Soft Landscaper

Chaffin Works is seeking an experienced Soft Landscaper with strong practical horticultural knowledge to join our landscaping team. The role involves delivering high-quality soft landscaping works across commercial, construction and infrastructure projects, safely and in accordance with drawings, specifications and programme requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Plant trees, shrubs, hedging, whips, herbaceous plants and other soft landscape material.
• Prepare soils and planting areas through cultivation, grading, amelioration and appropriate soil improvement.
• Lay turf, undertake grass seeding and complete final preparation of landscaped areas.
• Apply mulch, compost, fertiliser and soil conditioners in accordance with the specification.
• Complete watering, establishment maintenance, pruning, formative pruning, weeding and general plant care.
• Identify common plant species and understand their establishment and ongoing maintenance requirements.
• Read and work accurately from landscape drawings, planting plans, schedules and specifications.
• Check plant quality, planting depth, spacing, finished levels, staking, tying and protection measures.
• Use hand tools, power tools and landscaping equipment safely and correctly.
• Maintain a high standard of workmanship, productivity, housekeeping and site presentation.
• Follow approved RAMS, site rules, environmental controls and all health and safety requirements.
• Report damaged plants, defects, specification issues and site constraints to the Site Supervisor promptly.

Essential qualifications, knowledge and experience

• A recognised RHS horticultural qualification, preferably RHS Level 2 or above, or an equivalent recognised horticultural qualification.
• Valid CSCS Green Labourer Card or a higher relevant CSCS card.
• Strong practical horticultural knowledge, including plant identification and correct planting techniques.
• Previous practical experience in commercial soft landscaping, landscape construction or grounds maintenance.
• Good knowledge of soil preparation, planting, turfing, seeding, watering and plant-establishment requirements.
• Ability to read planting plans and follow landscape specifications accurately.
• A sound understanding of workplace health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Ability to complete physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a site team.

• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable qualifications and experience

• PA1 and PA6 pesticide application qualifications.
• Relevant plant or machinery tickets, including excavator, dumper or telehandler.
• Emergency First Aid at Work.
• Manual Handling and CAT & Genny training.
• Experience working on highways, construction sites or large commercial landscaping projects.
• Experience supervising or supporting a small landscaping team.

Personal qualities

• Pride in producing high-quality landscaping work.
• A practical, proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Good communication and the confidence to raise concerns before they affect quality or safety.
• Respectful and professional behaviour when working with colleagues, clients and other contractors.
• Willingness to learn, develop and support the wider team.