Basis: Full Time
Work Pattern: 37 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 7.5 hours and Friday 7 hours
Type: 2 x Permanent
We are looking for gardeners to join our busy grounds maintenance team to maintain our estates in Worcester.
You will be responsible for working as part of a team to deliver this service using various equipment including ride-on and all other mowers, hedge cutters, strimmers, blowers etc. You will be working to a plan on each estate which will enable you to deliver a high standard of service across all areas.
In housing you can make a real difference, the role of Gardeners – Grounds Maintenance Operatives will involve:
- Grass cutting and collection
- Removal and disposal of green waste
- Hedge and bush reduction and shaping
- Strimming
- Weed management
- Shrub maintenance, pruning and planting
- Litter picking
- Maintenance of hard standing areas
As Gardeners – Grounds Maintenance Operatives we need you to have:
- General knowledge of grounds maintenance
- Experience of using appropriate equipment including the operation of petrol machinery and ride on mowers
- Be able to undertake physical activities including lifting of heavy items and working to a high standard
- Experience of working in a team
- Able to maintain work records and reporting
- Experience of dealing with customers and commitment to delivering a high level of customer satisfaction
- Basic Health and Safety knowledge in gardening including the use of chemicals and equipment
- Be able to work to and meet varying deadlines
- Current driving licence
We would be really excited if you have:
- PA1 & PA6 spraying licence
- Banksman training
- Licence to drive a trailer
We will be an employer of choice and invest in our people
To deliver the best services for our customers we need employees who are passionate, committed and engaged. We will create a culture where every individual feels comfortable and confident to be themselves and the wellbeing of our employees is a priority. We will work together as one team and embrace our Citizen values.
Competitive benefits:
- Annual leave purchase scheme – option to buy up to an additional 5 days per year
- Annual leave starts at 25 days per year plus bank holidays
- Enhanced family leave (maternity, paternity and adoption)
- Organisational Sick Pay
- Generous Pension Scheme – The option to contribute 4%, 6% or up to 10% which Citizen will match
- Life cover of three times your annual salary if you join the pension scheme
Health and Wellbeing
- Occupational Health
- EAP – a 24/7 telephone counselling service providing free, confidential advice.
- Cashback scheme – cashback on optical, dental, prescriptions and a range of other medical costs meaning the costs are covered for employees.
- Access to Citizen’s Wellbeing initiatives and Wellbeing platform
Learning and Development
- Extensive learning and development opportunities.
- Opportunity to study for a professional qualification
Here at Citizen, our purpose is to provide homes that are a foundation for life.
With over fifty years of experience, we have grown to be one of the UK’s most trusted social housing providers, Citizen owns and manages 30,000 homes for diverse communities across the West Midlands, from urban tower blocks to rural villages and towns.
This post is subject to a Basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service).
Closing date: 17th February 2025
Interview date: 24th February 2025
Please note we will be reviewing applications throughout the campaign and may invite candidates to interview at any time.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardeners Grounds Maintenance Operatives in Worcester
✨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 Citizen.
✨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 Citizen.
✨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 Citizen; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
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 Citizen.
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 Gardeners Grounds Maintenance Operatives.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Citizen 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 Citizen a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizen
✨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 Citizen might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
