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- Tasks: Join our team to maintain beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces in York.
- Company: Local authority client with a commitment to community and environment.
- Benefits: Earn £13.86 per hour, full-time hours, and work outdoors.
- Why this job: Perfect for nature lovers who enjoy hands-on work and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Must have a UK driving licence and experience in gardening or horticulture.
- Other info: Immediate start available; great opportunity until November 2026.
The predicted salary is between 28700 - 28800 £ per year.
Do you have a current UK driving licence? Are you used to working outside in all weathers? Have you experience of horticulture/gardening?
Our local authority client is looking for General Operative or Assistant Gardeners to join their operations team based in York. The work involves working across a wide variety of residential sites in York. Immediate start.
This is a full time role, 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday, until November 2026. The rate of pay is £13.86 per hour.
The purpose of this role is to carry out (where necessary) gardening and horticultural work/maintenance. Other duties will include:
- cutting
- pruning
- mowing
- litter picking
- sweeping
- weeding
- emptying public bins
For this role, a vehicle, equipment and PPE will be provided. Previous experience of gardening/horticulture or similar would be extremely advantageous. You MUST hold a current full UK driving licence, be used to working outdoors and be physically fit.
Successful applicants will be required to attend an onsite induction before starting work. For more information and to apply, please visit the Work with York Limited website.
You must be able to provide two references from previous employers, one of which needs to be your most recent employer, giving their name, company, company address, telephone number and email address. Please make sure that your referees know you are applying.
Please note, due to a high volume of applicants, unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to get back to everyone, but thank you for taking the time to apply.
Please note that to apply for this vacancy you must be able to work in the United Kingdom.
General Operative employer: City of York Council
Contact Detail:
City of York Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you’ve got experience in gardening or horticulture, make sure to highlight it during interviews. Talk about specific tasks you've done, like mowing or pruning, to show you're ready for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for the outdoors! Since this job involves working in all weathers, come dressed appropriately for your interview. It shows you’re serious about the role and ready to tackle whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
✨Tip Number 3
References are key! Make sure your referees know you’re applying and can vouch for your work ethic. Having solid references can really boost your chances of landing that job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so don’t hesitate to submit it directly on the Work with York Limited site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace General Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any previous experience you have in gardening or horticulture. We want to see how your skills can contribute to our operations team, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear About Your Availability: Since this is a full-time role, let us know your availability right from the start. We’re looking for someone who can commit to 37 hours a week, so being upfront about your schedule will help us out.
References Matter: Don’t forget to include two references from previous employers, especially your most recent one. Make sure they know you’re applying, as we’ll be reaching out to them for a quick chat!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through the Work with York Limited website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of York Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your gardening and horticulture knowledge. Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have, whether it's cutting, pruning, or mowing. Showing that you understand the basics will impress the interviewers.
✨Driving Licence Ready
Since a full UK driving licence is a must for this role, ensure you have it handy during the interview. You might be asked about your driving experience, so be prepared to talk about it confidently.
✨Dress for the Job
Even though it’s an interview, dressing appropriately can make a difference. Opt for smart-casual attire that reflects the outdoor nature of the job. This shows you’re serious about the role and understand the work environment.
✨References Matter
Have your references lined up and inform them that you’re applying. Being able to provide two solid references, especially from your most recent employer, can give you an edge over other candidates. Make sure they know what to expect!