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- Tasks: Help maintain beautiful gardens through weeding, planting, and general upkeep.
- Company: Join a caring hospice that values nature and community support.
- Benefits: Flexible volunteering hours and the chance to learn from experienced gardeners.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while enjoying the outdoors and connecting with others.
- Qualifications: A passion for gardening and some hobby-level experience is preferred.
- Other info: Volunteering opportunities available Monday to Friday, with shadow shifts offered.
The hospice is set in a 24-acre estate, of which 4 acres are gardens. The grounds are taken care of by a small number of volunteers and they form a fundamental part of the hospice facilities that our children and families can enjoy.
Core Responsibilities
- Assisting in all aspects of gardening including weeding, planting bulbs, herbaceous plants, and shrubs; pruning; edging lawns; digging/forking over soil and adding compost as required; sweeping up and general tidying, including the paved areas, driveway and car parks.
- Cleaning tools and equipment as necessary and returning them to their designated area when tasks are completed or at the end of the day.
- Not using power tools unless specifically qualified and authorised to do so.
- Appropriately disposing of garden waste in the designated areas.
- Watering plants, especially hanging baskets and boxes (water hose connections are situated around the building).
- Bringing any construction/maintenance issues to the attention of the Facilities Manager.
- Assisting the facilities team with tasks where extra pairs of hands are needed, such as receiving deliveries, laying paths, etc.
- Volunteering alongside some of the corporate teams that garden for us on one-off days, which normally take place on a Tuesday or Thursday from 9 am – 4 pm.
Skills
We do not offer any gardening skills training for this role. Therefore, we ask that you have an enjoyment of gardening work and some experience at a hobby level. We can offer shadow shifts with our current gardeners to help you learn about the role if you feel you do not have much experience in this area.
When can I volunteer?
Start Date: 27/08/2023
End Date: 29/09/2025
Availability:
- Monday: Morning Yes, Afternoon Yes
- Tuesday: Morning Yes, Afternoon Yes
- Wednesday: Morning Yes, Afternoon Yes
- Thursday: Morning Yes, Afternoon Yes
- Friday: Morning Yes, Afternoon Yes
- Saturday: Morning No, Afternoon No
- Sunday: Morning No, Afternoon No
Availability Details
Flexible times Monday - Friday between hours of 9 am - 5 pm. Most gardeners give 1-2 mornings a week.
Location
The White House
Mallinson Park, High Road
Woodford Green
Essex
IG8 9LB
Gardener employer: Volunteer Centre Harlow
Contact Detail:
Volunteer Centre Harlow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get familiar with the specific gardening tasks mentioned in the job description. Spend some time volunteering at local gardens or community projects to gain hands-on experience, especially in weeding, planting, and general maintenance.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current gardeners or volunteers in your area. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to demonstrate your passion for gardening during any informal chats or interviews. Share your personal gardening experiences or projects you've worked on to show your enthusiasm and commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to highlight your availability in line with the hospice's needs. Flexibility is key, so emphasise your willingness to volunteer on the specified days and times to show that you're a reliable candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: When writing your application, make sure to emphasise any gardening experience you have, even if it's at a hobby level. Mention specific tasks you've done, such as weeding, planting, or pruning, to show your familiarity with the role.
Express Your Passion: Convey your enjoyment of gardening work in your application. Share why you love gardening and how it aligns with the values of the hospice, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community.
Availability Details: Clearly outline your availability in your application. Since the role requires flexibility during weekdays, specify which days and times you can volunteer to help the hospice plan accordingly.
Mention Willingness to Learn: If you feel you lack experience, express your willingness to learn and participate in shadow shifts with current gardeners. This shows initiative and a positive attitude towards developing your skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Centre Harlow
✨Show Your Passion for Gardening
Make sure to express your love for gardening during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects you've worked on, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the importance of the gardens at the hospice.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if your gardening experience is at a hobby level, be prepared to discuss specific tasks you've completed, such as planting, weeding, or maintaining plants. This will help the interviewers see how your skills align with their needs.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be volunteering alongside other gardeners and corporate teams, it's essential to showcase your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the gardening tasks, volunteer opportunities, or the overall mission of the hospice. This shows that you're engaged and interested in contributing positively to their environment.
