At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful green spaces and support horticultural projects in a vibrant community.
- Company: Join a growing life science hub near Cambridge with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Earn £14-15 per hour, gain hands-on experience, and work in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Temporary positions available with opportunities for growth and skill development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by enhancing outdoor spaces and working with nature.
- Qualifications: Experience with gardening tools and a passion for horticulture are essential.
- Gardeners Wanted – Cambridge
- Pay rate: £14-15.00 per hour (dependant on experience)
- Location: Hinxton CB10 1SA Hours: 3 x full time (35 hours per week) positions available
Term: Temporary work - 2 x up to 12 months and 1 x 2 weeks Start date: ASAP Application deadline: Tuesday 25th August 2026
Our client hosts a growing community of life science businesses as a global centre based just 9 miles south of Cambridge.
Plans are underway to grow the area and this includes work on the land to bring green areas in to immaculate order.
The role The Gardeners will support the HO Grounds Maintenance & Horticulture (HOGM&H) and the Grounds Supervisor and ensure that the grounds are maintained to a high horticultural standard.
You will also support the HO Grounds Maintenance & Horticulture and the Grounds Supervisor.
These roles are integral to the ongoing development and improvement of the Campus, in line with the agreed business strategy.
Duties include
- Undertake a full range of grounds maintenance and gardening duties, as instructed by the management team.
- Take instruction and conduct work to a high standard, demonstrating an ability to work with diligence.
- Perform formative and regenerative pruning and trees and shrubs.
- Plant and manage annual bedding – including irrigation.
- Conduct pest and disease control using integrated pest management techniques – this also includes treating weeds, moss, and algae.
- Cut, strim and edge grassed areas.
- Manage bank and roof vegetation.
- Blow and jet wash hard surfaces.
- Cut hedges.
- Conduct general grounds management tasks – including, litter picking, gritting, and clearing snow.
- Ensure that all tasks are conducted in line with Campus health and safety policy and risk assessments.
- Report any external, site defects to your line manager.
- Conduct basic maintenance to equipment in your charge and report any major faults to your line manager.
- Person spec ESSENTIAL
- Practical use of hedge trimmers, strimmer’s, mowers, and blowers
- Previous experience of planting, pruning and lawn care
- A demonstrable ability to establish and sustain good working relationship within a team environment and or have the ability and initiative to work alone.
- Aptitude to communicate effectively with colleagues and members of the public.
- Hold a valid driving licence.
DESIRABLE
- Previous experience gardening in a corporate and/or local authority grounds maintenance role
- City and Guilds/NVQ Horticulture stage I and II or equivalent
- RHS general horticulture or equivalent
- PA1 and PA6 qualification in pesticide spraying
- Ability to use a trailer.
How to apply: Please apply online ensuring your CV is up to date and your cover letter is tailored to showcase your relevant skills and experience for the role.
Important notice: When making your application, feel free to use AI to enhance your CV and cover letter, but make sure to include REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES that clearly demonstrate your skills, experience, and knowledge.
Applications that appear overly generic or lack evidence will be referred to the Employability and Careers team for further support and will not progress to the next stage of recruitment
Gardener employer: ARU
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a focus on employee growth, they provide comprehensive training and opportunities to manage high-profile projects, alongside attractive benefits such as travel expenses and a discretionary bonus scheme. This role not only allows for flexibility with satellite offices but also positions you at the forefront of exciting commercial interior projects, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener
✨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 ARU.
✨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 ARU.
✨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 ARU; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener
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 ARU.
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 ARU 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 ARU a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARU
✨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 ARU might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
