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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Grounds and Gardens team to maintain stunning landscapes and enhance guest experiences.
- Company: Be part of John Lewis and Partners, the UK's largest employee-owned business.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Work outdoors in a beautiful setting while developing your horticultural skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening and a passion for plants are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and participation in exciting estate events.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 32000 £ 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. To 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.
At a glance
- Expected Salary: £26,200 - £36,000 (depending upon experience)
- Contract type: Permanent
- Working pattern: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, 1 in 6 Weekends
- Location: Odney Club, Cookham
Please be aware that due to the nature and activities of this role, all successful candidates will have a DBS check carried out on them through a 3rd party registered body. A financial probity check will also need to be completed for this role.
Key responsibilities
- To assist with the improvement and maintenance of the Gardens, ensuring they are presented at the highest standards.
- To efficiently undertake all horticultural and maintenance tasks as requested, ensuring high levels of craftsmanship.
- To maintain and use a wide range of tools and powered equipment and complete any records required.
- To ensure and promote the health and safety of yourself and others in accordance with Partnership requirements.
- To establish good working relationships with other Partners and Managers.
- To welcome and communicate with visitors to the Gardens, which can include giving talks, selling tickets and answering questions.
- To maintain current knowledge of horticultural practices and environmental considerations and apply where appropriate.
- To provide Department out of hours cover on a rota basis.
- To support and take part in Estate events as required, which will 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 a commercial greenhouse.
- Qualification in Garden design.
- CPCS 360 Excavator A58.
- Hard landscaping experience.
- PA1 & PA6a Pesticide certificate.
- NPTC CS30/31 Chainsaw certificate.
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process.
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.
Grounds & Gardens Technician employer: John Lewis Partnership
Contact Detail:
John Lewis Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds & Gardens Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Grounds and Gardens team at The Odney Club. Understanding their work and values can help you connect during the chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the crew.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your previous gardening projects or any relevant certifications. This is your chance to demonstrate your horticultural expertise and how you can contribute to maintaining those stunning grounds.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for hands-on tasks! You might be asked to demonstrate your skills with tools or machinery during the interview. Brush up on your practical knowledge and be prepared to showcase your abilities in real-time.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We recommend applying directly through the John Lewis and Partners careers page. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows that you’re keen to join the team.
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 our beautiful grounds and gardens!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit.
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description, like your ability to maintain high standards in garden care.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 your craft.
✨Showcase Your Machinery Skills
Since the role involves using various tools and powered equipment, be prepared to talk about your experience with them. Mention any relevant certifications, like chainsaw use or pesticide application, to highlight your competency.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As you'll be interacting with visitors and possibly giving talks, practice how you would explain gardening concepts simply and engagingly. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated with team members or guests.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
The job requires working closely with others and sometimes covering out-of-hours shifts. Share experiences that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively and adapt to changing schedules or tasks.