At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maintain stunning parks and gardens at the University of Oxford.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford's Parks Department.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, generous family leave, and sustainable commuting options.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on iconic green spaces while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: A Level 2 qualification in Horticulture and experience in leading teams.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Are you an experienced horticultural professional with a passion for leading teams and creating exceptional landscapes? Join the Parks Department within Estates Services at the University of Oxford and play a key role in maintaining some of the UK's most iconic green spaces.
Location: Oxford
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
About Us
Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. The University Parks team is responsible for maintaining the University's renowned parks, gardens and green spaces. Our work helps create inspiring environments for learning, research and recreation while supporting biodiversity and sustainability across the University.
What We Offer
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
As Team Leader/Head Gardener, you'll combine practical horticultural expertise with day-to-day leadership, ensuring our parks and landscaped areas are maintained to an exceptional standard. You'll lead teams undertaking a wide range of grounds maintenance activities, from seasonal planting and specialist pruning to lawn care, landscape improvements and site inspections. You'll play an important role in organising daily work, promoting safe working practices and ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and to a consistently high standard. Acting as the senior team member on site when required, you'll support Supervisors by coordinating resources, mentoring colleagues and apprentices, and helping to drive continuous improvement across the service. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further their leadership career while working within one of the world's most prestigious universities.
About You
We're looking for someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in delivering high-quality horticultural standards and is motivated to lead and support others. You'll bring:
- A Level 2 qualification in Horticulture, Arboriculture or another relevant land-based discipline (or significant practical experience) together with a full UK driving licence.
- Significant practical experience in horticulture, landscaping or grounds maintenance, with strong plant knowledge and a commitment to developing your expertise.
- Experience leading teams safely and effectively, with a sound understanding of health and safety legislation, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
- Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to plan work, maintain accurate records and build positive working relationships.
- Ability to mentor colleagues and apprentices while maintaining high standards of quality and customer service.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 14 August 2026. Interviews will take place in the week commencing 24 August 2026 and will be held face-to-face.
Head Gardener/Team Leader in Oxford employer: Corehr
Sheffield Hallam University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Smart Interactive Technologies Lab. As a Research Fellow, you will have access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects aimed at improving maternal health outcomes, all while benefiting from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development. Join us in making a meaningful difference in healthcare through responsible and human-centred digital innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener/Team Leader in Oxford
✨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 Corehr.
✨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 Corehr.
✨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 Corehr; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener/Team Leader in Oxford
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 Corehr.
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/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 Corehr 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 Corehr a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Corehr
✨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 Corehr might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
