At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens at care homes, ensuring they look their best for residents and visitors.
- Company: Join HC-One, a caring community-focused company dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours, career growth opportunities, and a chance to learn from experienced colleagues.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on residents' lives while working outdoors in a fulfilling role.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for gardening and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
In your role as part of a Gardening team at HC-One you will undertake gardening duties at your Care Home and local care homes in the Sunderland area to maintain and present the homes’ gardens and grounds to a highest standard in order to help HC-One to become the First Choice Care Home in the community. You will be responsive and flexible as the needs of the Homes change.
As a Gardener you will be responsible for general gardening duties and tending to all gardens, including (but not exclusively) the planting of seasonal foliage, grass-cutting, shrubs and pruning, watering of hanging baskets, eradication of weeds, tidying of all pathways, walkways and driveways surrounding areas within the care home grounds.
You will undertake maintenance of gardening machinery and tools and carry out tests and checks as laid out and required by HC-One. You will be responsible for the painting of all external fencing and garden furniture contained within the homes gardens and to ensure the maintenance and repair (including painting) of all fences. You will also be working closely with the estates team and will undertake all salt gritting and snow clearance as required.
We’ll provide full training, so it’s a great opportunity to learn something new. In return, you will enjoy access to a huge variety of benefits and services to support your physical and psychological well-being and throughout your career as a Gardener we will invest in you and you will enjoy additional support and benefits including:
- Paid Enhanced DBS/PVG
- Hourly rate is subject to experience and qualifications
- Free uniform
- During a shift of eight hours or more a nutritious meal will be available
- Company pension scheme
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
- Group life assurance cover
- Wagestream - financial wellbeing and flexible access to pay as you need it
- Award-winning learning and development and support to achieve qualifications
- GP online - a service providing around the clock GP consultation via an interactive app - available to you and your children under 16
- An opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues as part of an outstanding and committed team.
- Colleague discounts – Access to over 1600 high street discounts including carefully selected discount partners.
- Wellbeing - free of charge access to an independent and confidential Employee Assistance Programme. This gives Colleagues and their family access to 24/7 365 support for a whole range of issues including physical, mental and financial issues
- Excellent recognition schemes such as ‘Kindness in Care’ and Long Service Awards
- An attractive refer a friend scheme of up to £1000 per referral, depending on the role
We are passionate about ensuring that our current and future Colleagues can be their true selves, and that our workforce represents the communities we serve. We prioritise inclusive working practices and invite applicants from all backgrounds into our HC-One family.
We want you to have an amazing experience working at HC-One, starting with our commitment to providing the quickest possible turnaround from the point of making you a job offer to you starting with us on day one.
HC-One are looking for a Gardener who understands and will ensure the implementation of the Care Home’s Health and Safety policy, and Emergency and Fire procedures. You will complete mandatory and specialist training related to your role, on or off site as and when required to maintain, update professional knowledge and competence. You will also be able to effectively engage and communicate with Residents, the Home Manager and other colleagues and visitors.
This full-time position will cover multiple care homes and so therefore you must be able to drive, a company vehicle provided.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and therefore it is important that you are able to recognise the signs which may indicate possible abuse, harm or neglect in its different forms and know what to do if there are any concerns. All colleagues are required to attend safeguarding training appropriate to their role and to undertake additional training in associated areas. You also have the ability to seek appropriate advice and report concerns, including escalation if action is not taken.
Gardener in Sunderland employer: HC-One Ltd.
HC-One Ltd. is an excellent employer that prioritises kindness and attention to detail, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for both residents and staff. With a strong emphasis on professional growth and development, employees benefit from comprehensive training and a collaborative work culture in the picturesque setting of Wickham St Paul. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in housekeeping.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Sunderland
✨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 HC-One Ltd..
✨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 HC-One Ltd..
✨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 HC-One Ltd.; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Sunderland
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 HC-One Ltd..
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 HC-One Ltd. 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 HC-One Ltd. a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at HC-One Ltd.
✨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 HC-One Ltd. might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
