At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens at the iconic Palace of Westminster and support event preparations.
- Company: Join a prestigious horticultural team in a historic location.
- Benefits: Earn up to £18.83 per hour with permanent contract potential.
- Other info: Flexible hours, exciting challenges, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment and make a real impact on London's green spaces.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualification and experience working with diverse stakeholders required.
The predicted salary is between 19 - 19 £ per hour.
Skilled Gardener - Full Time
Location: The Palace of Westminster, Houses of Parliament / London
Hourly Rate: Up to £18.83 per hour
Contract type: Permanent if all goes well
Working hours: 3 days (24hrs) working within The Palace of Westminster Houses of Parliament. 2 days as a skilled gardener on a separate site around the same location, if full-time hours required (40hrs)
About the role
Our client currently provides horticultural & landscaping services for the Palace of Westminster Estate. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled & experienced horticulturalist to get involved with the preparations around events like the State Opening of Parliament. There may at times be requests coming from multiple stakeholders (the Speaker's Office, the Ceremonial Works Office, or the Service Delivery Manager) all at once that will be reactive & the candidate will be required to support the Head Gardener in managing these complex pressures.
Responsibilities
- Regular site inspection
- Clearance of litter, debris and detritus
- Grass cutting, edging and cultural operations
- Weeding, pruning and dead-heading of planted areas, including containers
- Re-mulching / top-dressing planted areas and hedge bases
- Hedge cutting and maintenance
- Pleaching trees
- Hard surface weed control
- Hard surface cleansing, including sweeping and pressure washing
- Maintenance of gravel areas
- Leaf clearing - all areas
- Green roof maintenance
- Irrigation generally
- Maintenance of internal plants, including trees at PCH
In addition, you may be asked to support in the delivery of ad-hoc works, such as:
- Re-instatement of lawn areas following events
- Emergency tree work
- Replacement planting
- Improvements to the green roof
- Site improvement work
Requirements
- You will be required to possess the stipulated level of security vetting. We would ask that any successful applicant proactively engages with this vetting process as soon as an offer has been made, since it can take several weeks for the process to run its course.
- N.B. A requirement of the vetting procedure is to supply HMRC evidence of the previous 3 years' employment.
- Demonstratable high-horticultural skills and knowledge, backed up by a formal Horticultural qualification (equiv. L2 NVQ/RHS Hort).
- Demonstratable experience on working with multiple stakeholders within the field of horticulture/landscaping.
- Awareness of equality and diversity, health and safety and safeguarding.
- Excellent people skills including team working, problem solving and the ability to be calm and decisive in challenging situations.
- A flexible approach to work.
- Harness Training would be desirable.
Starts ASAP. Please send a CV or call to apply.
Skilled Grounds Maintenance Operative in City of Westminster employer: PPM Recruitment
Working as a Skilled Grounds Maintenance Operative at the Palace of Westminster offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the iconic landscape of the Houses of Parliament. With competitive pay and a permanent contract, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional growth, while engaging in meaningful projects that enhance the historic estate. The role not only allows for skill development in horticulture but also provides the chance to be part of significant events, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skilled Grounds Maintenance Operative in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Palace of Westminster and its horticultural needs. Research the types of plants and maintenance practices they use, so you can chat about them during your interview. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees if you can. They might give you insider tips on what the hiring managers are looking for or even put in a good word for you. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the work culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you had to manage multiple tasks or stakeholders. This will help you demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Skilled Grounds Maintenance Operative in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your horticultural qualifications and experience in your CV. We want to see how your skills match up with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Mention your experience with multiple stakeholders and any relevant projects you've worked on. It helps us see why you’re the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for horticulture shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at PPM Recruitment
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge and skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in previous roles, like grass cutting or hedge maintenance. Showing that you understand the nuances of gardening will impress your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Since this role involves working with multiple stakeholders, think of examples from your past where you successfully managed competing demands. Prepare to share how you handled pressure and maintained communication with different parties, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a busy environment.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
This position requires excellent people skills, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in teams. Highlight instances where you collaborated effectively with others, resolved conflicts, or contributed to a positive team dynamic. This will show that you're not just skilled but also a great fit for their team.
✨Understand the Importance of Safety
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to horticulture. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety in your work, especially when using equipment or handling chemicals. This shows that you take your responsibilities seriously and are committed to maintaining a safe working environment.
