At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful grounds and assist in burial operations in stunning Argyll and Bute.
- Company: Join Argyll and Bute Council, an award-winning employer dedicated to community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, gym discounts, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace a positive work-life balance with opportunities for learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture, landscaping, or grounds maintenance is essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Service: Roads and Infrastructure
Closing Date: Wednesday 22nd October 2025
A vacancy has arisen for a Gardener/Gravedigger to work in the Helensburgh/Lomond area for Argyll and Bute, one of Scotland\'s most beautiful areas.
Argyll and Bute is one of Scotland’s most stunning areas. As its award-winning council, we play a vital part in the day-to-day life and long-term future of our beautiful and diverse communities. Our unwavering purpose is to make Argyll and Bute the place to be, the place where people want to live, to work and do business. And we are committed to making the council the place to have a great career, by providing excellent benefits and a friendly, dynamic working culture so that each of our 5000 colleagues can deliver services that help our corner of Scotland thrive. Join us to make a difference.
The successful candidate will undertake, individually or as part of a team all duties involved in the burial of the dead for example location, preparation and digging of graves, including necessary shoring and shuttering etc. Maintain the grounds of the various cemeteries and grass areas throughout the area, this will include grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, clearing leaves, litter and cleaning of toilets.
Evidenced experience in working with one of the following disciplines; Horticulture, Burial Operations, Landscaping or Grounds Maintenance with an understanding of a positive Health and Safety Culture is essential to this post.
This is a permanent post, working 37 hours.
Our employees make good things happen in the day-to-day life and for the longer term future of Argyll and Bute. We want you to feel valued working for us. We offer various benefits to support you, such as a competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave entitlement, cycle to work scheme, discounts on gym memberships and leisure centres, wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for learning and career growth. We also embrace a modern approach to work, offering a flexible first approach where possible to requests from our employees to how they work.
We care about our people and the world around us and always aim to do the right thing. From employee recognition schemes to environmental policies we have many initiatives in place to help us look after the things we all care about.
Learn more here Argyll and Bute Employee Recognition Programme, Disability Confident, Armed Forces, Fair Work First Statement, Equality and Fairness, Climate Change, Flexible and Hybrid Working Policy
Argyll and Bute Council recognises the numerous benefits of a positive work-life balance to the wellbeing and productivity of our employees. We will take a flexible first approach to requests from our employees to change the way that they work. While we must balance such requests with the need to ensure the quality of the important services we deliver is not compromised, we will ensure that each request is given careful consideration with a view to achieving a positive outcome wherever possible.
Applicants should note that:-
- The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, (Exclusions and Exceptions) (Scotland) Order 2013, as amended, applies to this post.
To apply for this vacancy, please click on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.
If you would like clarification on any information contained within the vacancy advert and/or the job description you will require to speak with the recruiting manager, who is:
- George Morrison, Team Leader, Helensburgh/Lomond
- Telephone: 01436 657646
- Email: george.morrison@argyll-bute.gov.uk
- Reference: ARB16923 / 001615
Please note that you cannot apply for this vacancy by contacting the recruiting manager, applications must be made by clicking on the Apply Now button at the top of this page.
Please also note that we do not accept CVs, only applications completed and submitted via the Apply Now button on this page.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about our commitment to this please visit Equality & Diversity Policy.
Gardener/Gravedigger - ARB16923 in Helensburgh employer: Argyll and Bute Council
Argyll and Bute Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment in one of Scotland's most picturesque regions. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer competitive salaries, generous leave entitlements, and numerous benefits including a pension scheme and discounts on leisure activities. Our flexible working approach and focus on career growth ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our vibrant communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener/Gravedigger - ARB16923 in Helensburgh
✨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 Argyll and Bute Council.
✨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 Argyll and Bute Council.
✨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 Argyll and Bute Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener/Gravedigger - ARB16923 in Helensburgh
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 Argyll and Bute Council.
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/Gravedigger - ARB16923.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Argyll and Bute Council 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 Argyll and Bute Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Argyll and Bute Council
✨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 Argyll and Bute Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
