Benji Delgado

Down-to-earth person with a strong work ethic. Courteous team member and successful leader with a good eye for personal strengths and those of others. Takes pride in progressing colleagues and motivating their professional development. Over 20 years of experience in grounds maintenance and horticulture working in different environments, ranging from Royal Historical Sites, inner-city estates, parks, university campuses, cemeteries and private residential properties throughout the London area.

Film Production Assistant / Director & Production Support - Steve Sklair Films Limited

(2026-02)

• Assisted with the direction and production of a film, working closely with the production lead.
• Supported the planning, organisation and coordination of filming activities.
• Assisted with the practical requirements involved in bringing the film production together.
• Worked collaboratively with the production team to ensure filming activities were organised and completed effectively.
• Demonstrated initiative, reliability and adaptability in a creative and fast-moving production environment.
• Assisted with problem-solving and practical decision-making throughout the production process.
• Developed additional experience in film production, directing, organisation, communication and creative project coordination.

Head Gardener – Ground Control - National Maritime Museum, Greenwich - Greenwich

(2023-03 - 2026-02)

• Performed weeding, mulching, planting, pruning, deadheading, topiary, fertilising, watering, ride-on and pedestrian mowing, edging, strimming, aerating, scarifying, reseeding, cultivating, composting and propagating.
• Carried out jet washing of hard surfaces, bin collection, litter picking, weed control and tree care.
• Oversaw a dedicated team of two gardeners and managed day-to-day maintenance of the museum's gardens and grounds.
• Implemented longer-term strategies to improve green spaces, including plant selection and seasonal displays.
• Developed sustainable gardening techniques and practices aligned with the museum's values.
• Worked collaboratively to maintain and improve the visitor environment.

Head Gardener – Ground Control - Tower of London - London

(2022-09 - 2023-03)

• Maintained the estate's gardens and grounds to a high standard, arranging work around historical traditions, events, public footfall and residents.
• Undertook weeding, mulching, planting, pruning, deadheading, topiary, fertilising, watering, mowing, edging, strimming, aerating, scarifying, reseeding, cultivating, composting and propagating.
• Maintained detailed borders, topiary, formal hedging, lawns and other garden features with strong attention to detail.
• Supported development and renovation of gardens in keeping with the historical nature of the site and its 11th-century design influences.
• Supported team development and encouraged professional training.
• Created calendar-based programmes for individual plant care using extensive plant knowledge.
• Applied organic and regenerative gardening methods with an emphasis on biodiversity.
• Maintained records of seasonal gardening tasks, plant requirements and costs, while identifying ways to improve efficiency.
• Assisted with planting schemes, seasonal changes and evolving garden designs.
• Maintained tools, equipment and materials, including records relating to damage, HAVS, servicing, accidents and chemical documentation.

Subcontractor - Nature Inspired – Private Work - Lambeth

(2021-04 - 2022-06)

• Managed a team deconstructing pallets and repurposing materials into planters and bike racks for urban regeneration in Lambeth.
• Promoted sustainability, recycling and community engagement.
• Coordinated tasks efficiently and provided safety guidance for handling materials.
• Worked with local stakeholders and volunteers to encourage community ownership.
• Carried out weekly grounds maintenance of refurbished areas and planters.

Grounds Keeper - Beckenham Crematorium – Dignity - Beckenham

(2018 - 2021)

• Maintained a large cemetery covering approximately 44 acres, including approximately 250 rose plants and more than 500 memorial gardens.
• Undertook pruning, watering, fertilising and pest control while maintaining the site sensitively and respectfully.
• Undertook grave digging and burial duties, constructed new memorial gardens and assisted with headstone repairs.
• Ensured work was completed safely and professionally for visitors and bereaved families.

Grounds Maintenance / Pitch Management - Greenwich University Campus, Eltham – Sodexo - Eltham

(2019-03 - 2021-09)

• Oversaw daily upkeep, lining and maintenance of 3G, 4G and grass football pitches, including surface inspections and minor repairs.
• Planned maintenance around student classes and university events to minimise disruption.
• Led grounds staff and contractors, delegated tasks and maintained high standards.
• Enforced health and safety procedures, conducted risk assessments and ensured safe equipment use.
• Maintained cleanliness, managed waste and debris, and reduced noise and disruption through effective scheduling.
• Kept records of maintenance activities and equipment inspections and reported issues and incidents to management.

Grounds Maintenance Worker & Chargehand - Glendale – Southeast London / Lewisham Council - Southeast London

(2008 - 2017)

• Coordinated a team of up to 10 staff overseeing approximately 25 parks across Southeast London.
• Maintained inner-city green areas, estate blocks, playgrounds, parks, gardens, memorials and churchyards.
• Maintained ponds, riverbanks, urban green spaces and leisure centres.
• Supervised teams, planned workloads and routes, and ensured productivity and safety targets were achieved.
• Maintained high standards of customer service and professionalism with clients and the public.
• Reported productivity, health and safety information, equipment requirements, servicing and job details to management.
• Estimated workloads and timescales and interviewed and assessed workers regarding abilities, qualifications and licences.
• Checked vehicles, secured work sites and containers, and managed sign-in/sign-out procedures.

Chargehand - Glendale – Tower Hamlets, Bow Church - Tower Hamlets

(2008 - 2017)

• Managed a team of five grounds maintenance staff.
• Oversaw mowing, strimming, hedge cutting, weeding, ride-on mowing, blowing and weed control.
• Coordinated daily schedules, allocated work and ensured safety procedures were followed.
• Conducted inspections and quality checks and planned workloads around weather and seasonal requirements.

Level 2 - Horticulture