At a Glance
- Tasks: Help older people by gardening and doing handy repairs in their homes.
- Company: Join a caring community-focused team at Staywell.
- Benefits: Earn £15.50 per hour with 30 days annual leave and support programmes.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities to grow in a rewarding role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying outdoor work.
- Qualifications: Must have a driving licence and be physically fit for tasks.
The predicted salary is between 15.5 - 15.5 £ per hour.
Part time, 15 hours — 2 days per week, Mondays & Tuesdays. We are looking for a new person to join our dedicated community of staff and volunteers as part of our Handyperson team. The role will mainly focus on completing everyday gardening tasks for our clients along with other general repairs and maintenance, usually during the colder months. This is the perfect opportunity for someone looking to work outdoors while doing good by supporting older and vulnerable people in the borough of Kingston upon Thames.
As a member of our Handyperson team, you will be out and about across the Kingston area every day, visiting clients and meeting new people in the heart of the Kingston community. The requirements for each job are as varied as those who use our services, and no two days will be the same. This role will focus on meeting the gardening needs of our Handyperson clients, which are proving increasingly popular with those who use the service.
Typical tasks might include:
- Cutting back overgrown plants
- Lawn-mowing
- Weeding
- Clearing pathways and removing other trip hazards
You will be responsible for most requests involving these tasks outside the home. However, in quieter periods during the colder months, you will be expected to carry out other jobs carried out by our Handyperson team. This includes a wide range of DIY jobs around the house, from general repairs and installing lightbulbs to fitting draft excluders, curtain rails, grab rails or key safes.
The benefit you have on your clients will go far beyond the tasks themselves. With many of the older people we support struggling with social isolation and loneliness, your friendly presence and understanding of the issues they face will make a significant difference to their lives. By understanding Staywell’s other services, you can help signpost relevant additional support where needed to improve the quality of life of those in the community even further.
Requirements
- Full driving licence
- Weekly availability on Monday and Tuesday
- Physically fit
- Knowledge and ability to carry out small maintenance tasks around the home
- Lives in or is able to commute to the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
As we work with vulnerable people at Staywell, a DBS check will be required for this role. The following are also highly desirable for any candidate:
- A background in charitable or community-focused work
- Experience of working with members of the public
- Empathy with older people and an awareness of the obstacles they face day-to-day
- Reliable and punctual
- Trustworthy and conscientious, as you will be visiting people in their homes
- Flexibility and being able to work additional hours where needed, such as to cover for other Handyperson staff on sick leave and holiday or during busy periods, is a plus.
Salary & benefits
Salary: £15.50 per hour (minimum 15 hours per week). Benefits include: 30 days annual leave including public holidays (pro-rata FTE 36 hours), Employee Assistance Programme.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please send a CV and short cover letter to [email address]. You can send any questions to the same email address or give us a ring on [phone number] for an informal chat with our team about the role. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. Please note a Disclosure of Criminal Records (DBS) check will be required for this role.
Gardener & Handyperson in London employer: Staywell (Charity no. 299988)
Join our dedicated community at Staywell, where we prioritise meaningful work and a supportive environment. As a Gardener & Handyperson in Kingston upon Thames, you'll enjoy the flexibility of part-time hours while making a real difference in the lives of older and vulnerable residents. With generous benefits like 30 days annual leave and an Employee Assistance Programme, we foster a culture of empathy and growth, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission.
Contact Details:
Staywell (Charity no. 299988) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener & Handyperson in London
✨Get Involved with Local Gardening Groups
Join local horticulture clubs or community gardens. It's a fantastic way to meet people in the industry, learn about available part-time opportunities, and get tips on what local businesses like Staywell (Charity no. 299988) are looking for.
✨Attend Horticulture Fairs and Events
Keep an eye out for gardening fairs, farmers’ markets, or plant festivals in your area. Not only can you learn a lot, but these events often have job boards or local employers looking to hire part-time help.
✨Leverage Social Media for Opportunities
Follow local horticulture accounts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. There are often postings about part-time jobs that might not make it to traditional job boards, plus you can connect with other enthusiasts who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like Staywell (Charity no. 299988).
✨Tap into Your University’s Resources
If you're a student, your university might have links with local horticulture firms. Check out your career services; they might list part-time opportunities with companies like Staywell (Charity no. 299988) that are specifically looking for students eager to gain experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener & Handyperson in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:When applying for a part-time job in horticulture at Staywell (Charity no. 299988), make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with plants, gardening, or landscape maintenance. If you've got a knack for nurturing plants or knowledge about different species, don’t keep it a secret—let it shine in your CV!
Include Certifications and Courses:If you've completed any horticulture-related certifications or courses, be sure to list them in your application. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you're serious about your passion for plants. If you’ve got any coursework on plant biology or sustainable practices, include that too!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Staywell (Charity no. 299988):In your cover letter, make sure to express why you want to work specifically with Staywell (Charity no. 299988). Are they known for their beautiful gardens or innovative horticultural practices? Mention these points and how they resonate with your own interests and experiences—this shows genuine enthusiasm and helps you stand out.
Flexibility Matters:Since you're aiming for a part-time role, emphasise your availability in your application. Whether you can work weekends, evenings, or even during peak seasons, make it clear! Flexibility can be a huge plus, so highlight how you can fit into the team at Staywell (Charity no. 299988) and support their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staywell (Charity no. 299988)
✨Know Your Plants
As we're diving into horticulture, it’s crucial to brush up on your plant knowledge. Be ready to discuss different species, their care requirements, and maybe even tackle some plant identification questions. Having a few examples of your past gardening experiences or plant projects can really show your passion and expertise!
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since this is a part-time gig, your practical skills might be just as important as your theoretical knowledge. Think about any previous jobs, volunteer work, or personal projects related to gardening or landscaping. Highlight those experiences in your answers – showing what you've physically done can leave a strong impression.
✨Seasonal Awareness is Key
In horticulture, understanding the seasons and how they affect plant behaviour is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach gardening tasks at different times of the year, and share your approach to seasonal planting or maintenance strategies – it'll show your practical understanding of the field!
✨Bring Your Tools (and Portfolio!)
If you have a portfolio showcasing your previous work, such as photos of gardens you've designed or maintained, definitely bring it along. For a part-time role, sharing your creative ideas and how you use tools for different tasks can set you apart. It's about showing how you can bring value to Staywell (Charity no. 299988) with your unique skills and passion!
