At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maintain and enhance beautiful green spaces at the University of Bristol.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol, a diverse and inclusive institution committed to excellence.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Embrace a dynamic role with a focus on biodiversity and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on campus landscapes while working in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Passionate gardener with supervisory experience and a recognised horticultural qualification.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
A great opportunity has arisen at the University of Bristol for a full-time Lead Gardener to lead a small team maintaining, enhancing, and developing many of our floristically interesting modern and historic landscapes, primarily in the centre of Bristol.
What will you be doing? The role will be to lead a small van-based team of two dedicated Horticulturists undertaking high-quality amenity horticultural work which ensures the university’s green spaces and grounds are maintained as a welcoming, accessible, safe & attractive environment for students, staff & visitors. In addition, you will contribute to the development of the gardens through new landscapes, planting projects and biodiversity enhancements and occasionally assist with external groups undertaking horticultural & conservation activities.
Largely a horticultural role, rather than a grounds role, tasks will range from shrub & tree pruning, herbaceous bed maintenance, hedge cutting, weed control & pond maintenance, as well as mulching, some litter picking and seasonally essential tasks such as leaf clearance and snow & ice treatments.
You should apply if we are looking for a passionate, self-driven & motivated gardener, who has previously worked in a similar amenity horticultural environment and has supervisory experience. You should have good attention to detail and be a good team player, who can use their initiative when required. You should have a recognised horticultural qualification, a supervisory qualification or willingness to attain it, reasonably good plant knowledge, a good understanding of Health & Safety, full driving license, experience with trailer towing, and ideally hold certificates of competence such as PA.1 & PA.6, although a willingness to attain these would be acceptable as we are keen to develop the skills of our teams and provide you with an environment that you can flourish. You should also have good communication and interpersonal skills and be happy to assist and work with our other horticultural and grounds teams.
Additional information: Work pattern: Full time - 35 hours. Grade: E.
Mobile Horticultural Team Leader (Lead Gardener) in Bristol employer: City of Bristol College
The University of Bristol is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Mobile Horticultural Team Leader, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team in maintaining and enhancing beautiful green spaces, while benefiting from a supportive environment that values diversity and encourages professional advancement. With a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, working here means contributing to meaningful projects that enrich the lives of students, staff, and visitors alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mobile Horticultural Team Leader (Lead Gardener) in Bristol
✨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 City of Bristol College.
✨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 City of Bristol College.
✨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 City of Bristol College; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Mobile Horticultural Team Leader (Lead Gardener) in Bristol
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 City of Bristol College.
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 Mobile Horticultural Team Leader (Lead Gardener).
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what City of Bristol College 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 City of Bristol College a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Bristol College
✨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 City of Bristol College might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
