At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens and landscapes across multiple sites with hands-on horticultural work.
- Company: Join a supportive estates team dedicated to high horticultural standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, permanent position, and seasonal working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature while working outdoors in varied environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening or horticulture and a full clean UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and development in a dynamic role.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
We are currently recruiting for a Garden Caretaker based across multiple sites within a defined regional area. The key locations covered are Egham and Woking, with travel between sites required. This is a full time permanent position with a salary of £26,722 per year. Working hours change seasonally as outlined below. The role is mobile in nature or may be based at a static site depending on operational need. The start date is ASAP.
A Garden Caretaker is an experienced horticulturist responsible for maintaining specific plots within a region to the highest standards. This is a practical hands-on role that includes both routine care and renovation work, following established horticultural policies and procedures. You will work independently on site while remaining part of a wider estates team.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintaining allocated plots to consistently high horticultural standards
- Carrying out general garden maintenance and renovation work across sites
- Undertaking turf culture work including mowing, edging, feeding and seasonal care
- Maintaining planted borders around memorial features and headstones with care and accuracy
- Planting seasonal displays, shrubs, bulbs and ornamental planting schemes
- Carrying out pest and disease monitoring and control in line with safe procedures
- Operating horticultural machinery and completing basic maintenance checks
- Supporting tree and woody plant care including pruning and safe maintenance work
- Cleaning and caring for ornamental and site features as required
- Following site schedules and recording work completed
Requirements
- Proven experience as an experienced gardener or horticulturist
- Strong practical skills across a wide range of horticultural tasks
- Confident use of horticultural machinery and tools
- Good understanding of safe working practices and Health and Safety procedures
- Ability to work independently across multiple plots and sites
- Full clean UK driving licence due to regional travel requirements
Skills and Qualities
- Excellent plant knowledge and attention to detail
- Reliable, organised and able to manage workload effectively
- Respectful professional approach suited to sensitive environments
- Strong communication skills with colleagues and site stakeholders
- Practical problem solving and a proactive attitude
- Ability to follow horticultural standards and procedures consistently
What’s On Offer
- Permanent full time position
- Salary of £26,722 per year
- Seasonal working hours with a clear summer and winter pattern
- Supportive estates team environment
- Opportunity to work across varied and well maintained sites
- Day to day operational purchasing responsibility as required for the role
Working Hours
Summer Hours
- Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 12.30 / 1.30pm to 5.00pm
- Friday 8.00am to 12.30pm / 1.30pm to 4.00pm
Winter Hours
- Monday to Friday 8.00am to 12.30 / 1.00pm to 4.00pm
How to Apply
This role is being recruited by Halmer Group on behalf of our client. To be considered, please submit your CV along with a brief covering note outlining your experience, qualifications and suitability for this position. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.
Locations
Gardener in Egham, Surrey employer: Halmer Recruit
Contact Detail:
Halmer Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Egham, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and recent projects. When you show up for an interview, drop in some knowledge about their work. It’ll impress them and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local gardening events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role is hands-on, brush up on your horticultural skills. Practise common tasks like pruning or planting so you can showcase your expertise when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Egham, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your CV and covering note, make sure to highlight your hands-on gardening experience. We want to see how you've maintained gardens or worked with horticultural machinery in the past!
Tailor Your Covering Note: Don’t just send a generic covering note! Take a moment to tailor it to this specific role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities listed, like maintaining high horticultural standards or working independently across multiple sites.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Garden Caretaker position.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being considered. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Halmer Recruit
✨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 and expertise in horticulture.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with garden maintenance and renovation work. Bring examples of past projects or challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will highlight your practical problem-solving abilities.
✨Understand Health and Safety
Familiarise yourself with safe working practices and health and safety procedures relevant to gardening. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety while operating machinery and handling plants, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Even though the role involves working independently, it's important to show that you can collaborate with a wider estates team. Share examples of how you've communicated effectively with colleagues or stakeholders in previous roles.