At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain beautiful gardens while engaging with clients and supporting their gardening needs.
- Company: Join a caring organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of older clients.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, travel expenses, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying the outdoors.
- Qualifications: Gardening experience and a friendly, approachable attitude are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal development and a chance to share your ideas.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 28000 £ per year.
As part of the gardening team, you will assist in making sure our client’s gardens are maintained to a high standard and in line with their needs and wishes. You’ll be happy to support and interact with our clients to allow them to be involved with their gardens. You will be pleased to engage with them to answer their questions, or help them with any gardening tasks they want to be involved in.
You will be knowledgeable and approachable, with an observant nature and a history of working with older clients to maintain their gardens. You will have a warm and caring personality, and a willingness to learn; with an absolute commitment to reaching our standards in training. You will be warmly welcomed and very much appreciated as you help us to fulfil our charitable aims.
The role will include a range of practical gardening tasks within clients' gardens with some administrative responsibilities. You will need to have access to a well‑maintained lawn mower and relevant tools and be competent with the use and maintenance of your equipment. You will also need to be able to travel independently with your equipment, to client’s homes, Hubs and our Truro office.
Whilst the role is very much primarily a gardening one, you will be part of our Active Living Team which includes Home Support as well as Gardening. From time to time, you may be asked to pitch in and help out with deep cleans or moving furniture etc., if we are short staffed, but for the most part you will be gardening.
Place of Work: The homes of our clients in St Austell and surrounding areas. The organisation reserves the right to require you to work at such other place of business of the organisation as the organisation may from time to time reasonably require.
Due to the nature of the work, travel with gardening equipment is an essential part of the role therefore a driving license, access to a car and business insurance is a requirement. You will need to be able to travel independently to and from client’s homes throughout the day, covering all areas of the post. Mileage expenses are claimable.
Salary: £13.45 per hour. Travel time is included in between clients’ homes but your start time is from your first client and end of your last client (therefore you are not being paid to travel from your home to your first and last client).
Hours of Work: Zero hours contract. This role will be covering long‑term sick and we are hoping to offer 16 hours during the summer time (May - Oct). The working hours can be flexible to suit your availability; to fit around an existing job, part‑time course and other personal commitments. You will arrange your hours and visits with clients.
Duration: Fixed term for 12 months initially. We pride ourselves in delivering a person‑centred approach and a willingness to adapt to a person’s needs and wishes. You will discuss and agree gardening tasks within a client’s garden professionally, timely and with care. This may include:
- Grass cutting
- Planting and plant maintenance
- Weeding
- Pruning and hedge cutting
- Clearing paths, doorsteps & paving’s
- Shed and greenhouse tidying, clearing and cleaning
- Leaf sweeping
- Calling and booking appointments (work mobile phone will be provided)
- Diary management (Microsoft Calendar)
- Completion of timesheets
- Checking and replying to emails
- Attending training and team meetings
- Attending and supporting Client Gardening groups or outings
- Contributing towards the quarterly newsletter
Whilst continually communicating with your line manager or relevant colleagues regarding any welfare issues or health and safety concerns. You will adhere to our Health and Safety policies and be willing to continuously report concerns. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and undertaking necessary training.
We will give you the opportunity to make a difference in our future and the opportunity to be part of our close‑knit and friendly organisation. We also provide an excellent training programme that supports your personal development. Importantly, if you have ideas, we will listen and work with you to implement improvements. By joining us you can make a real difference to people in later life.
Benefits:
- Healthy Workplace Scheme
- Cycle and Tech Scheme
- Health Benefits Scheme
- Blue Light Card Rewards
- Age UK discounts app
- High levels of line management and peer support
- Travel time and mileage expenses in‑between clients
- Varied roles
- Rewarding and purposeful - Adding value to people’s lives
How to apply:
Application deadline: Wednesday 8th April 2026
Application Form: https://forms.office.com/r/2zM8NdMn2g
CVs and cover letters are not required but can be submitted to support your application if you wish. If you need any support with your application or require your application in a certain format, please don’t hesitate to contact us. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.
The organisation is positive about employing people with disabilities. We know there’s a wealth of talent among people who have a disability as well as those who have experience of mental or physical health challenges. So, if you need any support with your application or if you require your application in a different format, please just give us a call on 01872 266881. If you choose to disclose a disability on your application form and you meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification, we commit to inviting you to an interview.
Active Living Wellbeing Gardener employer: Age UK Cornwall
Contact Detail:
Age UK Cornwall Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Active Living Wellbeing Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on their values and mission. This will help you connect with them during the conversation and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. This will help you get comfortable with answering questions about your gardening experience and how you can support clients effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! When you meet the team, let your warm and caring nature shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can engage with clients, so don’t be shy about sharing your passion for gardening and helping others.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Active Living Wellbeing Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you dive into your application, take a moment to familiarise yourself with our mission and values. We’re all about making a difference in people’s lives, so let that shine through in your writing!
Be Yourself: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to show off your personality and warmth in your application. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can connect with our clients, so let your caring nature come through.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any past experience you have with gardening or working with older clients. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do, so don’t hold back on those details!
Apply Through Our Website: When you’re ready to submit your application, head over to our website. It’s the best way to ensure we get your details directly and can keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Age UK Cornwall
✨Know Your Gardening Basics
Brush up on your gardening knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific tasks like grass cutting, weeding, and plant maintenance. Showing that you understand these responsibilities will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Show Your People Skills
Since this role involves interacting with clients, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with older clients in the past. Highlight your warm and caring personality, as well as your ability to adapt to their needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Familiarise yourself with diary management and communication tools like Microsoft Calendar. Being able to discuss how you would manage appointments and timesheets will show that you're organised and ready for the administrative side of the job.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Travel Logistics
Since travelling to clients' homes is a key part of the role, make sure you can talk about your access to a car, driving license, and how you plan to manage your equipment while on the go. This shows you're practical and prepared for the job's requirements.