At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful parks and green spaces while leading volunteers and supporting events.
- Company: Join the Parks and Green Spaces team at Bristol City Council.
- Benefits: Generous rewards package, pension scheme, and ample annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Permanent, Full time 37 hours a week. Location: This vacancy is in the South team based at Cater Road depot (BS13 7TW). You could be asked to work in other areas of the city in future. This is a great opportunity to become part of the Parks and Green Spaces team with Bristol City Council. As a Gardener within South Bristol, you will maintain our fantastic parks and green spaces as well as housing sites and highway verges.
What will I be doing?
- Carrying out a full range of grounds maintenance operational tasks including grass cutting, pruning, sports ground maintenance, conservation management tasks, bin emptying and removing waste on site.
- Leading and instructing volunteers in parks and green spaces and support the delivery of events.
- Supporting seasonal workers, apprentices and work placements.
- Carrying out small repairs to park features, furniture and infrastructure and inclement weather tasks e.g. gritting.
What do I need to have?
- NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent qualification or experience.
- Knowledge of health and safety in the workplace.
- Ability to carry out the physical demands of the role, working outdoors and at weekends when requested to do so.
- Full driving licence for use in the UK and ability to drive a wide range of vehicles and plant.
- Good communication skills.
Why Bristol City Council?
At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high profile organisation. Join us and you’ll receive a generous rewards package including membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.
How do I apply?
If you share our values and want to be successful in being shortlisted for interview, please submit an application which fully demonstrates how you meet each of the essential criteria as laid out in the Person Specification, this should be demonstrated in the ‘Further Information’ section of your application. Your application should fully evidence your education and training, along with your previous employment history.
On occasion we will receive high numbers of applications, we may then shortlist against the desirable criteria along with the essential criteria, therefore please demonstrate how you can meet desirable criteria if you are able to do so.
We’re a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We’ll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 10th March. If you have any further queries after reading the job advert along with the attached job paperwork then please contact: Tom Penn.
Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, we are therefore committed to ensuring diversity in our hiring process. We welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from young people, Black and racially minoritised and disabled candidates who are currently under-represented within this Service of Bristol City Council. Appointments will be made on merit.
The personal information section (including your name) you’ll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.
Parks - Gardener South Bristol employer: BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks - Gardener South Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the parks and green spaces in South Bristol! Familiarise yourself with the areas you might be working in, and maybe even volunteer at local events. This shows your commitment and gives you a chance to network with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your horticulture knowledge! Make sure you can chat confidently about plants, maintenance techniques, and health and safety practices. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're ready for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Gardener, you'll be leading volunteers and working with a team. Being able to clearly express your ideas and instructions will make a big difference in how you’re perceived.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to highlight how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria in your application – this could really boost your chances of landing that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Parks - Gardener South Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or any relevant experience. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific: When you’re filling out the ‘Further Information’ section, be specific about how you meet each of the essential criteria. Use examples from your past work to show us what you can bring to the team.
Keep It Neat and Tidy: Just like a well-maintained garden, your application should be tidy! Make sure it’s easy to read and free from typos. A clean application shows attention to detail, which is super important for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so you can focus on showcasing your talents.
How to prepare for a job interview at BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or any equivalent qualifications. Be ready to discuss specific gardening techniques, plant care, and maintenance tasks you've handled before. This shows you’re not just a fan of plants but have the knowledge to back it up!
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to gardening and grounds maintenance. Be prepared to talk about how you ensure safety while working outdoors, especially when leading volunteers or apprentices. This will demonstrate your responsibility and awareness in the workplace.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be leading volunteers and supporting seasonal workers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated instructions or collaborated with a team. This will highlight your ability to work well with others in a community-focused role.
✨Be Ready for the Physical Challenge
The role requires physical stamina, so be prepared to discuss how you manage the demands of outdoor work. Share experiences that showcase your ability to handle tough tasks, like grass cutting or bin emptying, and mention your willingness to work weekends if needed. This shows your commitment to the job!