At a Glance
- Tasks: Water and maintain newly planted trees while keeping records of your visits.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to enhancing green spaces in North Northamptonshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunities for personal growth and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while working outdoors and staying active.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus a passion for gardening and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
To undertake watering and maintenance of newly planted trees across the North Northamptonshire area within the Arb Services team.
Responsibilities
- Carrying out tree watering and maintaining records of site visits.
- Undertaking maintenance work to tree stakes and protective caging as well as manual weed removal.
- Utilising pedestrian, ride-on equipment and gardening tools for the provision of horticultural tasks which may include grass cutting, hedge cutting, shrub pruning, weed spraying and other associated tasks within the expected remit of Grounds Maintenance provision across Council owned land.
- Working in all weather conditions providing service outcomes across the area of operation as directed.
- Carrying out all routine inspections of equipment prior to use and ensuring that equipment is clean, adequately greased, levels are topped up, maintained, stored and returned as directed.
- Adhering to the requirements of the Fleet Division by carrying out all operational inspections to vehicles as directed.
Qualifications
- GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths.
- Knowledge of general grounds maintenance application in either the commercial or public sector.
- Practical knowledge in the use of grounds maintenance equipment.
- Ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken and written English.
- Capacity to undertake physical aspects of the role including manual handling, walking long distances, using pedestrian equipment and working in all weather conditions.
- Physically fit.
- Ability to work as part of a team to deliver objectives and standards across Council assets.
- Full UK driving licence.
Benefits
We offer a vibrant working environment with a competitive salary, a pension scheme where we pay a significant contribution on top of your own, life cover and ill-health protection, generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, an option to buy up to an extra 10 days, hybrid and flexible working arrangements, an employee assistance programme, an employee benefits scheme, wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates, and support for active employee network groups.
Equal Opportunity
We are a recognised Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. We offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Casual Gardener employer: North Northamptonshire Council
North Northamptonshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where legal professionals can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive culture, this role provides unique opportunities for growth and collaboration within a dedicated team focused on public service.
Contact Details:
North Northamptonshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Gardener
✨Get Involved with Local Gardening Groups
Join local horticulture clubs or community gardens. It's a fantastic way to meet people in the industry, learn about available part-time opportunities, and get tips on what local businesses like North Northamptonshire Council are looking for.
✨Attend Horticulture Fairs and Events
Keep an eye out for gardening fairs, farmers’ markets, or plant festivals in your area. Not only can you learn a lot, but these events often have job boards or local employers looking to hire part-time help.
✨Leverage Social Media for Opportunities
Follow local horticulture accounts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. There are often postings about part-time jobs that might not make it to traditional job boards, plus you can connect with other enthusiasts who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like North Northamptonshire Council.
✨Tap into Your University’s Resources
If you're a student, your university might have links with local horticulture firms. Check out your career services; they might list part-time opportunities with companies like North Northamptonshire Council that are specifically looking for students eager to gain experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:When applying for a part-time job in horticulture at North Northamptonshire Council, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with plants, gardening, or landscape maintenance. If you've got a knack for nurturing plants or knowledge about different species, don’t keep it a secret—let it shine in your CV!
Include Certifications and Courses:If you've completed any horticulture-related certifications or courses, be sure to list them in your application. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you're serious about your passion for plants. If you’ve got any coursework on plant biology or sustainable practices, include that too!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to North Northamptonshire Council:In your cover letter, make sure to express why you want to work specifically with North Northamptonshire Council. Are they known for their beautiful gardens or innovative horticultural practices? Mention these points and how they resonate with your own interests and experiences—this shows genuine enthusiasm and helps you stand out.
Flexibility Matters:Since you're aiming for a part-time role, emphasise your availability in your application. Whether you can work weekends, evenings, or even during peak seasons, make it clear! Flexibility can be a huge plus, so highlight how you can fit into the team at North Northamptonshire Council and support their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Northamptonshire Council
✨Know Your Plants
As we're diving into horticulture, it’s crucial to brush up on your plant knowledge. Be ready to discuss different species, their care requirements, and maybe even tackle some plant identification questions. Having a few examples of your past gardening experiences or plant projects can really show your passion and expertise!
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since this is a part-time gig, your practical skills might be just as important as your theoretical knowledge. Think about any previous jobs, volunteer work, or personal projects related to gardening or landscaping. Highlight those experiences in your answers – showing what you've physically done can leave a strong impression.
✨Seasonal Awareness is Key
In horticulture, understanding the seasons and how they affect plant behaviour is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach gardening tasks at different times of the year, and share your approach to seasonal planting or maintenance strategies – it'll show your practical understanding of the field!
✨Bring Your Tools (and Portfolio!)
If you have a portfolio showcasing your previous work, such as photos of gardens you've designed or maintained, definitely bring it along. For a part-time role, sharing your creative ideas and how you use tools for different tasks can set you apart. It's about showing how you can bring value to North Northamptonshire Council with your unique skills and passion!
