At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage vegetation and tree works in live rail environments across London.
- Company: Established company with over 30 years in the rail sector.
- Benefits: From £125 a day, weekly pay, life assurance, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and contribute to safe rail environments for millions.
- Qualifications: Experience in vegetation management and valid NPTC certifications required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
After more than 30 years delivering safe, reliable solutions to the rail sector, we are excited to announce that we have been awarded the Vegetation Maintenance contract for the Transport for London (TfL) network—strengthening our commitment to maintaining a safe and accessible rail environment for millions of passengers. We are seeking experienced and safety-conscious Groundsman to support the delivery of vegetation management works across multiple rail sites throughout London. This role involves working within live rail environments, undertaking vegetation clearance and tree works as part of a skilled and professional team.
Location and Employment Type
- Location: Hillingdon
- Employment Type: Full time, Permanent
What we offer
- From £125 a day dependent on experience
- Weekly pay
- Life Assurance scheme
- Auto enrolment pension scheme
- Friendly working environment as part of a growing successful Group
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake chainsaw operations, including maintenance, cross-cutting, and felling small trees up to 380mm in accordance with NPTC certification
- Carry out vegetation clearance activities, including strimming, hedge cutting, and brush cutting
- Work safely within live rail environments in line with site-specific risk assessments and rail standards
- Assist with site set‑up, clearance, and safe working zones
- Maintain tools, plant, and equipment in safe working condition
- Support Team Leaders and Supervisors in delivering work to programme and quality standards
Required Experience and Qualifications
- Sentinel (valid sponsorship required)
- Basic Track Awareness
- NPTC – Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting
- NPTC – Felling Small Trees up to 380mm
- Hedge Trimmer (including long-arm hedge trimmer)
- Brushcutter / Strimmer
- Chainsaw Pole Pruner
- Proven experience in vegetation and tree works within a rail or infrastructure environment
- Strong understanding of safe systems of work
- Full UK driving licence with no more than three penalty points
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsman in London
✨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 Lanesgroup.
✨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 Lanesgroup.
✨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 Lanesgroup; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundsman in London
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 Lanesgroup.
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 Groundsman.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Lanesgroup 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 Lanesgroup a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lanesgroup
✨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 Lanesgroup might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
