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- Tasks: Join us in transforming Homestead Park while mentoring and coaching fellow gardeners.
- Company: Homestead Park has been a beloved community space in York for over 120 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible time-off-in-lieu and the chance to work with community groups.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to create an inclusive park that connects people with nature.
- Qualifications: Must have a minimum NVQ level 3 horticultural qualification and practical gardening experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and involvement in community events.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
39 hours per week.
About the role
The Homestead Park has been cherished by communities for 120 years since it was gifted to the people of York by social reformer, so that all individuals, regardless of class or income, could enjoy time in nature. We are honouring this heritage and turning the leaves of a new chapter in the story of the Homestead Park. Seebohm's gift represents a tradition of giving back to the community and ensuring that public spaces remain accessible to all. We want to uphold this tradition and not only preserve a piece of history, but also reaffirm our dedication to creating a park and pavilion community space that serves the needs and interests of the people it belongs to. You will be part of the transformation of Homestead Park as it strives to become a radically inclusive place. Your work will help to connect people with nature and create an environment for strengthening connections and community resilience.
As a senior member of the team, you will be working as a highly skilled gardener, mentoring and coaching colleagues and volunteers, passing on your wealth of knowledge and experience and providing technical advice to the wider team as required. Alongside this, you will support and enable work with the Blueberry Academy, Thrive Outside and other community groups as they work in the park and co-create new spaces. This position is a development opportunity to support career progression and as such, you will line manage up to two Apprentice Gardeners or General Assistants. This will involve typical management functions such as conducting one-to-ones and solving disciplinary issues, but your main focus will be on developing their skills as gardeners.
You will work alongside the community engagement team to support events, develop interpretation and communicate about what is happening in the park. Some of your time will be spent assisting the Head of the park with service improvements and office-based tasks such as audits and health and safety checks. You may be required to deputise for them in their absence. Weekly weekend hours are sometimes part of this role, enabling you to support the weekend staff. Flexible time-off-in-lieu is provided in exchange for these hours.
About you
We are seeking candidates who hold a formal horticultural qualification to a minimum of NVQ level 3 certificate/diploma or equivalent. We would like you to be a skilled gardener with vast practical experience and strong botanical and ecological knowledge. With an understanding of health and safety legislation relevant to the horticultural industry, you will be experienced with a wide range of horticultural machinery.
How to apply
If you share our passion and this role sounds like you, then we’re looking forward to hearing from you. Please submit your CV and supporting information via our online application platform.
Craft Gardener employer: Blue Octopus Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Blue Octopus Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Craft Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the history and values of Homestead Park. Understanding its heritage and community focus will help you connect with the role and demonstrate your passion for preserving public spaces during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local gardening communities or organisations that align with the park's mission. Engaging with these groups can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations or connections within the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your mentoring experience in detail. Since this role involves coaching apprentices, think of specific examples where you've successfully developed others' skills in gardening or related fields.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current horticultural practices and community engagement strategies. Being knowledgeable about recent trends can set you apart and show your commitment to continuous learning in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Craft Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your horticultural qualifications and practical experience. Emphasise any relevant skills, such as your knowledge of health and safety legislation and experience with horticultural machinery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for gardening and community engagement. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to mentor others and work collaboratively with community groups.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Include examples of your botanical and ecological knowledge in your application. This could be through specific projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous roles.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you submit your application via the specified online platform. Double-check that all required documents are included and that your information is accurate before hitting 'submit'.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Octopus Recruitment Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Horticulture
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for gardening and the role of a Craft Gardener. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for plants and nature, as this will resonate with the interviewers who value community connection.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your horticultural qualifications and practical experience in detail. Highlight your understanding of health and safety legislation, as well as your familiarity with various horticultural machinery, to showcase your expertise.
✨Emphasise Mentoring Skills
Since the role involves mentoring Apprentice Gardeners or General Assistants, be ready to talk about your previous experiences in coaching or training others. Share specific examples of how you've helped others develop their skills in gardening.
✨Connect with Community Engagement
Discuss your thoughts on community involvement and how you can contribute to making Homestead Park a welcoming space for everyone. Mention any past experiences working with community groups or events, as this aligns with the park's mission.
