Gardener (Part Time) - Boon Lay

Contract Period: From 1 January2027 to 31 December 2027 with an option to extend the Contract for a further period of 1 year.

Working hours:
· Mondays to Fridays: 8:00am to 12:00pm
· Service not required on Saturdays, Sundays and gazetted public holidays

Scope of Services:

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
· Provide day-to-day care and maintenance of the school’s green spaces and urban farming facilities, including the library planter, urban grow towers, Eco garden and hydroponics system, including watering as required.
· Provide horticultural knowledge, input and advice on matters relating to the care and maintenance of the green spaces, including pruning, staking, fertilising and pest management.
· Regularly inspect the school’s green spaces and undertake minor repairs where required or advise the Teacher-in-Charge where further attention is required.
· Monitor and maintain the health and condition of plants within the school’s green spaces.
· Identify and address pest and fungal problems that may affect the health of plants, including the application of organic pesticides where appropriate.
· Carry out routine trimming, fertilising, mulching, edging and weeding of the green spaces.
· Conduct routine inventory checks and organise gardening and related equipment and stores.

Secondary Tasks and Responsibilities:

A. CCA Support – Environmental Club
· Assist the CCA Teacher-in-Charge during sessions involving the germination, transplanting and harvesting of vegetables.
· Guide and support students during practical activities.
· Assist in preparing materials and equipment required for weekly CCA sessions.

B. Primary 4 Project Work – Urban Farming
· Assist the Project Work Teacher-in-Charge during sessions involving the germination, transplanting and harvesting of vegetables.
· Guide and support students during practical activities.
· Assist in preparing materials and equipment required for Project Work Environmental Education lessons.
· Monitor vegetables for pest infestation and apply organic pesticides where necessary.
· Maintain the cleanliness of the urban farm, including clearing excess soil to prevent blockage of the drainage system.
· Monitor the health of seedlings during germination and after transplanting by students.
· Assist with sowing new batches of seeds or topping up the grow towers with seedlings where the original batches are insufficient.

C. Primary 5 Project Work - Hydroponics
· Assist the Project Work Teacher-in-Charge during sessions involving the germination, transplanting and harvesting of vegetables.
· Assist in preparing materials and equipment required for Project Work Environmental Education lessons.
· Monitor the germination progress of seeds sown by the various classes.
· Assist with sowing new batches of seeds where the original germination is unsuccessful.
· Top up water and nutrients and check the hydroponics system regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly.
· Inspect plants for pest or fungal infestation and carry out appropriate treatment.
· Place ice packs in the hydroponics system regularly, as required, to maintain an appropriate system temperature.

Skills and experience:

Knowledge and Skills in:
· Trimming, pruning and basic tree and plant maintenance;
· Irrigation and irrigation system management;
· Application and safe handling of chemical and organic herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers;
· Soil management and related horticultural activities;
· Sowing, cultivation and propagation of plants, trees and shrubs;
· Cultivation and maintenance of fruit and vegetable plants; and
· Operation and basic troubleshooting of hydroponic systems.

Preferred Experience:
· Prior experience in providing horticultural, gardening or urban farming services in a school environment; and/or
· Prior experience working with or supporting children in an educational or learning environment.