At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead horticultural projects and mentor the next generation of green space professionals.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford, a leader in education and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, generous family leave, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community with access to social and cultural clubs.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on beautiful green spaces while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualification and experience with tools; leadership skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 32108 - 32108 £ per year.
Are you a skilled and passionate horticulturist ready to take the lead on projects and mentor the next generation of green space professionals? Oxford University Parks is seeking an experienced horticultural professional to join the team as a Senior Gardener.
Location: South Lodge, South Parks Road, Oxford
About Us
Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. University Parks plays a central role in maintaining the University's extensive green estate, caring for the historic University Parks alongside landscaped areas surrounding academic departments across Oxford. The team helps create welcoming, safe and sustainable outdoor environments that are enjoyed by students, staff, local communities and visitors from around the world.
We Offer
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
As a Senior Gardener, you will take on an active and hands-on role across the University's extensive green estate, working as part of a close-knit team to deliver high-quality grounds and horticultural maintenance. You'll also have opportunities to lead teams on projects, support day-to-day operations, and play a key role in mentoring apprentices and developing colleagues. Your responsibilities will span seasonal planting and lawn care, border and shrub maintenance, safe machinery operation, and implementing landscaping schemes. You'll contribute to a wide variety of work, from specialist projects to everyday operations - with the chance to develop your own technical and leadership skills along the way. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact on the University's green spaces, contributing to the beauty and function of the estate in support of world-leading research, teaching, and public engagement.
About You
You will be an experienced horticultural professional with a recognised craft qualification, confident working with a wide range of tools and equipment.
- A relevant horticultural qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2, City & Guilds, BTEC National Diploma, NCH)
- PA1 and PA6 pesticide certification
- A full driving licence
- Strong practical plant knowledge and horticultural experience
- The ability to lead small teams and mentor apprentices
- A commitment to health and safety, team collaboration, and quality work
Application Process
- A covering letter/supporting statement
- Your CV
- The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 10 August 2026. Interviews will take place Wednesday 19 August 2026, and will be held face-to-face.
£28,437 to £32,108 per annum, Grade 4
Senior Gardener in Oxford employer: PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein)
Intapp is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the accounting and consulting sectors across EMEA. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Intapp provides ample opportunities for professional development and leadership coaching, ensuring that team members thrive in their careers while contributing to the company's strategic vision. The culture is built on accountability and high performance, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
Contact Details:
PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Gardener in Oxford
✨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 PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein).
✨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 PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein).
✨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 PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein); staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gardener in Oxford
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 PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein).
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 Senior Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein) 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 PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein) a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein)
✨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 PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein) might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
