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- Tasks: Join a friendly team to create and maintain beautiful gardens in a historic setting.
- Company: Merton College, one of Oxford's oldest and most prestigious colleges.
- Benefits: 38 days holiday, free lunch, fitness room access, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Unleash your creativity in horticulture while working on exciting projects with a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for gardening and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Are you interested in joining our supportive and stable workplace?
This an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic gardener who is looking for a role that offers horticultural creativity and variety to join our small and friendly Gardens team.
Merton College was founded in 1264, and is the third oldest College in Oxford. It is well-known for the outstanding achievements of its undergraduates, and the high performance of its graduates. The main site covers some 6.5 acres and has been under cultivation for the last 700 years for the enjoyment of Scholars, Fellows and College staff. You will work with a dedicated team of horticulturalists responsible for a broad plant collection in Mertons historic setting.
Our Head Gardener, Lucille Savin is featured in the book Head Gardeners by Ambra Edwards and she leads the team in interesting and progressive horticultural projects. Areas of the garden range from exotic and succulent plant displays, native wildflower meadows and herbaceous borders, to formal lawns and croquet.
Our excellent benefits include:
- 38 days holiday including Bank Holidays,
- OSPS pension scheme,
- free lunch,
- cycle to work scheme,
- travel pass loan,
- use of the College fitness room,
- onsite parking,
- private medical insurance.
Contract Type:Permanent / 40 hours per week / Monday to Friday 8.00am 4.00pm.
Deadline for applications is 9.00am 29th September 2025.
For full details and to apply online, click Apply below.
Merton College is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Gardener in Oxford employer: Merton College
Contact Detail:
Merton College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Merton College and its Gardens team. Understanding their projects and values will help you connect with them and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their horticultural family.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with the team, share your gardening experiences and any creative projects you've worked on. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate how you can contribute to their exciting horticultural initiatives.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! During your interview, don’t hesitate to ask about the specific plants or projects they’re currently working on. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you and your gardening passion.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows that you’re keen on being part of our supportive and stable workplace.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for horticulture and how you can bring creativity to our Gardens team.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for in a gardener at Merton College. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merton College
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with the types of plants and gardening techniques that are relevant to the role. Being able to discuss specific plants or projects you've worked on will show your passion and expertise.
✨Show Your Creativity
Think about how you can bring creativity to the garden. Prepare examples of past projects where you've implemented innovative ideas or solutions. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the team's horticultural creativity.
✨Understand the College's History
Merton College has a rich history, so take some time to learn about its background and significance. Mentioning this during your interview can show your genuine interest in the role and the environment you'll be working in.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the current projects the team is working on or the challenges they face. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
