At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens and grounds, ensuring a vibrant environment for students.
- Company: Join the University of Chichester, a supportive community focused on student experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, free gym access, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team that values work-life balance and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Must have a qualification in horticulture or grounds maintenance and relevant certificates.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to work outdoors and make a positive impact on campus life.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
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Department: Estate and Facilities Management
About this role
The University of Chichester is across two well maintained campuses, our Bishop Otter Campus at Chichester and our Bognor Regis Campus, with some off-campus accommodation. We are currently seeking an experienced gardener to join our friendly and supportive team based at our Chichester campus. The key focus of this role is to maintain the grounds and gardens to a high standard, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective environment.
With a wide range of technical skills in the fields of grounds and/or gardens, the successful applicant will undertake a variety of horticulture and grounds keeping work, including the upkeep of cultivated areas, cultivation of seeds and the planting and improving of new and existing beds. The post holder will also be expected to undertake general maintenance of the grounds and sports fields, including grass cutting, line marking, hedge trimming and use of hand tools, powered equipment and light machinery.
About you
You will have a recognised qualification in grounds maintenance or horticulture and a PA1/PA6 spraying certificate and be willing to undertake regular training to ensure that you remain up to date. You will demonstrate a wide range of technical skills in the field of grounds and/or gardens including confidently being able to use a range of gardening equipment. You will also be an excellent communicator and have the ability to work within a team or unsupervised and be able to undertake basic record keeping and update paperwork.
About the team
You will be joining a highly professional, committed and student focused academic community and work within a small, friendly and flexible team, who are keen to contribute to our student experience while enjoying a good work life balance.
In addition to your salary we offer a competitive reward package with a range of staff benefits and discounts which include:
- Defined Benefit pension scheme via our provider the Local Government Pension Scheme. Your own monthly contributions are enhanced with employer contributions and a substantial automatic lump sum life cover scheme enhancement.
- A paid closure period over the Christmas break is in addition to our generous holiday allowance with bank holidays too and an occupational sickness scheme.
- There’s also a free on-site gym at our Chichester campus; a cycle purchase salary sacrifice scheme; subsidised bus travel between our Bognor and Chichester campuses and Chichester town centre; 24/7 Employee Assistance programme to support our staff and extensive personal / professional training opportunities throughout the year.
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Prior to submitting your job application kindly ensure you have considered and can demonstrate your right to work in the UK.
This role is unlikely to meet the minimum standard required for skilled worker visa sponsorship. Rules around salary requirement are complex and we appreciate there may be many other routes for consideration. Information and guidance regarding visas and Right to Work evidence is available from the Government website https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
If you require any support with completing your application or further information on Right to Work please contact the recruitment team; [emailprotected]
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion at every level because we believe a diverse workforce benefits us all.
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Gardener employer: University of Chichester
Contact Detail:
University of Chichester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural practices and equipment mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with tools like hedge trimmers and powered equipment during an interview will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former employees of the University of Chichester on professional networking sites. They can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when you apply.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview. Since teamwork is essential for this role, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others in a gardening or maintenance context.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in grounds maintenance and horticulture. Mentioning any recent training or certifications you've pursued can highlight your commitment to professional development and make you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the gardener position. Make sure you can demonstrate your relevant experience and skills in horticulture and grounds maintenance.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight your qualifications, such as your recognised qualification in grounds maintenance or horticulture, and any relevant certificates like PA1/PA6. Include specific examples of your gardening experience and technical skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gardening and your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Mention your communication skills and willingness to undertake training, as these are important for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Chichester
✨Showcase Your Horticultural Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications in grounds maintenance or horticulture. Highlight any specific techniques or experiences you have with planting, cultivating seeds, and maintaining gardens that align with the role's requirements.
✨Demonstrate Equipment Proficiency
Since the role involves using various gardening equipment, be ready to talk about your experience with hand tools, powered equipment, and light machinery. You might even want to mention any specific projects where you successfully used these tools.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
The job requires working within a team as well as independently. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with others in previous roles, especially in a gardening or grounds maintenance context.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life gardening scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in maintaining grounds and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your practical knowledge and adaptability.