At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain stunning gardens at Lambeth Palace, ensuring plants and wildlife thrive.
- Company: Lambeth Palace is a historic site and home to the Archbishop of Canterbury, rich in culture and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working options, and access to health cash plans and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team, contribute to a beautiful environment, and make a positive impact on the community.
- Qualifications: RHS Level 2 or equivalent experience in horticulture and knowledge of gardening techniques required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from under-represented groups and offer a supportive, inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 25400 - 42600 £ per year.
Job Description
Summary
- Routine weeding and mowing to keep lawn areas in top condition. Other lawn tasks include edging and re-seeding.
- Safely using machinery, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, mowers (ride-on and pedestrian), strimmer and chipper.
- Maintenance of flower, shrub and rose beds and edging of grass, including pruning.
- Complying with Health and Safety Policy as indicated and playing a part in ensuring that the workplace is kept safe. Flagging any concerns with the Line Manager. This role involves manual handling, working at height and driving a ride-on mower.
- A basic DBS check will be required as part of our pre-employment checks.
- The position is based in London, requiring the individual to work at Lambeth Palace from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, with some occasional weekend/evening work.
- RHS Level 2 (or similar) or equivalent practical experience.
- The ability to handle a range of horticultural machinery and powered hand tools.
- An in-depth knowledge of plants and gardening techniques.
- An understanding of all current health and safety legislation.
- The ability to identify and treat appropriately the full range of horticultural pests and diseases.
- A salary of £30,430 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days within 5 years) plus eight bank holidays and three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
- We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department's needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
- We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
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Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements for routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
- Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance ProgrammeÂ
- Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
- Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
- Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.
- Strive for Excellence
- Show Compassion
- Respect others
- Collaborate
- Act with Integrity
Gardener employer: Church of England
Contact Detail:
Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific plants and gardening techniques mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Visit Lambeth Palace Gardens if possible, or research its history and current gardening practices. Being able to discuss the gardens in detail during your interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Lambeth Palace or similar institutions. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with horticultural machinery and pest management. Highlighting your practical skills in these areas will demonstrate that you are well-equipped for the responsibilities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant gardening experience, particularly any work with horticultural machinery and knowledge of plants. Mention any qualifications like RHS Level 2 or equivalent practical experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for gardening and how it aligns with the values of Lambeth Palace. Discuss your ability to work in a team and your commitment to maintaining high standards in garden care.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your skills in using gardening tools and machinery, as well as your understanding of health and safety legislation. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks in previous roles.
Highlight Inclusivity: Since the role encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, mention any experiences that demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and teamwork. This can help you stand out as a candidate who aligns with the organisation's values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Church of England
✨Know Your Plants
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of plants and gardening techniques. Be prepared to discuss specific plants, their care requirements, and any experience you have with pest management. This will show your passion and expertise in horticulture.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with a small team of gardeners, highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Share examples from past experiences where you contributed to a team effort, especially in a gardening or outdoor setting.
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations related to gardening. Be ready to discuss how you ensure safety when using machinery and handling tools. This shows that you take workplace safety seriously, which is crucial for this role.
✨Show Enthusiasm for the Role
Express your genuine interest in working at Lambeth Palace and contributing to its beautiful gardens. Share what excites you about the role and how you can help create an environment where plants, wildlife, and people flourish.