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- Tasks: Join our gardening team to maintain beautiful parks and greenspaces while leading and training others.
- Company: Be part of the City of Edinburgh Council, dedicated to enhancing community spaces and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local environments while working in a collaborative and inclusive team.
- Qualifications: Must have horticultural knowledge and an SVQ 2 qualification or equivalent.
- Other info: We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone.
The predicted salary is between 25322 - 27727 £ per year.
A member of a gardening team undertaking horticultural, landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks.
Contributes expertise to the development of initiatives, plans and policies.
Supports the development of team-working within the gardening squad.
Assists in training and instruction of gardening staff as required by the Service.
Deputises for other supervisors as required by the Service.
Identifies and initiates opportunities for operational and horticultural improvement within the duties of the position.
Knowledge and skills in horticulture and parks and grounds maintenance is required and a relevant qualification to SVQ 2 level or equivalent.
Although post holders are not directly responsible for day to day supervision of staff, they are expected to support, direct and, when appropriate, supervise new starts, apprentices, students and other shadow workers. They are expected to promote effective team working at all times.
Assists in the preparation and implementation of site management proposals for parks, gardens and greenspaces, including cemeteries, schools and other Council properties.
Where appropriate, assist in the design and preparation of training courses and assessments which enhance and develop horticultural skills.
Assists in the delivery of Council policies and service improvement initiatives and provide appropriate performance information.
Implement operations to deliver horticultural standards.
Contribute to the development of, and the implementation of, Parks Quality Assessments, Green Flag Award applications, Park Improvement Plans and site management plans.
Investigate customer service requests/enquiries and take appropriate action.
Use hand held technology to record work, receive instructions and report back on actions or problems identified.
Assist in the preparation, review and updating of operational risk assessments.
The post holder will be expected to operate a range of vehicles, machinery and equipment.
As part of our goal to improve our organisational culture and create a great place to work together for the people of Edinburgh, we want to make sure that we’re bringing the best people into our roles, not just in their skills and experience but also in their approach to work.
To help achieve this, we’re changing the way we interview and assess candidates by moving from a competency-based interview approach to a behavioural and technical (skills for the job) based approach. This new way of interviewing will allow us to assess how you think and how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.
We’re committed to creating a workplace culture where all our people feel valued, included and able to be their best at work, and we recognise the benefits that a diverse workforce with different values, beliefs, experience, and backgrounds brings to us as an organisation.
You can find out more on Our Behaviours web page.
Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range.
Senior Gardener employer: The City of Edinburgh Council
Contact Detail:
The City of Edinburgh Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural practices and standards that are relevant to the role. Understanding the local flora and fauna, as well as the unique challenges of Edinburgh's parks and gardens, will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in team leadership and training. Since the role involves supporting and directing new staff, having examples ready of how you've successfully trained or mentored others will demonstrate your capability to foster a collaborative environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills, especially in relation to customer service requests. Think of instances where you've effectively addressed issues or improved processes, as this aligns with the role's focus on operational improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the Council's values of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility. Prepare to give examples of how you embody these behaviours in your work, as the interview will assess not just your technical skills but also your alignment with their organisational culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Gardener position. Make notes on key skills and experiences that align with what the company is looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant horticultural experience, qualifications, and any leadership roles you've held. Emphasise your ability to work in a team and your experience in training or supervising others.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for horticulture and grounds maintenance. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to team success and improved operational standards in previous roles.
Prepare for Behavioural Questions: Since the interview process will focus on behavioural and technical skills, prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate respect, integrity, and flexibility in your work. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
How to prepare for a job interview at The City of Edinburgh Council
✨Show Your Horticultural Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience and knowledge in horticulture, landscaping, and grounds maintenance. Highlight any relevant qualifications you have, such as an SVQ 2 level or equivalent, and be ready to provide examples of how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves supporting and directing a team, think of specific instances where you've successfully worked in a team environment. Share examples that showcase your ability to promote effective teamwork and how you've contributed to a positive team culture.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
The interview will focus on behavioural aspects, so be ready to answer questions that assess how you embody the values of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and illustrate your thought process.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Council Policies
Research the City of Edinburgh Council's policies and service improvement initiatives related to parks and gardens. Being knowledgeable about their goals and how you can contribute will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
