At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens and lawns at a world-renowned racecourse.
- Company: Join Ascot, where tradition meets innovation in a vibrant environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, wellbeing support, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Participate in community outreach and enjoy social events throughout the year.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the environment while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening and machinery operation is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Welcome to Ascot where tradition meets innovation and excitement is the heartbeat of our business. We are a destination for over 500,000 guests each year where passion, elegance, and celebration converge. As one of the world's leading racecourses, Ascot is renowned for its rich heritage spanning over 300 years. We are committed to building a Global lifestyle brand, wrapped around the world class horse racing we run. At Ascot we believe in preserving the beauty of our surroundings and minimising our ecological footprint.
We are currently seeking a Lawns and Horticulture Groundsperson to join our Grounds team based at our site at the racecourse in Ascot, Berkshire.
What you’ll be doing:
- Primarily maintaining the flower/shrub beds, troughs, pots and borders and general nursery stock production plus the lawns.
- This may also involve attendance on racedays, including those that take place at weekends.
- To plant bedding plants.
- To assist with potting on.
- To assist with weeding, pruning, and deadheading.
- To assist with plant and lawn watering.
- To assist with plant and lawn fertilising.
- To assist with spraying.
- To set up planting displays/schemes for racedays.
- To assist with edging lawns.
- To assist with the general tidying/cleaning of the garden areas both in and around the Grandstand.
- To assist in all general gardening duties including lawn care.
- To operate relevant machinery including use of petrol blowers and hedge cutters.
- In accordance with Health and Safety regulations, the job holder is required to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of the persons who may be affected by their activities.
- The job holder must co-operate with the Company to enable them to meet their legal duties.
- This list is not definitive. To undertake such other duties as the Company may at times reasonably require.
Skills and experience you can bring:
- Previous relevant experience in general grounds and plant maintenance.
- Be able to identify a range of ornamental plants.
- Have experience in the use of relevant machinery, including experience of using ride-on mowers and tractor driving.
- Must hold a valid Full UK Driver’s License or equivalent.
- NVQ level 2 or equivalent - desirable.
- PA1/PA6 spraying pesticide certificates - desirable.
What you can expect from us:
- A best-in-class welcome with a tailored induction and racecourse tour, as well as a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development.
- Access to a range of wellbeing support for yourself and your family including a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Healthcare support app with 24/7 virtual GP access.
- Opportunity to make an impact in our volunteer week with a day out of the office to support local community and charity partners.
- End of year offices closed (extra 2 days annual leave added to your entitlement).
- Complimentary race day entry for friends and family.
- Exclusive discounts in local shops and cafes.
- Exclusive discounts from selected partner brands and suppliers.
- Invitations to our monthly social nights as well as annual parties and afternoon-teas to celebrate our most special occasions throughout the year.
What sets us apart from the rest:
We take pride in our commitments to make a positive change for now and future generations to come, whether through our Diversity and Inclusion strategy and training programmes, our award-winning ‘Racing To Zero’ sustainability actions, or our forward-thinking employee benefits including flexible working and menopause policies, as well as health and EAP support access. We are also proud of our community outreach which includes a volunteering week for all employees to spend time supporting local charities.
Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision:
We are committed to ensuring guests from all backgrounds and communities feel welcome at the Racecourse and are working to ensure our internal teams are nurtured within a supportive and inclusive environment. Our mission is to eliminate discrimination and prejudice of any kind at our venue and throughout our business. By educating and implementing meaningful actions across all that we do, we can make certain that Ascot is a place for everyone to enjoy.
As an equal opportunities employer, Ascot Racecourse is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our company.
Lawns and Horticulture Groundsperson (Gardener) in Ascot employer: Ascot Racecourse
At Ascot, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates passion and innovation. As a Lawns and Horticulture Groundsperson, you'll enjoy comprehensive training, wellbeing support, and unique opportunities to engage with the community through our volunteer initiatives. With exclusive benefits like complimentary race day entries and social events, working at our prestigious racecourse in Berkshire not only allows you to contribute to our rich heritage but also to grow within a forward-thinking and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawns and Horticulture Groundsperson (Gardener) in Ascot
✨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 Ascot Racecourse.
✨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 Ascot Racecourse.
✨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 Ascot Racecourse; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Lawns and Horticulture Groundsperson (Gardener) in Ascot
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 Ascot Racecourse.
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 Lawns and Horticulture Groundsperson (Gardener).
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Ascot Racecourse 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 Ascot Racecourse a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ascot Racecourse
✨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 Ascot Racecourse might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
