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.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and development in a dynamic role.
- 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.
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
Join a supportive estates team as a Garden Caretaker, where your expertise in horticulture will be valued across beautiful sites in Egham and Woking. Enjoy a permanent full-time position with a competitive salary of £26,722, seasonal working hours, and the opportunity to work independently while contributing to the maintenance of well-kept gardens. With a focus on employee growth and a respectful work culture, this role offers a meaningful way to make a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Egham, Surrey
✨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 Halmer Recruit.
✨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 Halmer Recruit.
✨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 Halmer Recruit; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Egham, Surrey
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 Halmer Recruit.
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 Halmer Recruit 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 Halmer Recruit a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Halmer Recruit
✨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 Halmer Recruit might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
