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- Tasks: Coordinate and support garden volunteers while maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.
- Company: Join Historic Royal Palaces, a charity caring for iconic sites like the Tower of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a supportive team, and the chance to work in stunning gardens.
- Why this job: Make a difference in preserving history while engaging with passionate volunteers and nature.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualifications or significant gardening experience required; IT skills are a plus.
- Other info: First aid training and a clean UK driving license needed; weekend work included.
Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle & Gardens.
Status: 2 year Fixed Term Contract
Salary: £29,427 pa pro rata (£17,656.20 for 21.6 hours per week)
Days/Hours of work: 21.6 hrs per week - 3 days out of 7 per week, including some weekend working once or twice a month will be required as part of a rota within the volunteering team.
About the role and about you:
We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share.
In recent years, we have engaged with more volunteers than ever, and we are now looking for a Garden and Estate Volunteers Coordinator to work with our Team Leaders in coordinating the work of our garden volunteers all year long. Our volunteers are passionate about gardening, the landscape, and our history so we need someone to help support the delivery of the volunteer scheme.
You will work alongside the Team Leader in Gardens and Estates (volunteers) to assist, encourage, inform and facilitate the volunteer activities and work closely with the gardens team to share skills and expertise to assist with the upkeep of the outdoor spaces at the Palaces.
This role will help deliver our strategy of being a charity for everyone, allowing the widest possible audience including those underrepresented in our volunteer demographic or those who experience barriers to support HRP. This role will enable groups such as those in full-time employment or adult education to volunteer at the weekends and support development of corporate volunteering with our partner organisations.
To do so, you will work in a team with the other G&E team leaders and other volunteer coordinators across the organization, whilst also carrying out a wide range of garden duties to a high standard in order to maintain the appearance of the Gardens or Estate.
Applicants should have a range of practical skills as well as possess relevant horticultural qualifications or significant gardening experience. Possessing broad knowledge of garden plants and modern horticultural techniques is essential as well as understanding the range of modern garden maintenance methods, machines, and equipment.
The ideal candidate will be organized and possess administrative skills, as well as having good IT skills and confidence in using MS Office, Outlook, and Spreadsheets/Databases (like Better Impact). Good communication skills along with the ability to provide a high level of customer service and an understanding of the volunteer journey are also essential. You must be enthusiastic, with a positive can-do attitude and able to work both on your own initiative and in a team.
First aid training and a full, clean UK driving license are required.
You may also have experience in the following: Modern horticulture, Gardener, Landscaping, Gardening, Grounds Person, Horticulture, Trainee, Landscaper, Maintenance Gardener, estate management, Estate Coordinator etc.
Gardens and Estate Volunteers Coordinator employer: Historic Royal Palaces
Contact Detail:
Historic Royal Palaces Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardens and Estate Volunteers Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific gardens and estates managed by Historic Royal Palaces. Understanding their unique features and history will help you connect with the team and demonstrate your passion for the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former volunteers at Historic Royal Palaces. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the volunteer experience and expectations, which you can leverage to tailor your approach when discussing your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your practical gardening skills by volunteering at local community gardens or similar organisations. This hands-on experience not only enhances your CV but also demonstrates your commitment to horticulture and volunteer coordination.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your administrative and IT skills in detail. Since the role requires good organisational abilities and proficiency in tools like MS Office and databases, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully used these skills in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardens and Estate Volunteers Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Gardens and Estate Volunteers Coordinator position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what they are looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any practical gardening experience or horticultural qualifications you possess. Mention specific projects or roles where you coordinated volunteers or worked in a team, showcasing your organisational and administrative skills.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include your IT skills, particularly with MS Office and databases. Provide examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles, especially in managing volunteer activities or garden maintenance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for gardening and volunteering. Discuss your understanding of the volunteer journey and how you can contribute to making the charity accessible to a wider audience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Royal Palaces
✨Show Your Passion for Gardening
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for gardening and the outdoors during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for horticulture, as this role is all about engaging with volunteers who share that passion.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since the role involves coordinating volunteers and managing schedules, be prepared to discuss your organisational skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past, especially in a team setting.
✨Highlight Your Communication Abilities
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to showcase your ability to engage with diverse groups, including volunteers and team members. You might want to share specific instances where your communication skills made a positive impact.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Organisation
Research Historic Royal Palaces and understand their mission and values. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only impress the interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in enhancing the volunteer experience.
