At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain a stunning medicinal garden and manage tours and social media.
- Company: Join the Royal College of Physicians, a leader in health education and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, flexible hours, and discounts on cinema tickets and brands.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team and engage with visitors in a beautiful setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a sustainable garden that tells the story of medicine through plants.
- Qualifications: 2 years horticultural experience and RHS level 2 qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 26400 - 39600 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Senior Gardener role at Corporate Benefit Services.
Salary: £33,000 (£26,400 pro rata)
Location: Regent's Park, London
Working arrangements: 28 hours/4 days a week (to include a Friday). Core hours 8am to 4pm.
The Royal College of Physicians is recruiting a Senior Gardener. The garden, which is open to the public, covers just under an acre and is designed to tell the story of medicine through plants. It is run in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. The garden team of three gardeners and several volunteers (including eleven physicians) produces a range of publications such as books and trail leaflets and offers educational tours. The garden team also collaborates with and enhances the work of other departments such as the Museum and Meetings and Events.
Purpose and Scope
Key Responsibilities
The main purpose of this role is to assist in the advancement of the RCP's medicinal garden as a place of scientific and historical importance. You will work under the supervision of the head gardener and the deputy to ensure that the college gardens and grounds are maintained to the highest standard. You will be closely involved in pest and disease management of the garden which is carried out using biological controls and sustainable methods. You will be required to manage the garden tour booking system and the garden Instagram account. You will understand and contribute to maintaining the garden database as directed by the plant records officer. You will be required to supervise volunteers and to take sole responsibility for the garden on occasion.
About You
You will have:
- A minimum of 2 years full-time professional horticultural experience, preferably in a botanic or historic garden setting along with a horticultural qualification to at least level 2 RHS or equivalent.
- PA1/PA6 spraying certificates.
- Comprehensive plant knowledge and an interest in the uses of plants along with a familiarity with most gardening practices.
- Familiarity with pest and disease management.
You will be:
- Reliable, punctual and energetic.
- Confident to work alone but also willing to work alongside other members of a small and supportive team and to supervise volunteers.
- Friendly and happy to engage with visitors.
Our Benefits
Working at the RCP comes with lots of benefits designed to ensure that you feel valued and supported in your role. The benefits we offer include:
- 27 days holiday per annum
- Group personal pension plan with 7% employer contribution
- Interest-free season ticket loan
- Life assurance
- Annual pay award
- Flexible working hours
- Employee assistance programme 24/7 advice and support for any work-related issues as well as any problems affecting your home life
- Occupational health team includes employment and work-related health assessments, health checks and work station assessments
- Cycle to work scheme
- Corporate eye care scheme
- Health cash plan
- Professional training and development opportunities
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Staff discounts platform including discounts on cinema tickets and a range of high street brands.
Closing date: 10th March 2025
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by: 12th March
Interview date: Week beginning 17th March
The RCP positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. The RCP is all about our people - our members, staff, volunteers and leaders. We educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know we can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Part-time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Horticulture
Senior Gardener in London employer: Corben
Corporate Benefit Services is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in the beautiful and historically significant medicinal garden at the Royal College of Physicians in Regent's Park, London. With a strong commitment to sustainability and employee well-being, the organisation provides generous benefits including flexible working hours, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment that values collaboration and inclusivity. Join us to contribute to a meaningful mission while enjoying a rewarding work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Gardener in London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Royal College of Physicians and their medicinal garden. Understanding their mission and how they use plants to tell the story of medicine will help you connect your experience to their goals during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your knowledge of sustainable gardening practices. Since the role emphasises environmentally friendly methods, be prepared to discuss your experience with biological controls and pest management techniques that align with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in managing teams or supervising volunteers. The role requires you to lead a small team, so sharing specific examples of how you've successfully managed people in previous roles will demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your engagement with visitors and educational initiatives. Since the garden offers tours and publications, think about how you can contribute to these aspects and share any relevant experiences you have in public engagement or education.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gardener in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant horticultural experience, especially any work in botanic or historic gardens. Include specific examples of your pest and disease management skills, as well as your qualifications like the RHS level 2.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for horticulture and sustainability. Mention your familiarity with garden management and your ability to supervise volunteers, as these are key aspects of the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since the role involves engaging with visitors and managing social media, highlight any previous experience you have in customer service or public engagement. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with the public effectively.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in maintaining the college gardens to a high standard.
How to prepare for a job interview at Corben
✨Showcase Your Horticultural Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your plant knowledge and gardening practices in detail. Highlight any specific experiences you have with pest and disease management, especially using sustainable methods, as this aligns closely with the role's responsibilities.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Leadership Skills
Since you'll be supervising volunteers and working within a small team, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to lead and motivate a team while also being a reliable team player.
✨Engage with the Garden's Purpose
Familiarise yourself with the garden's mission to tell the story of medicine through plants. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for this unique aspect and how you can contribute to its educational goals, including managing the garden tour booking system.
✨Prepare Questions About Sustainability Practices
Since the role involves maintaining the garden in an environmentally friendly manner, come prepared with questions about their current sustainability practices. This shows your genuine interest in the role and commitment to eco-friendly gardening.
