At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain beautiful parks and gardens while getting hands-on experience.
- Company: Be part of a community-focused council dedicated to enhancing local green spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, full training, and PPE.
- Other info: Flexible hours with potential overtime; great for those seeking summer work.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, learn gardening skills, and make a positive impact in your community.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed, just a passion for the outdoors and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 12.95 - 12.95 £ per hour.
We have opportunities for full time seasonal staff working within our parks, gardens, open spaces and highway verges to carry out grounds maintenance. This is an opportunity to help maintain floral displays and shrub beds, carry out grass cutting, litter picking and assisting with the preparation of sports surfaces. You will be working ‘hands‑on’ with our team of gardeners during the busy Spring and Summer months. You will need a degree of physical fitness and an aptitude for working outdoors, along with an interest in gardening and the desire and ability to quickly learn on the job. Some knowledge and experience of horticulture and grounds maintenance would also be useful but not essential in this role.
Working 41 hours a week Monday to Sunday, this role may include early starts. The contract is temporary for 3 months initially with the possibility to extend further. Overtime shifts may also be available. A licence valid to drive in the UK in order to drive Council vehicles around sites would be an advantage.
In return we offer:
- a competitive salary
- generous annual leave package
- full training and PPE
You must be physically capable of undertaking the duties of the job, including lifting machinery. Ensure you complete the application form in full and include all employment history for the last 3 years.
Job purpose: To undertake grounds‑maintenance work in public open spaces across Guildford Borough under the supervision of permanent grounds staff.
Main duties:
- To undertake general grounds maintenance, including sweeping, hoeing, raking, grass cutting, edging, hedge trimming, leaf and litter clearance.
- To carry out soil cultivation and preparation for planting including digging, forking and levelling.
- To carry out construction work when required.
- To undertake litter picking, sweeping and bin emptying as well as cleaning the mess room.
- To prepare and maintain grass sports turf and to erect and dismantle sports and other equipment as required.
- To have an awareness of the conduct of the general public and facility users and to report any undesirable conduct to the appropriate person/authority.
- To report to the appropriate responsible person any defects in equipment, property and sports surfaces which may arise.
- To be responsible for Guildford Borough Council machinery as required.
- To operate (as required) cylinder and rotary mowing machines, to include ‘ride on’ and ‘pedestrian’ operated horticultural machinery and to use the usual range of tools and equipment, including powered hand tools, power driven mowers, strimmers and hedge trimmers.
- To check machinery, equipment and tools and carry out routine maintenance and minor repairs as and when necessary.
- To complete such documentation as may be necessary, including time sheets, work schedules, accidents reports and damage reports.
- Any other duties consistent with the requirements of the post, as may be requested by your manager.
You will be required to work occasionally on a weekend rota taking time off in lieu during the normal working week. This job description reflects the core activities of the post. As the service and the post-holder develop, there will inevitably be some changes to the duties for which the post is responsible, and possibly to the emphasis of the post itself. We expect that the post-holder will recognise this and will adopt a flexible approach to work. This could include undertaking relevant training where necessary. The line manager will consult the post-holder if significant changes to the job description become necessary. Any changes will be reflected in a revised job description.
Person Specification:
- No formal qualifications required.
