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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens and sports pitches while enjoying the outdoors.
- Company: Join Bedford Borough Council, committed to community and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while working with nature every day.
- Qualifications: Valid driving licence and a passion for horticulture.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and development in a friendly team.
The predicted salary is between 26403 - 28142 £ per year.
Salary Range (£ pro rata for part time roles)
BBU06 26,403 – 28,142
Contract Type
Full time permanent
Contract Hours
37.00
Job Advert
On a day to day basis delivering practical grounds maintenance & horticultural services with operational duties of maintenance of both formal and informal landscaped areas seasonal bedding schemes and also the maintenance of sports pitches and fine turf facilities.
You must have a valid driving licence and will be required to complete a basic criminal records check for unspent convictions.
How to apply
When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria. An optional CV template is provided below.
Closing Date: 30th September 2025
Interview Date(s): 21st – 23rd October 2025
Please note:
The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:
- a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)
- a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical
For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk
Guaranteed interview schemes
Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant; we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.
The council are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Additional Vacancy Information
Allowance (pro rata for part time roles)
N/A
Work Pattern
37 hours per week (Monday – Friday)
Is this an enhanced DBS role?
No
Is this a politically restricted role?
No
Is this a customer facing role which requires a fluent English Speaker?
No
Vacancy Location
Bedfordshire
Brunel Road Depot, Bedford
Is this a designated car user position?
No
Attachments
Job Profile
Gardener Plant Operative Job Description.pdf (657 Kb)
CV Template
CV Template.docx (16 Kb)
General information
Reference 004717
Closing Date
30/09/2025
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Gardener Plant Operative employer: D S D
Contact Detail:
D S D Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener Plant Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Bedford Borough Council and their values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to grounds maintenance and horticultural services. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Gardener Plant Operative.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have any relevant certifications or training, be sure to mention them during your interview. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise in maintaining landscaped areas and sports pitches.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener Plant Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Gardener Plant Operative role. Highlight your experience in grounds maintenance and horticultural services, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications or skills that match the job description.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: When you get to the application questions, take your time! These yes/no responses are your chance to show us how you meet the essential criteria. Be honest and clear in your answers to make a great impression.
Check Your Driving Licence: Since a valid driving licence is a must for this role, double-check that yours is up to date. If you have any special endorsements or experience driving specific vehicles, make sure to mention that in your CV!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s straightforward, and you’ll find all the information you need to submit your application successfully!
How to prepare for a job interview at D S D
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your knowledge of grounds maintenance and horticultural services. Be ready to discuss seasonal bedding schemes and the maintenance of sports pitches. Showing that you understand the practical aspects of the role will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in maintaining landscaped areas. Be prepared to share specific examples of your past work, especially any hands-on tasks you've completed that relate to the job description.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life gardening scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the job.
✨Understand the Council's Values
Familiarise yourself with Bedford Borough Council's commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident employer status. Being aware of these values shows that you align with their mission and are genuinely interested in contributing positively to the community.