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- Tasks: Join our Grounds and Gardens team to maintain stunning landscapes and enhance guest experiences.
- Company: Be part of the largest employee-owned business in the UK, John Lewis Partnership.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Work outdoors in a beautiful setting while making a real impact on our gardens.
- Qualifications: Proven horticultural experience and a passion for gardening are essential.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a chance to thrive in a collaborative culture.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 31000 £ per year.
This exciting permanent role is based at The Odney Club in Cookham, our beautiful John Lewis and Partners hotel, set in 95 acres by the River Thames in Cookham, Berkshire which offers both character and charm. You will work as part of the Grounds and Gardens team, developing the estate’s grounds, gardens, sports areas, lakes, play areas and woodland, delivering high standards throughout the grounds and gardens to enhance the reputation of the hotel and provide an excellent guest experience.
You will need to have proven competency in Horticulture and an understanding of the operation and maintenance of Grounds and Garden machinery.
Salary: Up to £31,000 depending on experience
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, 1 in 6 Weekends
Location: Odney Club, Cookham
Key responsibilities:
- Assist with the improvement and maintenance of the Gardens, ensuring they are presented at the highest standards.
- Efficiently undertake all horticultural and maintenance tasks as requested, ensuring high levels of craftsmanship.
- Maintain and use a wide range of tools and powered equipment and complete any records required.
- Ensure and promote the health and safety of yourself and others in accordance with Partnership requirements.
- Establish good working relationships with other Partners and Managers.
- Welcome and communicate with visitors to the Gardens, including giving talks, selling tickets and answering questions.
- Maintain current knowledge of horticultural practices and environmental considerations and apply where appropriate.
- Provide Department out of hours cover on a rota basis.
- Support and take part in Estate events as required, which may involve occasional extra hours at weekends and evenings.
Essential skills/experience you’ll need:
- Relevant experience of working within a Grounds and/or Gardens Team.
- Experience of propagation and working in a production garden.
- Able to work with minimal supervision.
- Minimum of 2 years professional gardening experience with a good understanding of plants, pests and soil types.
- Full Driving Licence.
- Minimum NVQ Level 2 Amenity Horticulture or equivalent professional experience.
- Good communication skills.
Desirable skills/experience you may have:
- Certificate in Chainsaw use NPTC CS30 / CS31.
- Certificate in Safe use of Pesticides NPTC PA1, PA2, PA6.
- Experience of working in commercial greenhouses.
- Qualification in Garden design.
- CPCS 360 Excavator A58.
- Hard landscaping experience.
- PA1 & PA6a Pesticide certificate NPTC CS30/31 Chainsaw certificate.
We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Experienced Gardener employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research John Lewis Partnership and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations to show how you fit right in with their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances of landing that gardener role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to horticulture and teamwork. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the job. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to talk!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at John Lewis Partnership.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Horticultural Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience in horticulture and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills can contribute to maintaining the beautiful grounds at The Odney Club!
Be Personable: Since you'll be interacting with guests, let your personality shine through! Share examples of how you've communicated effectively with others in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. We love it when candidates tailor their applications to reflect the specific requirements of the Experienced Gardener role. Show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Apply Early!: We sometimes close vacancies early if we get a lot of applications, so don’t wait around! Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, pests, and soil types you’ve worked with. This shows you’re not just experienced but also passionate about gardening.
✨Showcase Your Craftsmanship
Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your craftsmanship in gardening. Whether it’s a project you led or a challenge you overcame, having tangible examples will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your skills.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since good communication skills are essential for this role, practice how you would explain gardening concepts to visitors. Think about how you can engage with guests and share your knowledge in an approachable way.
✨Understand the Partnership Culture
Familiarise yourself with the values and culture of John Lewis Partnership. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of creating a happier world and how you embody their principles of kindness and respect.