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- Tasks: Maintain stunning gardens and landscapes while working outdoors with a passionate team.
- Company: Join a friendly Grounds Team in beautiful Sonning-on-Thames.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, overtime, and access to professional gardening equipment.
- Why this job: Create beautiful outdoor spaces and make a real impact on the community.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years of gardening experience and a love for plants.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Annualised (seasonal hours) + occasional Saturdays
Our client is seeking a passionate and hardworking Assistant Gardener to join their friendly and highly motivated Grounds Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who takes pride in creating and maintaining beautiful gardens and landscapes, and who enjoys working outdoors as part of a professional team. The site estate spans 46 acres of stunning riverside grounds in rural Berkshire, featuring formal gardens, prestige sports pitches and extensive woodland. Our grounds are widely admired and enjoyed by pupils, parents and visitors, and they are proud of the exceptional standards they maintain.
Working hours are annualised to reflect seasonal daylight:
- Autumn (Sept-Oct): 40 hours/week | 07:30-16:00
- Winter (Nov-Mar): 37.5 hours/week | 08:00-16:00
- Summer (Apr-Aug): 42.5 hours/week | 07:30-16:30
30-minute unpaid break each day. Occasional Saturday work (typically one weekend in three during the summer term) - paid overtime or time off in lieu provided.
The team works from a purpose-built Grounds & Maintenance facility with modern workshops, storage and staff rest areas. You'll have access to a wide range of professional equipment, including tractors, specialist turf machinery and a modern fleet of handheld tools.
Your role as Assistant Gardener:
- Maintaining gardens and landscaped areas to the highest horticultural standards
- Soil cultivation, planting, pruning, weeding, mulching and general garden care
- Lawn care, hedge cutting and shrub maintenance
- Use and basic maintenance of gardening machinery and hand tools
- Weed control (chemical and mechanical)
- Maintaining safe, tidy and secure working areas
- Supporting estate presentation for school events and functions
- Winter duties including gritting and snow clearance
- Working safely and in line with Health & Safety legislation
- Supporting the welfare and safeguarding of pupils
Skills required:
- 1-2 years’ professional gardening experience
- Excellent plant knowledge
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety
- Competent machine operator
- Hard-working with strong attention to detail
- Reliable, trustworthy and comfortable working outdoors in all weathers
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good communication skills
- Flexible and enthusiastic approach to work
Desirable:
- Horticulture Level 2 or Level 3 qualification (or equivalent)
- Spraying certificates (PA1, PA6)
- Full UK driving licence
Gardener in Reading employer: Focus Resourcing
Contact Detail:
Focus Resourcing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Grounds Team and their work. Mention specific projects or areas you admire during your chat – it shows you're genuinely interested and have done your homework.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along photos or examples of your previous gardening work. Whether it's a stunning flower bed or a well-maintained lawn, visuals can really help us see your passion and expertise in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for practical questions! We might ask you about your experience with specific gardening techniques or machinery. Brush up on your knowledge of plant care and safety regulations so you can impress us with your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make our decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let us see your love for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your dedication to maintaining beautiful landscapes and gardens.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your professional gardening experience. We want to know about the specific tasks you've tackled, like soil cultivation or lawn care, so we can see how you fit into our Grounds Team.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication: Since you'll be working closely with others, it's important to showcase your ability to work as part of a team. Mention any past experiences where you collaborated effectively with colleagues or communicated well in a busy environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity in our stunning grounds!
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Resourcing
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care requirements, and any experience you have with them. This shows your passion for gardening and that you’re serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your previous gardening roles that highlight your skills in maintenance, landscaping, and teamwork. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Health & Safety Awareness
Familiarise yourself with basic Health & Safety regulations related to gardening. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety while working with machinery and chemicals, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for gardening shine through during the interview. Talk about why you love working outdoors and how you take pride in maintaining beautiful landscapes. A positive attitude can set you apart from other candidates.