At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain beautiful cemeteries and green spaces while working outdoors.
- Company: Join Gateshead Council, a forward-thinking employer dedicated to community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and excellent health and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth await you!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while enjoying a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Self-motivated team player with great communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 25185 £ per year.
Job reference: 000272
Salary: £25,185.00
Vacancy Closing Date: 22/02/2026
Group: Housing, Environment & Healthy Communities
Location: Various Locations
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract
Hours Per Week: 37
Contract running from 30th March 2025 – 31st October 2025
Work outdoors. Work with purpose. Work with pride.
Who we are and what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might just be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi‑time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Help us protect and enhance our shared spaces
Our Environment & Fleet Management team provide a wide range of integrated services to help keep the environment in which the people of Gateshead live, work and spend their spare time in a clean, safe and attractive condition. This includes parks and green spaces like our beautiful Saltwell and Watergate Parks, as well as other green spaces and countryside management.
A hands‑on role that keeps Gateshead moving
Do you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in your community, and want a role where your efforts have real impact? This is a great opportunity to contribute to a cleaner and greener Gateshead. As a Seasonal Bereavement Worker, you’ll play a vital role in keeping Gateshead Cemeteries and Crematoria clean, welcoming, and well‑maintained for everyone who visits here. Working as part of a friendly, hands‑on team, you’ll support the day‑to‑day delivery of essential frontline services including street cleansing, and grounds maintenance.
From helping maintain our cemeteries, green spaces to ensuring our streets stay safe and tidy, your work will make a visible difference across the borough.
What you’ll get to do
- Manual sweeping, collection and removal of litter, leaves and weeds etc.
- Litter picking.
- Grass‑cutting in areas using pedestrian grass cutters.
- Carrying out work including grass cutting, strimming, hedge trimming, pruning, planting and assisting grounds maintenance staff in their work across all Cemeteries and around existing memorials.
- General labouring duties as required and assisting in the day to day operational duties within Cemeteries and Crematoria.
- Be responsible for the use and operation of a range of associated tools and equipment including powered hand tools and light plant as required.
- Communicating with members of the public during the provision of the service.
- Other duties appropriate for the grade of the post.
Ride‑on Grass Cutting Role
- All roles above but including the use of ride‑on mechanical grass cutting machinery. Full drivers licence required.
- Daily checks, user maintenance and defect reporting of ride‑on mechanical grass cutting machinery.
What you’ll bring
- Self‑motivation to work independently and take initiative when needed.
- Ability to follow clear instructions and deliver work to a high standard.
- Working as part of a team to get the job done.
- Flexibility and adaptability, ready to take on a variety of tasks across the service.
- Great communication to build positive relationships with colleagues and the wider community.
- Confident customer‑facing skills, with a friendly and professional approach.
- Full drivers licence required for all roles requiring the use of ride‑on mechanical grass cutting machinery.
Areas of work you could get involved in
- Grounds Maintenance – using grass‑cutting equipment and related machinery. (Ride‑on grass cutters used in specific ride‑on roles.)
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too.
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. At Gateshead Council we are an employer who embraces, and welcomes diversity, who’s truly inclusive and who demonstrates equality for all. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
How to apply
You can apply online using the link below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications. We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk.
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high‑volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.
Cemetrey Seasonal Worker in Gateshead employer: North East Ambition
Gateshead Council is an exceptional employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture, particularly for those in the Seasonal Bereavement Worker role. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional development, you will find a meaningful and rewarding career while contributing to the beautification and maintenance of Gateshead's cemeteries and green spaces. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, all while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a strong sense of belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cemetrey Seasonal Worker in Gateshead
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
Seasonal roles in horticulture often spring up as plants bloom and the gardening frenzy kicks in. Don’t just wait for job postings; visit local nurseries, garden centres, and botanical gardens directly. Introduce yourself and inquire about upcoming opportunities—it shows you’re keen and ready to dig in!
✨Connect with Local Gardening Communities
Join local gardening clubs or online horticulture forums. These spaces are not only great for learning but also excellent for finding hidden job openings through word of mouth. Attend local events or workshops to meet people in the field who might know about seasonal gigs.
✨Seasonal Job Boards are Your Best Friend
Look out for job boards that specifically list seasonal positions in horticulture, like some agriculture or gardening-focused sites. These can be goldmines for finding roles that might not be advertised elsewhere. Bookmark them and check often!
✨Be Ready to Jump In Fast
Seasonal roles can pop up quickly, so be prepared to act fast. Have your basic application materials ready to go, and when a role at a place like North East Ambition catches your eye, apply directly through our website. They often appreciate speedy responses as much as a well-prepared applicant!
We think you need these skills to ace Cemetrey Seasonal Worker in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Plants:In horticulture, we know that a genuine love for plants and the outdoors goes a long way. When crafting your CV and cover letter for the seasonal role, don’t shy away from sharing your experiences with gardening, plant care, or landscaping. Mention any personal or volunteer projects you've been involved with that showcase your enthusiasm and knowledge in horticulture!
Highlight Relevant Skills and Certifications:If you have any certifications related to horticulture – like safe chemical handling or permaculture design – make sure to include them in your application. These credentials can set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re not just a hobbyist but someone serious about the field. Also, list skills like teamwork, attention to detail, and physical stamina, which are crucial for seasonal work in this area.
Tailor Your Availability:Since you're applying for a seasonal job, clearly state your availability in your cover letter. Employers in horticulture often look for candidates who can commit for specific periods, so make it easy for them by specifying when you’re free to work. Highlight any flexibility you may have, which can make you a more appealing choice!
Use a Clean, Nature-Inspired Design:Your CV and cover letter don’t need to be overly fancy, but using a clean, nature-inspired layout can reflect your personality. Think earthy colours or simple plant motifs! It’s a small touch that shows your creativity and love for what you do. Just remember to keep it professional and ensure it’s easy to read!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Know Your Plants!
For a role in horticulture, it’s essential to brush up on your plant knowledge—especially when it comes to seasonal planting and care. Be prepared to chat about different plants, their growing conditions, and any specific techniques you've used in previous roles or during your studies.
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Since it’s a seasonal job, demonstrating your hands-on experience will be crucial. If you’ve had any practical experience, be ready to discuss specific tasks you’ve done, like pruning, planting, or pest management. If you’ve completed any courses or certifications, make sure to highlight those!
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Seasonal roles can often mean fluctuating hours or working conditions. Be ready to express your adaptability and willingness to take on different tasks that may come your way. A simple 'I'm eager to jump in wherever needed' can go a long way in showcasing your commitment!
✨Prepare for a Hands-On Interview
Expect practical assessments during your interview, possibly involving hands-on demonstrations or scenarios. You might be asked to plant something or demonstrate weeding techniques, so ensure you're comfortable with these practical skills. Practising beforehand can really give us the confidence boost we need!
