At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maintain and enhance beautiful gardens at the University of Bristol.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol, a historic institution with stunning green spaces.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with a focus on biodiversity and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on campus greenery while working in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for gardening, supervisory experience, and a recognised horticultural qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 25785 - 31515 £ per year.
A great opening has arisen at the University of Bristol for a full-time Lead Gardener based in the beautiful and historic Goldney Gardens, situated at the heart of the university’s Clifton campus, overlooking Bristol's floating harbour. The role is to head a small team of gardeners carrying out the day-to-day maintenance, enhancement, and development of the formal and informal gardens, surrounding landscapes, orchards and woodland of the three Clifton Halls of residences - Goldney Hall, Clifton Hill House & Manor Hall.
What will you be doing?
You will be leading a small team of two dedicated Horticulturists delivering high-quality amenity horticultural in a well-planned, safe, and prioritised way to ensure the university green spaces and grounds are maintained as welcoming, attractive, and safe 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 volunteer groups undertaking horticultural & conservational activities. Largely a horticultural role, rather than a grounds role, tasks will range from shrub & tree pruning, herbaceous border, orchard and meadow maintenance, hedge cutting, weed control & pond maintenance, as well as 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, strong organisational skills and be a good team player, who can use their initiative and problem-solve when required. You should have a recognised horticultural qualification, a supervisory qualification or willingness to attain it, good plant knowledge, a good understanding of Health & Safety, a full driving license, and ideally hold certificates of competence such as NPTC, LANTRA, 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 collaboratively with our other horticultural and grounds teams. In addition, it would be desirable if you held a Health and Safety certification, such as IOSH, some experience working with a large or complex organisation and are familiar with Microsoft applications and smartphone use.
Additional information
Work pattern: Full time - 35 hours
Grade: E
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on: Thursday 27th August
Interviews are expected to take place w/c 7th September
For informal queries please contact: Kevin Stuckey (Arboricultural and Horticultural Manager) on 07789753708 or kevin.stuckey@bristol.ac.uk
Horticultural Team Leader employer: City of Bristol College
The University of Bristol is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation within its catering and hospitality services. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities, a supportive environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the university community. Located in a dynamic city, the university provides a unique setting for personal and career growth, making it an attractive place for those seeking rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticultural Team Leader
✨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 Horticultural Team Leader
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 Horticultural Team Leader.
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.
