At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the horticultural team in maintaining and enhancing beautiful heritage gardens.
- Company: Join the City of London Corporation, managing award-winning parks enjoyed by millions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public spaces while nurturing your passion for horticulture.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Horticultural qualification or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40020 - 44820 £ per year.
Overview
As Head Gardener of the Golders Hill Park, Hill Garden and Pergola horticultural team, you will lead the day to day running and achieving of high-quality standards for our heritage gardens. The successful candidate will lead and work in collaboration with our Senior Ranger, Head Gardener Hill Garden and Pergola, Gardener and Apprentices in developing specific projects including the design of new flower beds, new planting schemes and landscaping projects. You will lead on planning and implementation of all practical, ornamental horticultural operations. We will be reviewing this policy and approach at regular intervals to ensure we3re meeting our attendance needs.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a keen plants person and experienced horticulturalist interested in working in parks and open spaces. Are you a talented horticultural specialist? Do you have hands-on experience of working within a public park or garden? Are you an exceptional leader? Are you passionate about horticulture and looking for a new challenge? You have a level 3 Horticultural qualification from the RHS, Chartered Institute of Horticulture or demonstrable experience at equivalent level. You can demonstrate continuous continuing professional development and are knowledgeable of best practice and current trends. You have a full UK driving licence. You can demonstrate an excellent knowledge of horticulture and design. You are a keen plant person. You have a proven track record in managing staff, projects, contractors, and apprentices. You have a good understand of MS office and good IT skills.
The City of London Corporation manages 11,000 acres (approximately 4,500 hectares) of land in and around London that is enjoyed by over 16 million visitors annually. Whilst there are small pockets of land within the Square Mile, the majority can be found elsewhere in London and the surrounding counties. The City Corporation acts as Trustee of 10 charities which, through their various objects, are responsible for the preservation in perpetuity of a large proportion of these award-winning open spaces. The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.
Note: The above paragraph contains text that may be boilerplate; kept for context.
Benefits
- Competitive salary starting at £40,200 including Inner London Weighting, (clear incremental progress points).
- 24 days annual leave plus public holidays.
- Pension scheme is operated in accordance with Local Government Pension Scheme
- Employee assistance programmes including mental well-being support.
- Bicycle Loan scheme.
- Travel card scheme
Head Gardener in City of Westminster employer: City of London Corporation
As the Head Gardener at Golders Hill Park, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to maintaining and enhancing our heritage gardens, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London. The City of London Corporation offers competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With opportunities for growth and a focus on preserving award-winning open spaces, this role is perfect for passionate horticulturalists looking to make a meaningful impact in a beautiful setting.
Contact Details:
City of London Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener in City of Westminster
✨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 London Corporation.
✨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 London Corporation.
✨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 London Corporation; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener in City of Westminster
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 London Corporation.
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 Head 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 London Corporation 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 London Corporation a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of London Corporation
✨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 London Corporation might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
