At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and enhance city centre planters, ensuring they look vibrant and tidy.
- Company: Join Bristol Waste Company and Bristol BID in making the city cleaner and greener.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health benefits, and discounts at over 900 retailers.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors and engaging with locals.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and ability to work independently outdoors.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
About Bristol Waste Company & Bristol BID
At Bristol Waste Company, what we do matters.
We keep Bristol and the surrounding areas clean, safe and moving.
Working in partnership with the council, we support the city’s sustainability goals while delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑money services.
Our commercial operations are growing, and we’re looking for people who share our values and want to grow with us.
Bristol BID is a Business Improvement District that works with over 1000 levy-paying businesses to enhance and improve Bristol's city centre.
The BID focuses on creating a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming environment, supporting businesses through targeted initiatives.
This role is a key part of the BID's sustainability and greening work, ensuring that public spaces are well‑maintained and attractive.
Purpose of the Role
We are looking for a dedicated and customer-focused
Urban Gardener to support the BID's gardening team.
This role specialises in maintaining and enhancing city centre planters, ensuring they remain vibrant, tidy, and well-cared for.
The position will require strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and excellent customer service skills, as it involves engaging with local businesses and the public.
This role will involve working alongside the BID’s Project Manager for Sustainability and Greening and the BID’s existing gardener (who currently works once a month).
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain, water, and care for planters in the BID area to keep them in top condition.
- Add new plants and compost to planters,
- Remove litter, weeds, and debris from planting areas to ensure a clean and attractive city centre.
- Monitor plant health and report any issues such as vandalism or damage.
- Carry out minor maintenance jobs and improvements/repairs to the planters.
- Work closely with the BID street cleansing team to enhance the overall appearance of the city centre.
- Provide excellent customer service by engaging positively with businesses, answering questions, and offering support where required.
- Ensure all work is carried out in compliance with Bristol Waste Company (BWC) health & safety policies and procedures.
- Use and maintain equipment correctly, ensuring it remains safe and in good working order.
- Work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and a proactive approach.
- Provide feedback and improvement suggestions to enhance planter maintenance and city centre cleanliness.
- Look after and safely use the quadricycle and relevant equipment needed to complete the role.
Essential Requirements for the Role
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to interact positively with businesses and the public.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform physical tasks such as lifting, watering, and weeding.
- Good communication skills to liaise with colleagues, businesses, and the BID team effectively.
- Ability to work independently for the majority of the shift, using initiative, as well as collaboratively in a team setting.
- Awareness of health and safety procedures and a commitment to safe working practices.
- A positive, can‑do attitude with a passion for keeping Bristol’s public spaces clean and attractive.
- 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays (Pro-rata for part‑time employees)
- Free BUPA Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
- Onsite physiotherapist and Cycle to Work scheme
- Learning and development opportunities with clear progression routes
- Reward Gateway discounts at 900+ retailers
- Employee recognition awards and long service awards
- Salary sacrifice car scheme for tax‑efficient vehicle leasing
- Everyone Belongs
We’re proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We value diversity and ensure fair and equal consideration for all candidates.
Urban Gardener employer: Bristol Waste Company
Bristol Waste Company is an exceptional employer that prioritises community engagement and sustainability, making a tangible difference in the lives of residents. With a supportive work culture, comprehensive benefits including a health cash plan and generous leave, and clear pathways for professional growth, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to Bristol's environmental goals. Join us in creating a cleaner, greener city where your efforts truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Urban 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 Bristol Waste Company.
✨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 Bristol Waste Company.
✨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 Bristol Waste Company; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Urban 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 Bristol Waste Company.
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 Urban Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Bristol Waste Company 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 Bristol Waste Company a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol Waste Company
✨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 Bristol Waste Company might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
