At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain the stunning grounds of Leeds Castle and support exciting events.
- Company: Leeds Castle, a historic gem in the beautiful Kent countryside.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free parking, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a heritage site that values teamwork and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in estate maintenance and a passion for the outdoors.
The predicted salary is between 16331 - 20415 £ per year.
Leeds Castle is a stunning, 900-year-old moated castle, set in 500 acres of Grade II listed parkland, situated in the beautiful Kent countryside. The Castle has been open to the public through the Leeds Castle Foundation since 1974 and continues her story as a glamorous retreat and popular visitor attraction.
PURPOSE
To work as part of the Parkland and Grounds team, responsible for the appearance and formal grounds, historic parkland and wider estate of arable, woodland grassland habitats.
KEY TASKS
- To be a vital part of the Parkland and Grounds team, delivering a high standard of management to formal and natural areas across the Estate.
- To complete a range of estate maintenance tasks from fencing, hard landscaping, path maintenance, tree management, grassland and habitat management.
- To ensure all machinery and equipment are well maintained and health and safety records kept up to date.
- To oversee the day to day management of water courses and water control structures.
- To ensure that all company equipment, plant and vehicles are used correctly and safely.
- To assist the Events Team in setting up and clearing down for special events such as annual jousts and Christmas Lights.
- To drive all-terrain vehicles when required, following suitable training.
- To support the Gardening and Greenkeeping operation when required.
- To lead volunteer work parties and supervise individuals on work experience.
- To maintain the highest standard of behaviour, performance and appearance ensuring that the designated uniform is worn at all times.
- To be fully conversant with Leeds Castle rules and regulations, Employee Handbook, Health and Safety at Work and Fire and Emergency Procedures.
CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Estate maintenance and Grounds and/or Habitat management carried out to a high standard as set by Supervisor/Manager.
- Maintain a polite, courteous and helpful attitude to staff, customers and visitors to Leeds Castle.
- Understand the need to control costs and take action to prevent loss.
- Follow Company regulations in Health & Safety and maintain a safe working environment.
- To ensure personal standards of presentation, performance and attendance beyond reproach at all times.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE required
- Strong knowledge of Estate maintenance, grounds and/or habitat management.
- Knowledge of health and safety relating to land management tasks such as trees, open water and use of relevant equipment.
- Excellent Microsoft and IT skills.
- Strong team player.
- Adaptable to surroundings.
- Previous experience of operating within a similar environment preferred.
In addition to your main areas of responsibility, the values and behaviours that are required from all our people for the successful delivery of our vision and strategy are summarised below:
VISION
To be the South's top heritage destination for relaxation, hospitality & experiences that surprise & delight.
VALUES:
- WELCOMING: Everyone is treated as a valued guest.
- SURPRISING: We are a living, breathing heritage site, a place that uses its assets with joy.
- ENDURING: As estate custodians, we understand our assets, think long-term in caring for & improving them & leaving a healthy, positive legacy for future generations.
- NURTURING: We continue the estate tradition of looking after our people & communities.
All candidates will be recruited against the above criteria regardless of their sex, racial, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, sexuality or responsibilities for dependents. We value a diverse workforce and celebrate our differences.
This Job Description is not exhaustive. You should be aware that you may be required to perform other duties as required.
By signing this job description, you are confirming that you have read and understood all of the above and agree to adhere to this description whilst carrying out your role as Parkland and Grounds Operative.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £16,331.00 per year
Expected hours: 24 per week
Benefits:
- Bereavement leave
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 06/03/2026
Parkland and Grounds Operative in Maidstone employer: Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle offers a unique and enriching work environment as a Parkland and Grounds Operative, set within the breathtaking 500 acres of historic parkland. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises personal development, alongside a range of perks including a company pension, health and wellbeing programmes, and opportunities to engage with the community through volunteer work. Join us in preserving this iconic heritage site while enjoying a fulfilling career in a picturesque setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parkland and Grounds Operative in Maidstone
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with Leeds Castle.
We think you need these skills to ace Parkland and Grounds Operative in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for Leeds Castle!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at Leeds Castle. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at Leeds Castle. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds Castle
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
