At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maintain beautiful gardens and green spaces in the community.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a proud advocate for diverse communities and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, local discounts, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with weekend shifts; supportive environment for all abilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Strong gardening skills and experience in leading teams required.
The predicted salary is between 28523 - 34861 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Do you take pride in maintaining clean, green and welcoming public spaces? We are seeking a committed and reliable gardener to support the upkeep of council-managed Housing land and open areas. This role offers the opportunity to make a visible difference in the community, ensuring outdoor spaces are safe, well-presented and enjoyable for all.
What’s the role?
- Lead and supervise a team in the maintenance of gardens and green spaces.
- Plan and allocate daily tasks, ensuring work is completed to a high standard.
- Provide guidance and support to team members.
- Ensure health and safety procedures are followed at all times.
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a confident and skilled Senior Gardener who can bring both expertise and leadership to the team. You’ll need:
- Strong practical gardening and grounds maintenance skills – confident with seasonal tasks, planting, and maintaining high-quality green spaces.
- Experience supervising or mentoring others – able to guide gardeners and apprentices, support learning, and lead by example.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills – able to plan work, coordinate with teams, and liaise professionally with residents and stakeholders.
- A commitment to safety, quality, and customer service – ensuring safe working practices, consistent standards, and a positive experience for residents.
Location
The job is primarily based in Wearside and operates across the borough, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions
- Weekend working is required for this job.
- The job is subject to a Basic DBS check.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email LewishamWorks@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Senior Gardener employer: Lewisham Youth Service
Lewisham Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation in the heart of Catford. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community through strategic procurement initiatives. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises value for money while fostering growth and mentorship within the procurement sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Gardener
✨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 Lewisham Youth Service.
✨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 Lewisham Youth Service.
✨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 Lewisham Youth Service; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gardener
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 Lewisham Youth Service.
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 Senior Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Lewisham Youth Service 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 Lewisham Youth Service a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Youth Service
✨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 Lewisham Youth Service might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
