Gardener

Gardener

London Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to maintain stunning gardens in Regent’s Park and Carlton House Terrace.
  • Company: Be part of the Crown Estate Paving Commission, preserving historic green spaces since 1824.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a permanent full-time role with opportunities for hands-on gardening experience.
  • Why this job: Work in beautiful surroundings while developing your horticultural skills and making a positive impact.
  • Qualifications: Must have horticultural knowledge, Level 2 qualification, and a full UK driving licence.
  • Other info: Ideal for those passionate about gardening and looking to work in a unique urban environment.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

The Crown Estate Paving Commission is a unique statutory body charged with the care and maintenance of the private residential gardens around Regent’s Park that are owned by the Crown Estate. The gardens team is led by the Head of Landscape and includes a dedicated staff responsible for maintaining some of the most impressive garden spaces in central London.

The Gardener role is to assist in the upkeep, maintenance, development and presentation of the c.18 acres of ornamental enclosures and other horticultural areas managed by the Commission at Regent’s Park Estate and Carlton House Terrace. The gardens team is responsible for the presentation of the Commission’s ornamental terrace gardens in line with the published planting principles, tree management strategy and garden visions.

Main duties:
  • To undertake horticultural tasks that include border preparation and planting, pruning, mowing, edge cutting, hedge cutting and occasional landscaping tasks.
  • Work in a horticultural environment on their own initiative both in a team and alone.
  • Identify plant health and undertake relevant cross-contamination preventative measures.
  • Undertake shaping and pruning (with plant health as the main priority).
  • To undertake regular machine maintenance, pesticide application, litter and leaf clearance.
  • To maintain a high standard of horticultural practice in all tasks undertaken.
  • To take a full and active role in the care of the gardens by using initiative to report problems and suggest areas of improvement.
  • To play a full part in helping to produce gardens of high quality by following best practice to develop an aesthetically pleasing environment.
  • At all times to work safely with due regard to the safety of others and members of the public.
  • To comply with the Commission’s Health & Safety policy and ensure day to day risk assessments of routine works are carried out.
  • Report all potential hazards, defective tools or incidents.
Other duties:
  • The post holder will be expected to carry out from time to time any other duties as instructed.
  • Experience or willingness to drive a company van in central London traffic.
Knowledge and Training:
  • Excellent general horticultural knowledge and plant base.
  • First Aid certificate.
  • Excellent time management skills.
  • Good pruning skills.
  • Good plant identification skills.
  • Understanding of common pests and diseases plus relevant preventative and treatment methods.
  • Practical application of Health & Safety best practice.
  • Minimum horticultural qualification to Level 2 (NVQ/RHS or equivalent).
  • Full UK driving licence.
  • Knowledge of plant and tree disorders.
  • Spraying certificates PA1 & PA6a.
  • Wide horticultural interests.
Ability to:
  • Deal calmly, courteously, efficiently but firmly with residents, consultants, contractors and others.
  • Cope with a demanding workload, working flexibly and collaboratively as part of a small team.
  • Manage time and priorities effectively.
  • Be a people person - personable, well mannered and presentable.
  • Excellent hands-on horticultural and plant identification skills.
  • Ability to handle successful interactions with residents and the public.
  • Good knowledge of garden equipment and machinery, its safe operation and maintenance.
  • Understanding of hard landscaping techniques.
  • Commute to central London.
C

Contact Detail:

CEPC Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Gardener

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural practices and plant species relevant to the gardens managed by the Crown Estate Paving Commission. Understanding their unique planting principles and tree management strategies will give you an edge during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of the Crown Estate Paving Commission. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.

✨Tip Number 3

Demonstrate your hands-on experience with commercial gardening equipment during any discussions or interviews. Being able to talk confidently about your practical skills and maintenance routines will show that you're ready for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Highlight your knowledge of Health and Safety best practices in horticulture. Being well-versed in safety regulations and showing a proactive attitude towards risk assessments will make you a more attractive candidate for this position.

We think you need these skills to ace Gardener

Horticultural Knowledge
Plant Identification Skills
Pruning Skills
Time Management Skills
Knowledge of Pests and Diseases
Health and Safety Compliance
Experience with Commercial Gardening Equipment
Ability to Work Independently and as Part of a Team
Excellent Communication Skills
Driving Skills in Central London
First Aid Certification
Understanding of Hard Landscaping Techniques
Initiative and Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Ecological Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant horticultural experience, particularly in maintaining high-end private gardens. Include specific examples of tasks you've undertaken that align with the job description, such as border preparation, pruning, and machine maintenance.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for horticulture and your understanding of the unique role at the Crown Estate Paving Commission. Mention your hands-on experience, plant knowledge, and any relevant qualifications like your PA1 & PA6 spraying licence.

Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your excellent time management, communication skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Provide examples of how you've successfully dealt with challenges in previous gardening roles.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in maintaining the high standards expected by the Commission.

How to prepare for a job interview at CEPC

✨Showcase Your Horticultural Knowledge

Be prepared to discuss your understanding of horticultural best practices and plant care. Highlight any specific experiences you have with maintaining high-end gardens, as this role requires a solid foundation in plant knowledge and gardening techniques.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication Skills

Since the role involves working closely with a small team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous positions. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively with both team members and the public.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Health and Safety Practices

Understanding and adhering to health and safety regulations is crucial in this role. Be prepared to discuss your experience with health and safety systems, including any relevant certifications like PA1 & PA6 spraying licences.

✨Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect practical questions related to gardening tasks such as pruning, mowing, and pest management. You might be asked how you would handle specific scenarios, so think through your approach to common gardening challenges.

C
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>