At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain the beauty of historic cemeteries through hands-on gardening and caretaking tasks.
- Company: Join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, honouring those who served.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension, and paid public holidays.
- Other info: Access to high-end tools and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in Horticulture or practical experience in gardening required.
The predicted salary is between 26722 - 26722 £ per year.
Location: Brookwood Military Cemetery & Runnymede Memorial, Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £26,722
Hours: Full Time, Mon - Fri, 37 hours a week
What you’ll be doing:
As a gardener, you’ll play a vital part in preserving the beauty of Brookwood Military Cemetery and our memorials. This is a hands-on role, perfect for someone who enjoys practical work and takes pride in maintaining high standards. You will be responsible for undertaking a range of horticultural tasks, including maintenance, renovation, and caretaking duties such as mowing, edging, hedge cutting, weeding, pruning, and applying pesticides. The role involves planning and organising your daily workload, which includes ordering plants, chemicals, and equipment, as well as operating and maintaining machinery and vehicles safely. You will report any structural defects or environmental changes to management and ensure that health and safety procedures are adhered to at all times. Additionally, you will use IT and smart technology to complete routine administrative tasks, occasionally represent the Commission at ceremonies, and assist visitors in locating war graves.
What you need to have:
- NVQ level 2 in Horticulture (or equivalent) OR practical experience within horticulture, such as plant identification and sustainable garden practices
- Understanding of health & safety
- Experience with a wide range of garden machinery
- Full UK driver’s license (Manual)
- IT literate
Who we are:
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is an organisation dedicated to honouring and caring for the graves and memorials of servicemembers who died in the two World Wars. You’ll be part of a team that cares deeply about commemorating the war dead and maintaining sites of historical significance. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for development, and the chance to make a real difference every day.
What we offer:
- 25 days annual leave, rising by 1 day per year of service up to a maximum of 30
- Paid public holidays and paid office closure between Christmas and New Year
- Access to a work van, PPE, uniform, and high-end tools that are regularly maintained
- Generous Pension Scheme, with CWGC contributing up to 10%
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
How to apply:
Apply by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button. As this is an active role, we will be interviewing as we go along, and the role will close when we have an offer accepted by a preferred candidate. We believe creating a diverse environment enriches our organisation and strengthens our mission, therefore, we welcome applications from everybody. Join our inclusive environment where every individual is valued.
Gardener Caretaker in Guildford employer: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Contact Detail:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener Caretaker in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local horticulture events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves hands-on work, be ready to demonstrate your gardening skills. Brush up on your plant knowledge and be prepared to discuss your experience with garden machinery.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Brookwood Military Cemetery and Runnymede Memorial.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener Caretaker in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let us see your love for gardening and horticulture shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your skills and dedication to maintaining beautiful green spaces.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any practical experience you have in horticulture, especially if it relates to the tasks listed in the job description. Whether it's mowing, pruning, or using garden machinery, we want to know how you've tackled these tasks before!
Be Clear and Organised: As this role involves planning and organising your workload, your application should reflect that. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button! This ensures your application gets to us directly and helps streamline the process as we interview candidates along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Commonwealth War Graves Commission
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge, especially plant identification and sustainable practices. Be ready to discuss your practical experience and how it relates to the role, as this will show your passion and expertise in maintaining beautiful gardens.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to gardening and machinery use. Be prepared to talk about how you ensure safety in your work, as this is crucial for the role and demonstrates your responsibility.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Think about how you plan and organise your daily tasks. Be ready to share examples of how you've managed workloads, ordered supplies, or maintained equipment in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to keep everything running smoothly.
✨Engage with the Mission
Understand the values and mission of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Be prepared to express why you want to be part of a team that honours and cares for war graves, as this will resonate well with the interviewers and show your commitment.