Leigh Smith
Haywards Heath,West Sussex
Summary
Experienced land-based professional with over 25 years in landscape gardening and grounds management, bringing a deep practical understanding of land care, forestry, and habitat maintenance. Skilled in a wide range of land-based operations including fencing, tree work, petrol-powered tools, and ecological site preparation.
Highly motivated to apply this extensive field experience to a conservation-focused role, contributing to the restoration and resilience of landscapes across the Ouse catchment. Passionate about wildlife, sustainability, and rewilding, with a strong desire to transition into a long-term career in land management and nature recovery. Confident working independently or as part of a team, and able to build positive relationships with landowners, volunteers, and partner organisations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Grounds Person and Environmental Lead
St Wilfrids catholic school
Crawley, West Sussex
10.2023 - Current
- Planned and built an outside classroom in a small section of woodland.
- Created habitats for indigenous insects including "Stag beetle nursery, helped create pond habitats that supported breeding population of newts
- Managed waste disposal efficiently, reducing environmental impact by introducing compost bins that can be used on school garden
- Improved environmental sustainability with introduction of native plant species.
- Managing budgets
- Supporting outside contract Ecology team
Landscape Gardener business owner
self employed
04.2013 - 10.2023
- Delivered top quality service to encourage customer referrals.
- Delivered projects in line with budget and timeframe requirements.
- Liaised with clients directly to identify and cater to strict garden specifications.
- Advising customers of tree care and liaising with tree officer where needed.
- Grounds Maintenance to large housing associations, applying health and safety regulations.
- Operated ride-on mowers, strimmers and leaf blowers with in house tool maintenance.
- Managed outdoor spaces, ensuring thorough maintenance, upkeep and preservation.
- Experience of carrying out risk/COSHH assessments.
- Carrying out a wide array of skills including mowing, hedge cutting, fencing, tree work and landscape gardening.
- Working at a local housing estate insuring the area is always tidy and safe for residents, daily litter picking, safety checks, changing light bulbs where needed, working closely with site manager.
Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
Franklands Village Housing association
02.2006 - 03.2013
- Operated vehicles, equipment and machinery in compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Completing small tree feeling tasks, liaising with tree officer and tree surgeon for up coming works.
- Creating a plan for all ground works including yearly tree plan
- Promptly completed critical tasks.
- Handled overall responsibility for grounds, building and equipment care and maintenance.
- Performed all-seasonal planned and reactive grounds maintenance to meet department needs.
- Led by example to maintain team motivation, ensuring daily tasks were performed accurately and efficiently.
- Managed staff rotas, planning workloads effectively and strategically.
- Carrying out tasks to support office team and carpenters plumbers, building of office furniture, painting, building shelving and hanging of security signs in each block of flats.
- Carrying out group training where needed i.e First aid, manual handling
- Working in tenants home to carry out basic maintenance tasks including painting, repair to furniture, changing light bulbs, fixing door locks etc
Self Employed Gardener
Family Business
09.2000 - 02.2006
- Maintained and serviced garden machinery, increasing average equipment lifespan.
- Enforced safe working practices and complied with all health and safety legislations.
- Participated and suggested recommendations for garden improvements.
- Working with tree surgeon as they carried out a large array of tree surgery.
- Performed routine grass cutting and general maintenance of green spaces and communal areas.
- Cleared weeds, leaves and snow, applying salt to hard surfaces when necessary.
- Planned and executed solo projects to improve garden design capabilities.
- Improved herbaceous borders through weeding, seasonal pruning and cutting back.
Education
NVQ Level 2 - Work Based / Land based engineering operations
Plumpton College
Lewes 02.2011 - 02.2013
Intermediate level apprenticeship - Land based engineering
Plumpton College
Lewes /2011 - 03.2013
Level 2 Certificate in chainsaw operations
Plumpton College
LewesAbrasive wheels course
Plumpton College
Lewes 02.2013 -
Timeline
Grounds Person and Environmental Lead
St Wilfrids catholic school
10.2023 - Current
Landscape Gardener business owner
self employed
04.2013 - 10.2023
Abrasive wheels course
Plumpton College
02.2013 -
NVQ Level 2 - Work Based / Land based engineering operations
Plumpton College
02.2011 - 02.2013
Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
Franklands Village Housing association
02.2006 - 03.2013
Self Employed Gardener
Family Business
09.2000 - 02.2006
Intermediate level apprenticeship - Land based engineering
Plumpton College
/2011 - 03.2013
Level 2 Certificate in chainsaw operations
Plumpton College
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