At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain the beauty of historic cemeteries through hands-on gardening and horticultural tasks.
- Company: Join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, honouring those who served.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and paid public holidays.
- Other info: Access to high-end tools and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in Horticulture or practical experience in gardening required.
The predicted salary is between 26722 - 26722 £ per year.
Location: Brookwood Military Cemetery & Runnymede Memorial, Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £26,722
Hours: Full Time, Mon - Fri, 37 hours a week
What you'll be doing
As a gardener, you'll play a vital part in preserving the beauty of Brookwood Military Cemetery and our memorials. This is a hands-on role, perfect for someone who enjoys practical work and takes pride in maintaining high standards. You will be responsible for undertaking a range of horticultural tasks, including maintenance, renovation, and caretaking duties such as mowing, edging, hedge cutting, weeding, pruning, and applying pesticides. The role involves planning and organising your daily workload, which includes ordering plants, chemicals, and equipment, as well as operating and maintaining machinery and vehicles safely. You will report any structural defects or environmental changes to management and ensure that health and safety procedures are adhered to at all times. Additionally, you will use IT and smart technology to complete routine administrative tasks, occasionally represent the Commission at ceremonies, and assist visitors in locating war graves.
What you need to have
- NVQ level 2 in Horticulture (or equivalent) OR practical experience within horticulture, such as plant identification and sustainable garden practices
- Understanding of health & safety
- Experience with a wide range of garden machinery
- Full UK driver's license (Manual)
- IT literate
Who we are
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is an organisation dedicated to honouring and caring for the graves and memorials of servicemembers who died in the two World Wars. You'll be part of a team that cares deeply about commemorating the war dead and maintaining sites of historical significance. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for development, and the chance to make a real difference every day.
What we offer
- 25 days annual leave, rising by 1 day per year of service up to a maximum of 30
- Paid public holidays and paid office closure between Christmas and New Year
- Access to a work van, PPE, uniform, and high-end tools that are regularly maintained
- Generous Pension Scheme, with CWGC contributing up to 10%
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
We believe creating a diverse environment enriches our organisation and strengthens our mission, therefore, we welcome applications from everybody. Join our inclusive environment where every individual is valued.
Gardener in Guildford employer: Job Search Place Limited
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling role as a Gardener at the historic Brookwood Military Cemetery and Runnymede Memorial in Surrey. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme, you will be part of a dedicated team that values diversity and the importance of preserving our heritage.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Guildford
✨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 Job Search Place Limited.
✨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 Job Search Place Limited.
✨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 Job Search Place Limited; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Guildford
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 Job Search Place Limited.
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 Job Search Place Limited 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 Job Search Place Limited a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨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 Job Search Place Limited might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
