Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Craft Gardener, maintaining beautiful gardens and leading a passionate team.
- Company: Leeds City Council is a major employer dedicated to community and employee development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and a clear career pathway with great perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in horticulture while inspiring others and enhancing visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Bring your practical gardening experience and NVQ2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent.
- Other info: This role is open only to current Leeds City Council employees.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
INTERNAL ONLY VACANCY. This post is open to existing Leeds City Council employees only. Applications will not be considered from external candidates.
Job title: Craft Gardener (Lotherton Hall)
Hours: 37
Contract: Full Time
Location: Lotherton Estate
As a Craft Gardener at Lotherton you thrive on planning and detail. As an experienced and accomplished supervising gardener you will tend to our formal gardens and landscape whilst working with heritage groups and volunteers collectively to be the latest custodian of our listed gardens.
It not just about gardening. As part of a small operational team, you will also help with summer and winter event set ups, and planning, as well as organising garden tours delivering a high level of customer satisfaction
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions .
About you
As a Craft Gardener, you will bring to the role:
- A great work ethic working collaboratively and inspiring others
- A real pride in your work, delivering the best results and the best experience for our customers.
- A can-do attitude, an ability to find solutions not problems
- A passion about horticulture and an infectious enthusiasm to deliver results
About the role
You will require considerable practical horticultural experience, together with an NVQ2 or equivalent in Amenity Horticulture, although applicants who can demonstrate a significant period of work experience without formal qualifications will also be considered.
Work includes all aspects of horticultural maintenance, including lifting, digging, hard and soft landscaping, preparation of ground for the planting and establishment of plants, weed spraying, the laying, establishing and maintenance of turf, fencing, the construction and maintenance of landscape features and grass cutting using a ride-on mower. In addition the Craft Gardener will be responsible for helping with guidance and training of Gardeners and new Gardening Apprentices in horticultural methods and practices and in specific machinery use.
A full, clean driving licence is essential, to enable the post holder to travel independently to various sites as required to supervise and transport staff.
The post may be based at any point within the Leeds City boundaries.
You will have excellent communication skills and be a team player. You will be motivated and a critical thinker with the ability to understand the needs of your customers.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please complete the online application form
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you\’ll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least *GBP*38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job purpose To undertake all aspects of horticultural maintenance within the Leeds City boundaries.
Responsibilities
1. To have the ability to carry out tasks, without direct supervision.
2. The supervision and training of staff, including seasonal staff, trainees, volunteers and work placements.
3. To undertake mentoring of gardening apprentices.
4. To prepare land for planting.
5. To undertake the planting and aftercare of annual, biennial and perennial plants.
6. To interpret and work on complex planting plans.
7. To repair and maintain ornamental and amenity turf areas.
8. To undertake basic soft and hard landscaping construction and aftercare.
9. To prepare sports areas, marking out and maintenance.
10. To undertake other manual labouring duties as required.
11. To respond to enquiries from parks visitors on basic horticultural techniques and plant varieties.
12. To refer concerns expressed by visitors to the parks, to line managers or supervisors.
13. To undertake such training as is required to meet the needs of the maintenance of the parks and surrounding areas.
14. To supervise and undertake the training of small teams of mixed horticultural ability.
15. To undertake other site related horticultural maintenance duties commensurate with the skill levels expected of a craft gardener as directed by the Chief Officer, Head of Service or the Senior Estates Manager.
Qualifications
Minimum of NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent, with a considerable practical experience. Candidates who can demonstrate a significant period of work experience, but who do not have a formal qualifications, will be considered for the post.
PA1 / PA6 spraying certificate is desirable.
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
- Carry out all duties having regard to an employee responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
- Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
- Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
- Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Craft Gardener (Lotherton Hall) employer: Leeds Safe Roads Partnership
Contact Detail:
Leeds Safe Roads Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Craft Gardener (Lotherton Hall)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural practices and techniques mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during any informal discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees at Leeds City Council, especially those in similar roles. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for horticulture by participating in local gardening events or volunteering opportunities. This demonstrates your commitment to the field and can provide you with practical experiences to discuss during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in supervising and training others, as this is a key aspect of the role. Think of specific examples where you've successfully guided team members or volunteers in horticultural tasks.
We think you need these skills to ace Craft Gardener (Lotherton Hall)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant horticultural experience and qualifications, particularly your NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent. Emphasise any supervisory roles you've held and your ability to work collaboratively with teams.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for horticulture and detail how your work ethic aligns with the values of Leeds City Council. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to inspire others and deliver excellent customer service.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight skills that are essential for the Craft Gardener role, such as practical horticultural maintenance, landscaping, and training staff. Use examples from your past work to illustrate these skills effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds Safe Roads Partnership
✨Show Your Passion for Horticulture
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for gardening and horticulture during the interview. Share specific examples of your experiences, projects, or plants you’ve worked with that highlight your passion and knowledge in this area.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
As a Craft Gardener, you'll be working closely with volunteers and other team members. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in past roles, and provide examples of how you’ve inspired or trained others in a gardening context.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical horticultural knowledge and skills. Brush up on topics like planting techniques, landscape maintenance, and pest control methods, as well as any relevant certifications you hold.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires a can-do attitude and the ability to find solutions. Think of instances where you've faced challenges in gardening or landscaping and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability.
