biodiverse landscape fulfilling the business needs of the University as well as all site users and stakeholders.

We seek a candidate with creative but practical design skills to provide a lead for landscape improvement and development across the University of Reading’s campuses and other properties.

We need a candidate who has practical experience with the delivery of landscape and habitat improvement schemes who understands the challenges of climate change and biodiversity improvement while satisfying the needs of stakeholders.

The University has a wide range of benefits for its employees including training and development opportunities, generous annual leave, a defined contribution pension and reward and recognition schemes.

Please apply via the Jobtrain site, ensuring you fully describe how you meet the key recruiting criteria listed below and within the job description.

You will be:

• Able to work with a wide range of University and external contacts at all levels.
• Able to design and specify landscape schemes which fulfil project brief and budget.
• Able to produce reports, management plans and any other published material required by the team.

You will have:

• Previous landscape design experience using CAD packages for the delivery of soft landscape plans.
• Minimum Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject with good general school education including Maths and English.
• Demonstrable experience of landscaping or project delivery with experience of managing contractors and health & safety.
• Previous experience of line managing staff.

Closing date: 31/01/25

Interviews will be held: 14/02/25

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Contact Name: Rupert Taylor

Contact Job Title: Head of Grounds Maintenance

Contact Email address: r.taylor@reading.ac.uk

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.