At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to maintain beautiful gardens and support families at Acorns Children's Hospice.
- Company: Acorns Children's Hospice, dedicated to providing care for children and their families.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee discounts, health cash plan, gym membership, and career development.
- Other info: Work across multiple hospices with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while enjoying a fulfilling gardening role.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening and NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 26227 - 26227 £ per year.
About the Role
At Acorns Children’s Hospice we offer specialist palliative care and support for children and their families across the West Midlands. We are there wherever and whenever they need us, in the hospice, community and at home. Our aim at Acorns is to help families feel equipped to cope at every stage of their child’s life with dedicated teams offering psychological, emotional and practical support.
As a Gardener, you will:
- Collaborate with a team of volunteers to carry out a range of horticultural maintenance duties using both hand tools and mechanical equipment
- Maintain and care for grounds, including weeding, planting, pruning, and watering
- Ensure gardens, grounds, and pathways are kept clean, safe, and free from debris or hazards
- Take responsibility for the safe use, care, and basic maintenance of garden machinery, tools, ladders, and steps
You’ll work across all three Acorns Hospices in Worcester, Walsall and Birmingham.
About You
- Previous experience in gardening, grounds maintenance, or landscaping
- Experience using gardening tools and machinery
- Ability to carry out a wide range of practical tasks including the use of garden equipment/machinery
- NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent
What We Offer
- £26,227.50 per annum
- 37.5 hours per week
- Based in our Three Counties Hospice, Worcester, with weekly travel to our Hospices in Selly Oak and Walsall
- Employee discounts from leading retailers – including the Blue Light Card
- Discounts on refurbished tech
- Health cash plan
- Gym membership and equipment discount scheme
- Bike2Work scheme - save up to 42% on bikes and equipment
- Wellbeing, legal and financial support
- Career development through our Acorns Academy offering leadership, coaching, fundraising, clinical training and more.
- Generous contribution to group personal pension plan (7.5%) or continuation of current NHS pension scheme
- NHS pension scheme life assurance or Acorns group life assurance scheme
- Annual leave entitlement increases with length of service
Interviews are scheduled to be held week commencing 15 June. You need to be eligible to work in the UK to be considered for this role. We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and therefore any successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check and will be asked to provide two satisfactory references. In addition, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of immunisation against specific diseases or confirm their willingness to receive the necessary vaccinations.
As a UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting organisation we are committed to ensuring that the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child is embedded into both culture and practice within the organisation. As an employee you will be a Duty Bearer for Children’s Rights and support all children to be Rights Holders.
Gardener employer: Acorns-Children
Acorns Children’s Hospice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing meaningful support to children and families in the West Midlands. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer generous benefits including a health cash plan, gym discounts, and career development opportunities through our Acorns Academy. Our collaborative work culture fosters personal growth while making a significant impact in the community, making it a rewarding place to work as a Gardener.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Acorns Children’s Hospice and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the work culture, which can give you an edge when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to gardening and teamwork. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role at Acorns, so you can share relevant stories.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Acorns family!
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening:When writing your application, let us see your love for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for horticulture.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant experience in gardening and grounds maintenance, and don’t forget to mention any qualifications like your NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with Acorns Children's Hospice!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorns-Children
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your gardening knowledge! Be prepared to discuss your previous experience with gardening tools and machinery, as well as any specific horticultural techniques you've used. This shows that you’re not just passionate about plants but also knowledgeable about their care.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be collaborating with volunteers, highlight your teamwork skills. Think of examples where you've worked effectively in a team setting, especially in outdoor or community projects. This will demonstrate that you can contribute positively to the Acorns team.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with safety protocols related to gardening and machinery use. Be ready to discuss how you ensure a safe working environment, as this is crucial for the role. Mention any relevant training or certifications you have that relate to health and safety.
✨Passion for the Cause
Acorns Children’s Hospice is all about supporting families during tough times. Show your passion for their mission and how your role as a gardener contributes to creating a peaceful and beautiful environment for the children and families they serve. This connection can really set you apart!
