At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in growing and retail operations while supporting adults with learning disabilities.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a people-focused organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, flexible hours, and contribute to community transformation.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while sharing your love for plants and gardening.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail, horticulture, and working with diverse individuals is essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Your new role
- Assist the duty manager in ensuring the delivery of the growing and retail offer.
- Provide support and encouragement to the Growers (adults with learning and other disabilities).
- Engage with the general public to sell plants and garden related items and to give plant and growing advice.
- Assist the manager in the management and support of volunteers.
- Take responsibility for the Waterfront Garden Centre in the absence of the manager.
Who is the person summary:
We're looking for an enthusiastic and customer-focused individual with experience working with the public, plants and horticulture, retail, volunteers, and adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs. You'll be a confident communicator who can share plant knowledge, support and encourage others with empathy, and help create a positive, safe, and successful garden centre environment. Flexibility is essential, as some weekend working will be required.
About Portsmouth City Council:
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed.
Additional Information:
We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work/personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a large number of applications. We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Casual Growing & Retail Assistant in Farnborough employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, the council provides numerous training opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Growing & Retail Assistant in Farnborough
✨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 Portsmouth City Council.
✨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 Portsmouth City Council.
✨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 Portsmouth City Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Growing & Retail Assistant in Farnborough
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 Portsmouth City Council.
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 Casual Growing & Retail Assistant.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Portsmouth City Council 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 Portsmouth City Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨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 Portsmouth City Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
