At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain beautiful grounds, assist with horticultural tasks, and support elderly residents.
- Company: Join a prestigious National Heritage site in central London, welcoming visitors and VIPs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £26k to £27k, Monday to Friday schedule, and excellent perks.
- Why this job: Work in a vibrant environment, make a difference for residents, and develop your horticultural skills.
- Qualifications: Must have horticultural qualifications, customer service experience, and safety certifications.
- Other info: Background checks required; friendly personality and empathy are essential.
Assistant Grounds person / Horticulturist – Central London – £26k to £27k – Permanent – Monday to Friday
To be considered for an interview, please make sure your application is full in line with the job specs as found below.
A National Heritage site in central London is looking for a qualified and experienced Gardener / Horticulturist, to support the Head Gardener in maintaining the vast grounds of this beautiful national heritage site, which is home to retired residents and attracts lots of visitors and VIPs throughout the year. As this organisation accommodates elderly residents and attracts a large number of visitors, you will need to have a good standard of customer service, friendly personality and also undergo background checks, should you be successful, including a DBS.
SALARY ETC:
* £26k to £27k excellent benefits
* Central London
* Monday to Friday
* Permanent, full-time
REQUIREMENTS:
* Experience working within a grounds position, including knowledge of horticulture techniques.
* Experience of working with members of the public.
* A recognized horticultural qualification to NVQ 2 or equivalent qualification, or experience
* Safe use of ride on mowing machines certificate & chemical spraying & chainsaw certificate
* Must reside within the UK and have the right to work in the UK
* To have a friendly personality, able to show empathy and have a good standard of communication.
* Safe use of ride on mowing machines certificate.
* Safe use of compact tractors and trailer certification.
DUTIES TO INCLUDE:
* Manual work including general maintenance, labouring tasks, site preparation and the clearing of leaves and other debris.
* To undertake skilled horticultural tasks such as pruning, planting and general plant aftercare.
* To undertake general turf maintenance including; mowing, edging, scarifying, top-dressing and fertilizing
* To carry out any required minor arboreal work as required by the Grounds & Gardens Manager.
* The use of all types of horticultural machinery including ride-on mowing machines, tractors and pedestrian machines such as leaf blowers, strimmer\’s and fine cylinder mowers.
* To produce under the direction of the Grounds & Gardens Manager, bedding and other decorative plants. This to be achieved by propagation methods such as plug-planting.
* The preparation and production of cut flower decorations for use in the onsite buildings and events as required.
* To be responsible for own Health and safety and for that of those affected by the post holders acts or omissions.
* To assist the elderly residents in Allotments as required
Assistant Grounds person / Horticulturist employer: Hire Ground
Contact Detail:
Hire Ground Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Grounds person / Horticulturist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural techniques mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of pruning, planting, and turf maintenance to demonstrate your expertise during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service skills when networking or during interviews. Since this role involves interacting with elderly residents and visitors, showcasing your friendly personality and empathy will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
If you have any relevant certifications, such as safe use of ride-on mowing machines or chemical spraying, make sure to mention these in conversations with potential employers. This will show that you are well-prepared for the practical aspects of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider visiting the national heritage site if possible. Engaging with the environment and staff can provide valuable insights and help you build connections that may benefit your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Grounds person / Horticulturist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in horticulture and grounds maintenance. Include specific examples of your skills, such as safe use of machinery and customer service experience, to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for horticulture and your ability to work with the public. Mention your qualifications and any relevant certifications, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a national heritage site.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your horticultural qualifications, such as NVQ 2 or equivalent, and any additional certifications like chemical spraying or chainsaw operation. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hire Ground
✨Show Your Horticultural Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your horticultural techniques and any relevant qualifications you have. Be prepared to discuss specific plants, maintenance practices, and any experience you have with machinery like ride-on mowers or tractors.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves interacting with elderly residents and visitors, highlight your customer service experience. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated with the public and provided a friendly, empathetic service.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical skills in gardening and grounds maintenance. Think about scenarios where you had to solve problems or make decisions regarding plant care or equipment use, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Safety is crucial in this role, so be prepared to discuss your knowledge of health and safety regulations, especially regarding the use of machinery and chemicals. Mention any relevant certifications you hold and how you ensure a safe working environment.