At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in maintaining and enhancing Edinburgh's beautiful parks and greenspaces.
- Company: Join a dedicated team within the Parks & Greenspace Operational Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: SVQ Level 2 in horticulture or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 27257 - 29850 £ per year.
Senior Gardener Position within our Parks & Greenspace Operational Service. Responsible for horticultural, landscaping and ground maintenance duties to improve Edinburgh's parks, gardens and greenspaces.
Responsibilities
- Work within a small team led by a Supervisor Gardener.
- Support the Supervisor Gardener by taking instruction and promoting effective team working.
- Assist in training and instruction of gardening staff as required.
- Deputise for Supervisors as required by the Service.
- Support and supervise new starters, apprentices, students and other shadow workers when appropriate.
- Operate hand‑held technology to record work, receive instructions and report on actions or problems.
- Assist in preparing, reviewing and updating operational risk assessments.
- Operate a range of vehicles, machinery and equipment.
- Determine work practices, arrangements and standards of work, managing the team on a daily basis.
- Carry out tasks with minimal supervision, either alone or in a team, depending on the task.
- Perform heavy manual work in all weather and traffic conditions.
- Adhere to health and safety guidelines, risk assessments and the Council's Lone Working policy.
Qualifications and Experience
- Knowledge and skills in horticulture and parks and grounds maintenance.
- Relevant qualification of SVQ Level 2 or equivalent, or evidence of required experience.
- Ability to work to defined operational standards and health & safety practices.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and is able to be their best. We welcome applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled or neurodivergent individuals, care‑experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care‑experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview. Our salary range typically reflects an initial starting salary, with annual increases until it reaches the top of the range. Flexible working options are available.
Senior Gardener (Openspace Team) - Inch Park Depot employer: Diversity Dashboard
As a Senior Gardener with the Openspace Team at Inch Park Depot, you will join a dedicated and inclusive workforce committed to enhancing Edinburgh's parks and greenspaces. Our supportive work culture fosters teamwork and personal growth, offering opportunities for training and development while ensuring a healthy work-life balance with flexible working options. With a focus on diversity, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, making this an excellent place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Gardener (Openspace Team) - Inch Park Depot
✨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 Diversity Dashboard.
✨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 Diversity Dashboard.
✨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 Diversity Dashboard; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gardener (Openspace Team) - Inch Park Depot
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 Diversity Dashboard.
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 Senior Gardener (Openspace Team) - Inch Park Depot.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Diversity Dashboard 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 Diversity Dashboard a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨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 Diversity Dashboard might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
