At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful outdoor spaces and ensure a safe environment for all.
- Company: Join Sodexo, a company dedicated to creating better everyday experiences.
- Benefits: Earn £15.85 per hour, enjoy free meals, gym access, and great discounts.
- Other info: Full training provided with opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Grow your gardening skills while making a positive impact in a vibrant workplace.
- Qualifications: PA6A pesticide qualification and grounds maintenance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 15.85 - 15.85 £ per hour.
Location: Fortescue Zero HQ, Oxford Spires Business Park, The Boulevard, Kidlington, OX5 1GB
Salary: 15.85 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week, 5 days per week, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Grow your career with a company that cares. Sodexo is looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Grounds Maintenance Operative (Gardener) to join our team at Fortescue Zero HQ in Kidlington. You'll play an important role in maintaining attractive, safe and well-presented outdoor spaces, helping to create an environment that colleagues and visitors can enjoy all year round.
What you'll do:
- Carry out a wide range of grounds maintenance duties to maintain the site to a high standard.
- Maintain lawns, shrubs, hedges, flower beds and landscaped areas.
- Operate grounds maintenance equipment safely and effectively.
- Apply pesticides in accordance with legislation and best practice.
- Complete seasonal gardening and landscaping tasks.
- Ensure all work is carried out in line with Health & Safety procedures.
- Deliver excellent customer service while maintaining the appearance of the site.
What you bring:
- PA6A (or PA6) Hand-held Pesticide Application qualification (or equivalent) - essential.
- Full UK driving licence (minimum age requirement: 21 years).
- Experience in grounds maintenance or horticulture.
- Good knowledge of safe working practices and grounds maintenance equipment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Desirable qualifications:
- Level 2 Horticulture or Amenity Horticulture.
- Brushcutter and Strimmer Training (Lantra or NPTC).
- Hedge Trimmer Training.
What We Offer:
- 15.85 per hour
- Free parking
- Free meal while on duty
- Access to the onsite gym
- Full training and development opportunities
- Sodexo Rewards Programme
- Access to a 24-hour virtual GP service
- The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 for you, your friends and family
About Sodexo:
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. We are a Disability Confident Leader employer. We are committed to being an inclusive employer where everyone can act with purpose and thrive in their own way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener - Fortescue Zero HQ in Kidlington
✨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 Sodexo.
✨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 Sodexo.
✨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 Sodexo; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener - Fortescue Zero HQ in Kidlington
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 Sodexo.
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 - Fortescue Zero HQ.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Sodexo 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 Sodexo a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨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 Sodexo might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
