At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and restore beautiful historic grounds while working with a passionate garden team.
- Company: Join the award-winning Ashridge House, a stunning neo-gothic mansion.
- Benefits: Enjoy free gym access, pension schemes, healthcare, and on-site parking.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to excellence and inclusion.
- Why this job: Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts wanting hands-on experience in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Gardening experience and confidence with garden machinery required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
A wonderful opportunity has arisen for a keen gardener to work with the garden team at Ashridge House. You will gain hands-on experience of maintaining and restoring the beautiful, Grade II*, historic grounds. The role will consist of all aspects of grounds maintenance varying from lawn maintenance, hedge cutting, propagation, pruning and general day-to-day grounds maintenance.
We are looking for someone with gardening experience who is confident in the use of a variety of garden machinery. The right candidate should have a passion for gardening, an eye for detail and should be excited to work in a creative, flexible environment in all weathers.
Candidate Profile- Passion for the outdoors and gardening
- Highly enthusiastic, with an eye for detail to give that high standard of finish
- Highly motivated and goal oriented
- Happy to work alone as well as with the whole team
- Has good communication skills
- Flexible and able to cope with changing priorities
- Driving License
- Free access to our on-site gym
- Access to the company pension scheme and healthcare schemes
- Free on-site parking (this role requires your own transportation)
Ashridge House is an award-winning Grade 1 listed neo-gothic mansion with extensive meeting and event facilities comprising 190 bedrooms, over 30 meeting rooms, 55 syndicate rooms, 7 function rooms and 190 acres of historic parkland and gardens. Delivering the highest standard of service to everyone who visits, dines, and stays with us is a fundamental part of our ethos and key to growing the business.
When you join Ashridge House, you join a community from unique backgrounds, all united by pursuing excellence in service and hospitality. Whoever you are, whatever you are passionate about—we welcome you and want you to bring that to work every day. Ashridge House is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to inclusion and belonging across race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, caste, parental status, disability, identity, experience, and everything else that makes you unique.
Gardener employer: Education First
Ashridge House offers a unique opportunity for gardeners to work in a stunning, historic environment while gaining hands-on experience in grounds maintenance. With a strong emphasis on community and excellence, employees benefit from access to an on-site gym, pension and healthcare schemes, and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. This role not only allows for personal growth but also encourages creativity and flexibility in a picturesque setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener
✨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 Education First.
✨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 Education First.
✨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 Education First; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener
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 Education First.
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 Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Education First 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 Education First a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Education First
✨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 Education First might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
