At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the maintenance and development of our stunning 90-acre campus gardens.
- Company: Felsted School, a historic independent school with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: 20 days annual leave, free lunch, gym access, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Permanent full-time role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join us to create beautiful spaces and inspire future generations in a unique environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture and a full UK manual driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 22950 - 28050 £ per year.
Felsted School, a leading Independent Day and Boarding School, is seeking an enthusiastic, experienced, and passionate Lead Gardener to work within our Grounds and Gardens Department.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in maintaining and developing our beautiful 90-acre campus in rural North Essex, ensuring that our gardens are always presented and maintained to the highest standards.
The main responsibilities of this role is to take a lead role within the Gardens Department responsible for the maintenance of the school gardens, landscaped areas and other open spaces.
Our ideal candidate will have previous experience of horticulture, working in a similar environment and preferably hold a NVQ L2 in Horticulture or equivalent.
It is also essential that all candidates hold a full UK manual driving licence.
Felsted is a leading day and boarding independent school based in a stunning village campus in North Essex.
Founded in 1564 by Richard Lord Riche, who had been a Lord Chancellor under King Edward VI, Felsted today provides an exceptional holistic education to approximately 1000 boys and girls aged three to eighteen.
We celebrated our 450th anniversary in 2014, one of only a handful of Schools in the country that have claimed this historic milestone.
We employ more than 500 staff in a community orientated environment, ensuring our pupils receive the very best in learning and co-curricular activities., Felsted is committed to equal opportunities and maintaining a safe and secure environment for all pupils and a 'culture of vigilance' to safeguard and protect all in its care, and to all aspects of its 'Safeguarding (Child Protection and Staff Behaviour) Policy'.
Please note, it is an offence to apply for this position if barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
All employees are subject to pre-employment checks including a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
This role is a permanent position working full-time, all-year round.
The hours of work are Monday to Thursday from 8:00am to 4:30pm and Fridays from 8:00am to 3:30pm, with a thirty-minute unpaid lunch break each day.
Weekend working may be required to support school open days and sports fixtures.
Benefits include
- 20 days annual leave each year (plus public holidays);
- free life assurance, uniform and parking;
- contributory pension scheme (matched at 4%);
- membership availability to the School's healthcare scheme (via BUPA);
- free lunch on full days worked;
- annual salary reviews;
- free use of the Felsted Gym and pool facilities;
- subsidised on-site Coffee Shop;
- and membership to Felsted Connect; an online multi-platform engagement tool where employees have access to hundreds of exclusive discounts and offers from online and high-street retailers.
More information on our rewards package can be found on our website felsted. org/employment-opps/rewards.
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Lead Gardener in Great Dunmow employer: Felsted Connect
Felsted School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture within a picturesque 90-acre campus in rural North Essex. As a Lead Gardener, you will enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits including generous annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and access to excellent facilities. Join our dedicated team and contribute to the holistic education of our students while enjoying a fulfilling career in horticulture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Gardener in Great Dunmow
✨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 Felsted Connect.
✨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 Felsted Connect.
✨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 Felsted Connect; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Gardener in Great Dunmow
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 Felsted Connect.
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 Lead Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Felsted Connect 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 Felsted Connect a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Felsted Connect
✨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 Felsted Connect might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
