At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in maintaining beautiful parks and gardens across Derby.
- Company: Join Derby City Council, committed to community and environmental excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible work-life balance, and professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with support for diverse backgrounds and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while working outdoors and leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 27540 - 27694 € per year.
Job reference: 000011996
Date posted: 17/03/2026
Application closing date: Blank
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: £27,694 - £27,540 a year
Contractual hours: 37 basis full time
Job category/type: Parks / Gardens
Location: Stores Road Depot
Responsibilities
- Provide grounds maintenance service on all Derby City Council land, properties and contracts as determined by the service.
- Supervise ground staff and undertake general and skilled horticultural, sports grounds and construction work as defined by management.
Qualifications
- Full manual car driving licence, and be expected to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonne.
- Extensive professional grounds maintenance experience.
- Experience using a wide range of professional grounds equipment, including pedestrian & ride on mower, advanced plant & equipment.
- Experience in team leadership, including the management and resolution of daily issues.
- NVQ Level 2 in horticulture or equivalent.
- Knowledge of Health & Safety & Equality Act 2010.
- Be reliable, take pride in work, and commit to working with colleagues to ensure a good standard of work.
- Understand the need for exceptional customer satisfaction and be prepared to undertake training and work in accordance with Health and Safety regulations.
- Work may involve early morning starts at locations throughout the City of Derby.
- Applicants will be required to complete a written test at the time of interview.
What We Offer
- Flexible work/life balance scheme (depending on your role).
- Modern office environment (depending on your job location).
- Continued professional development opportunities & career conversations.
- 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years’ service), plus bank holidays (depending on contract).
- Local Government Pension Scheme (depending on contract).
- Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts.
- Tusker Car Benefit Scheme.
- Cycle2Work Scheme & free cycle training.
- Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing calendar and support.
- Access to our Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network & Carers and our Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network and Neurodiversity Network.
- Support for colleagues who are carers.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We recruit for diversity and value difference. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. If you are a disabled person, you have the choice to apply under our Guaranteed Interview Scheme as long as you demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements for the job. We strongly believe in social understanding of disability and in removing barriers to equality. We will make reasonable adjustments to support any individual requirements during the application, interview or onboarding process.
Chargehand Gardener employer: Derby City Council
As a Chargehand Gardener with Derby City Council, you will thrive in a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible work-life balance options, generous annual leave, and access to various employee support networks, you will be part of a team dedicated to maintaining the beauty of Derby's parks and gardens while enjoying a fulfilling career in local government.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chargehand Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Derby City Council and their parks and gardens initiatives. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for that written test! Brush up on your horticultural knowledge and any relevant health and safety regulations. Practising sample questions can help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chargehand Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your extensive grounds maintenance experience in your application. We want to see how you've used professional equipment and led teams, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the Chargehand Gardener role. Use the job description as a guide and match your skills and experiences to what we’re looking for. It shows us you’re genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and get straight to the point about your qualifications and why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby City Council
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge, especially if you have an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent. Be ready to discuss your experience with various plants and grounds maintenance techniques, as well as any specific projects you've worked on that showcase your skills.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supervising ground staff, prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, demonstrating your ability to manage daily issues effectively.
✨Health & Safety Awareness
Familiarise yourself with Health & Safety regulations relevant to grounds maintenance. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety in your work environment and how you would implement these practices in your new role.
✨Prepare for the Written Test
Don't forget that there's a written test during the interview! Brush up on your writing skills and be ready to demonstrate your understanding of the job requirements. Practising common interview questions can also help you feel more confident.
