At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn hands-on gardening skills while leading your own projects at Homestead Park.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to eco-friendly gardening and community engagement.
- Benefits: Gain qualifications, flexible working options, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: We encourage applications from all backgrounds and offer a flexible workplace.
- Why this job: Kickstart your horticulture career in a vibrant, welcoming environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening and strong communication skills are essential.
2 Years Fixed Term Contract, Full Time (39 hours per week)
About the role
As a Trainee Gardener at Homestead Park, you will work alongside professional gardeners to develop your skills and knowledge. In addition to learning on the job, you will attend college or complete other training, working towards a qualification equivalent to RHS Level 2, or in a related area such as Permaculture, Organic Gardening, or Therapeutic Horticulture.
You will take part in a wide variety of gardening tasks and projects, including one that you will lead from start to finish. There will also be opportunities to engage with the public and collaborate with volunteers. The main goal of this role is to develop the next generation of skilled gardeners. We are committed to ecologically friendly gardening and creating a welcoming, safe and restorative park for everyone who visits.
While you will be expected to work as hard as any member of the team, we recognise that this is the start of your horticulture career. Your development is our top priority, and you will receive support and guidance from the Craft Gardeners and the rest of the team.
About you
We are looking for someone with a hardworking and conscientious nature, who has a genuine enthusiasm for learning about plants and the wider ecosystem. You should be able to work effectively both as part of a team and independently, following guidance when needed. Experience in gardening or growing (including voluntary) is essential, along with a solid understanding of health and safety, including the use of personal protective equipment and the safe operation of tools, machinery and equipment.
Strong communication skills are required to ensure information is conveyed clearly and you should be confident engaging with the public in a friendly, helpful and welcoming manner. Basic computer skills are also required.
How to apply
If you share our passion and this role sounds like you, then we’re looking forward to hearing from you. Please submit your CV and supporting information via our online application platform. The closing date for applications is 3rd May 2026. Interviews will take place on 18th & 19th May 2026. We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received prior to the current closing date.
Additional Information
Applications are welcome from all, regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socioeconomic background. We positively encourage applications from people from marginalised backgrounds, including but not limited to those with experience of living in poverty. We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and operate an anonymised recruitment process so that bias is eliminated from the shortlisting process.
In support of our approach to flexible working, we are happy to receive applications from those seeking full-time employment, as well as those who may want to share the role on a part-time basis. When making your application, please state whether you want to be considered for either full or part-time work and, if part-time, the number of hours per week you would be looking for.
At JRF we’re at our best when we’re continually building on trust, showing we care and making a difference – and hope others will do the same. So, for those roles which allow it, we’re developing a more blended approach to how and where you work. This means you can expect to work flexibly between the office and home (with an expectation of two days a week in your home office).
We offer a supportive and flexible workplace. For details about our benefits click here: JRF Benefits. We are a Disability Confident Employer. This means that we are committed to the recruitment, progression and retention of disabled individuals. We shall also offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. If you have a disability, please tell us if you would like to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. If you have any additional needs and need reasonable adjustments to be made to the interview process, please let us know.
Trainee Gardener in Clifton employer: Joseph Rowntree
Contact Detail:
Joseph Rowntree Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Gardener in Clifton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Homestead Park and its gardeners. This will help you connect with them during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be engaging with the public, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and warmly. Try role-playing with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for gardening! Whether it's through personal projects or volunteer work, share your experiences and what you've learned. This will highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital side of gardening.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Gardener in Clifton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for plants and gardening shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about learning and growing in this field!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to include any gardening experience you have, even if it’s voluntary. We love seeing how you’ve engaged with plants and the environment, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your CV and supporting information straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Trainee Gardener role.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via our online platform. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joseph Rowntree
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common plants, their care requirements, and any specific gardening techniques relevant to the role. This will show your genuine enthusiasm for learning and help you engage confidently with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Experience
Be ready to discuss any gardening experience you have, even if it's voluntary. Share specific examples of tasks you've completed or projects you've been involved in. This demonstrates your commitment to horticulture and your ability to work as part of a team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to engage with the public, so think about how you would convey information in a friendly and helpful manner during the interview.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. You could ask about the types of projects you'll be involved in or how the team supports each other's development. It’s a great way to demonstrate your eagerness to learn!