At a Glance
- Tasks: Water and maintain newly planted trees while performing various horticultural tasks.
- Company: Join North Northamptonshire Council, a vibrant and supportive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values creativity, respect, and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while working outdoors and staying active.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, practical grounds maintenance knowledge, and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
To undertake watering and maintenance of newly planted trees across the North Northamptonshire area within the Arb Services team. The range of duties will include tree watering, tree stake and cage maintenance, weeding and other horticultural tasks as required such as grass cutting, hedge cutting, shrub pruning, manual handling and other associated tasks.
What will you be doing?
- 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.
- To work in all weather conditions providing service outcomes across the area of operation as directed.
- To carry out all routine inspections of equipment prior to use and to ensure that equipment is clean, adequately greased, levels are topped up and maintained, stored and returned as directed.
- To adhere to the requirements of the Fleet division carrying out all operational inspections to vehicles as directed.
About you
- 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.
- The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken and written English is essential for the post.
- 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.
Here at North Northamptonshire Council, we’re transforming for the better, using all our creativity and imagination to create the best life for our local people.
Why choose us?
- A vibrant working environment with a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
- Lots of opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council.
- Generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, where practicable for service needs to help you with a healthy work-life balance.
- A range of great benefits such as an Employee Assistance Programme, an Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates, as well as supporting a range of active Employee Network Groups.
About us
Our Values and Behaviours
Our values define who we are and how we operate, by forming the foundation for how we interact with our customers, colleagues and provide our services. They are also at the forefront of our decision making and delivery and are: Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive, Trustworthy.
Our key commitments help ensure that the priorities we make, now and in the future, maintain the necessary breadth of focus in those areas that we believe matter most.
Disability Confident Employer
We are proud to be a recognised Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. The council obtained the Gold status award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Contract Details
6 month fixed term contract
Closing Date: 29 March, 2026
Job Category: Environment
Location: Robinson Way, Kettering, United Kingdom
Gardener in Kettering employer: Northamptonshire Sport
At North Northamptonshire Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant working environment that prioritises employee well-being and development. With generous leave entitlements, a strong pension scheme, and opportunities for skill enhancement, our team members enjoy a supportive culture that values creativity and collaboration. Located in Kettering, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to transforming the local area while enjoying flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Kettering
✨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 Northamptonshire Sport.
✨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 Northamptonshire Sport.
✨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 Northamptonshire Sport; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Kettering
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 Northamptonshire Sport.
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.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Northamptonshire Sport 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 Northamptonshire Sport a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Sport
✨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 Northamptonshire Sport might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
