Self Employed Gardener
Hours: Flexible hours according to availability
Salary: £18 per hour
Location: Across Brighton and Hove and all of West Sussex
Self-Employed Gardeners Wanted – Help Older People Enjoy Their Gardens Again
Do you love gardening and want to use your skills to make a real difference? Join Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove as a Self-Employed Gardener and help older people maintain and enjoy their outdoor spaces.
Who We Are
At Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, we believe later life should be fulfilling, independent, and enjoyable. As a charity, we support thousands of older people each year, offering social activities, vital services, and practical help to those who need it most.
Your Role as a Gardener
A well-kept garden can be a place of peace, joy, and connection to nature, but for many older people, maintaining one becomes difficult. That\'s where you come in Your role will include:
- General garden maintenance – Mowing, weeding, pruning, tidying and planting
- Creating a safe and relaxing space – Helping older people enjoy their gardens again
- Making a meaningful impact – A tidy garden can bring happiness and pride to someone\'s home
What We Offer You
- Flexible Work – Choose your hours to fit your schedule (Monday to Friday)
- A Rewarding Role – Bring comfort, joy, and independence to older people
- Work Locally – Opportunities across Brighton, Hove, and all of West Sussex
If you have a passion for gardening, enjoy working independently, and want to make a real difference in someone\'s life, we\'d love to hear from you.
To find put more about the role please contact our Help at Home team who will be more than happy to chat to you, call on or email
To apply please visit our website and download an application form or email your CV with a full covering letter as to why you are suitable for the role to
As an employer, we want to see the diversity of our communities reflected in our workforce. We believe that employing a rich mix of people from a range of different backgrounds with fresh ideas and different perspectives is key to enabling us to continually improve our services to the diverse communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from all members of the community.
We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible for everyone and this includes making reasonable adjustments for disabled people.
Should you be successful, you will be subject to a variety of checks, including DBS and references.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From £18.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 6 per week
Application question(s):
- Can you commit to at least 6 hours per week on a consistent schedule of your choice?
- Are you comfortable working in a home where someone smokes? (Your answer won\'t affect your application—used only to help match you with the right client.)
- Are you comfortable working in a home where someone has pets? (Your answer won\'t affect your application—used only to help match you with the right client.)
- Are you 18 years of age or older?
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Arundel
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Age Uk.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Age Uk.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Age Uk; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Age Uk.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Age Uk is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Age Uk a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Age Uk
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Age Uk might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
