At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a passionate team to maintain and develop beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Company: Newnham College, a historic institution with stunning landscapes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, free meals, gym access, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours with occasional weekend work; great for nature lovers!
- Why this job: Make a difference in a beautiful environment while growing your gardening skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening or landscaping; horticulture qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 26707 - 26707 £ per year.
Newnham College wishes to recruit an experienced gardener to join the College Gardening team on a full-time basis to cover maternity leave in the department. This role is likely to start in August/September 2026 and will continue until the current incumbent returns from maternity leave. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to work with a team of gardening professionals, tending, preserving and developing the College’s 18 acres of landscaped gardens, playing fields and outdoor public spaces in a historic and beautiful setting.
The annual salary for this post is paid at point 28 on the University’s single salary spine, the current value for which is £26,707 per annum. The normal working week is 8.00 – 4.00pm, Monday to Friday but some flexibility is expected as there will be occasional weekend and evening work.
As well as the opportunity to grow and develop on a professional level, the College offers a range of benefits to its employees including:
- access to an attractive contributory pension scheme
- holiday entitlement of 33 days per year inclusive of bank holidays (pro rata for a part year)
- your Birthday off as an additional day of paid leave
- a free meal when on duty
- free car parking
- free use of the College’s gym facilities
- access to the College’s Healthcare plan Medicash after a successful probation period
The extensive gardens, which are a well-used and much-loved asset of the College’s amenities, comprise many trees, shrubs, formal planted areas, meadow, vegetables, flowers, footpaths, ponds and playing fields. The successful candidate will be expected to have some professional gardening or landscaping experience and ideally a recognised qualification in horticulture or equivalent. They will be familiar with maintaining and operating garden tools and machinery and be willing and able to undertake the work which at times can be physically strenuous and undertake working outside in all weathers. The occasional handling of chemicals and pesticides and working at height are also requirements of the job.
Newnham College is an equal opportunities employer.
Gardener (maternity cover) (full-time, temporary) employer: Newnham College
Newnham College offers an exceptional environment for aspiring researchers, providing a unique opportunity to engage in independent research within a vibrant academic community. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and support, employees benefit from access to established researchers across various disciplines, fostering both personal and professional growth. The college's commitment to inclusivity and excellence makes it an attractive place for female graduates seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener (maternity cover) (full-time, temporary)
✨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 Newnham College.
✨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 Newnham College.
✨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 Newnham College; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener (maternity cover) (full-time, temporary)
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 Newnham College.
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 Gardener (maternity cover) (full-time, temporary).
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Newnham College 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 Newnham College a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newnham College
✨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 Newnham College might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
