At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens and develop a new herb garden with community volunteers.
- Company: Join Bexley Council and The Friends of Lesnes Abbey in a meaningful project.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, generous leave, and coaching opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the environment while celebrating history and community.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of plants, garden maintenance experience, and teamwork skills.
- Other info: Be part of a disability confident employer with a commitment to inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Bexley Council, in partnership with The Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods, has secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Lesnes Abbey. The project seeks to improve access, protect the environment and support organisational sustainability.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain the gardens at Lesnes Abbey Woods and develop a new herb garden.
- Work primarily with volunteers, liaise with contractors and respond to enquiries from the public.
- Assist in overall project activities as required by the Lesnes 500 grant.
Candidate profile:
- Good knowledge of plants, horticultural practices and health and safety.
- Experience in garden maintenance and working with volunteers.
- Include a personal statement (max two A4 pages) under the Relevant Experience and Skills section, aligning with the role criteria.
Interview details:
Interviews are scheduled to be held on 17/02/26.
Offer:
Competitive salary, coaching and mentoring programmes, an excellent pension scheme and generous annual leave plus bank holidays.
Recruitment information:
Bexley is a disability confident employer and will interview any disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact recruitment@bexley.gov.uk.
Contact:
Ian Holt, Estate Manager, 020 3045 5618, ian.holt@bexley.gov.uk
Community Gardener employer: London Borough of Bexley
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Bexley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before your interview, spend some time at Lesnes Abbey Woods. Familiarise yourself with the gardens and chat with volunteers. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge! Make sure you can talk confidently about plants and garden maintenance. We want to see your passion for gardening shine through during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions! Think about what you’d like to know about the role and the project. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your love for plants and gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your knowledge and enthusiasm for horticulture.
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure to align your personal statement with the role criteria. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills in garden maintenance and working with volunteers. This is your chance to stand out!
Keep It Clear and Concise: Remember, you have a maximum of two A4 pages for your personal statement. Be clear and concise in your writing, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills that match the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Bexley
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your knowledge of plants and horticultural practices. Be ready to discuss specific plants you’ve worked with and how you’ve maintained gardens in the past. This will show your passion and expertise in gardening, which is crucial for the Community Gardener role.
✨Volunteer Experience Matters
Since you'll be working primarily with volunteers, highlight any previous experience you have in managing or collaborating with them. Share examples of how you've motivated volunteers or resolved conflicts, as this will demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to work well with others.
✨Align Your Personal Statement
Make sure your personal statement aligns closely with the role criteria outlined in the job description. Use specific examples from your experience that showcase your skills in garden maintenance and health and safety practices. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
Think of insightful questions to ask Ian Holt or other interviewers about the project and their vision for the gardens. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the success of the Lesnes 500 project.