- Keen interest in and commitment to working outdoors in a grounds maintenance environment (Essential)
- Experience of working within the grounds maintenance industry with knowledge of gardening and grounds‑maintenance (including general maintenance, soil cultivation, grass and hedge cutting) (Essential)
- Experience of sports pitch preparation, marking and maintenance (Essential)
- Experience of operating, maintaining and controlling mowing machinery and a range of powered tools (Essential)
- Awareness of the Health and Safety at Work Act (Essential)
- Knowledge of first aid (Essential)
Skills:
- Good verbal communication skills with an understanding of how to communicate with a wide variety of people including members of the public and colleagues (Essential)
- Strong time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines (Essential)
- Written communication skills with the ability to comply with written and verbal instructions (Desirable)
- Customer service skills (Desirable)
Special requirements:
- Physically capable of undertaking the duties as set out in the job description, which may include lifting heavy weights; a 30 minute practical assessment will include manual handling, machinery maintenance, hedge cutter and strimmer use (Essential)
- Ability to be flexible about working hours, including working weekends on occasion if required (Essential)
- License valid to drive in the UK in order to drive Council vehicles around sites (Desirable)
- Ability to tow a trailer (Desirable)
Behavioural competencies:
- Embraces change
- Innovation and creative thinking
- Effective communication
- Customer focus
- Problem solving and decision making
- Focus on efficiency
- Performance and learning
- Team working
- Builds relationships
- Commitment to the organisation
Seasonal Gardener/ Groundstaff in Guildford employer: GUkraine
Join our dedicated team at Guildford Borough Council as a Seasonal Gardener, where you will play a vital role in maintaining the beauty of our parks and open spaces. We offer a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal growth, alongside competitive pay, generous annual leave, and comprehensive training. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about horticulture to gain hands-on experience while contributing to the community in a vibrant outdoor environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Gardener/ Groundstaff in Guildford
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
Seasonal roles in horticulture often spring up as plants bloom and the gardening frenzy kicks in. Don’t just wait for job postings; visit local nurseries, garden centres, and botanical gardens directly. Introduce yourself and inquire about upcoming opportunities—it shows you’re keen and ready to dig in!
✨Connect with Local Gardening Communities
Join local gardening clubs or online horticulture forums. These spaces are not only great for learning but also excellent for finding hidden job openings through word of mouth. Attend local events or workshops to meet people in the field who might know about seasonal gigs.
✨Seasonal Job Boards are Your Best Friend
Look out for job boards that specifically list seasonal positions in horticulture, like some agriculture or gardening-focused sites. These can be goldmines for finding roles that might not be advertised elsewhere. Bookmark them and check often!
✨Be Ready to Jump In Fast
Seasonal roles can pop up quickly, so be prepared to act fast. Have your basic application materials ready to go, and when a role at a place like GUkraine catches your eye, apply directly through our website. They often appreciate speedy responses as much as a well-prepared applicant!
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Gardener/ Groundstaff in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Plants:In horticulture, we know that a genuine love for plants and the outdoors goes a long way. When crafting your CV and cover letter for the seasonal role, don’t shy away from sharing your experiences with gardening, plant care, or landscaping. Mention any personal or volunteer projects you've been involved with that showcase your enthusiasm and knowledge in horticulture!
Highlight Relevant Skills and Certifications:If you have any certifications related to horticulture – like safe chemical handling or permaculture design – make sure to include them in your application. These credentials can set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re not just a hobbyist but someone serious about the field. Also, list skills like teamwork, attention to detail, and physical stamina, which are crucial for seasonal work in this area.
Tailor Your Availability:Since you're applying for a seasonal job, clearly state your availability in your cover letter. Employers in horticulture often look for candidates who can commit for specific periods, so make it easy for them by specifying when you’re free to work. Highlight any flexibility you may have, which can make you a more appealing choice!
Use a Clean, Nature-Inspired Design:Your CV and cover letter don’t need to be overly fancy, but using a clean, nature-inspired layout can reflect your personality. Think earthy colours or simple plant motifs! It’s a small touch that shows your creativity and love for what you do. Just remember to keep it professional and ensure it’s easy to read!
How to prepare for a job interview at GUkraine
✨Know Your Plants!
For a role in horticulture, it’s essential to brush up on your plant knowledge—especially when it comes to seasonal planting and care. Be prepared to chat about different plants, their growing conditions, and any specific techniques you've used in previous roles or during your studies.
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Since it’s a seasonal job, demonstrating your hands-on experience will be crucial. If you’ve had any practical experience, be ready to discuss specific tasks you’ve done, like pruning, planting, or pest management. If you’ve completed any courses or certifications, make sure to highlight those!
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Seasonal roles can often mean fluctuating hours or working conditions. Be ready to express your adaptability and willingness to take on different tasks that may come your way. A simple 'I'm eager to jump in wherever needed' can go a long way in showcasing your commitment!
✨Prepare for a Hands-On Interview
Expect practical assessments during your interview, possibly involving hands-on demonstrations or scenarios. You might be asked to plant something or demonstrate weeding techniques, so ensure you're comfortable with these practical skills. Practising beforehand can really give us the confidence boost we need!
