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- Tasks: Help maintain the beautiful Bishop's House garden and assist with events.
- Company: Join The Church of England, a welcoming community serving diverse backgrounds.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension contributions, and a friendly work environment.
- Why this job: Perfect for nature lovers wanting to make a difference in a historic setting.
- Qualifications: Gardening qualification or experience, clean driving licence, and tool handling skills required.
- Other info: We encourage applications from under-represented groups and offer support for disabled applicants.
The predicted salary is between 14947 - 14947 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Gardener and General Assistant role at The Church of England
Overview
The Church of England is seeking a Gardener and General Assistant to support the Bishop’s House garden and related duties. Bishop\’s House is the residence of the Bishop of Chester and his family; the garden extends to about half an acre and is used for hosting events throughout the year.
What you\’ll be doing
The postholder will have no line managerial duties but will coordinate with various external bodies (e.g. tree surgeons) in collaboration with site managers. This includes upkeep and proactive management of the garden and curtilage of Bishop\’s House, including boundary fences, with the following responsibilities:
- General gardening tasks, including mowing grass, hedge-trimming, pruning, weeding, planting and lawn care.
- Working in partnership with the Bishop, independently and under direction, to develop the garden space as desired.
- Assisting with functions at Bishop\’s House, both in the gardens and in official rooms. This may involve setting out furniture, helping to serve refreshments and such general duties as may arise.
Key requirements
- Qualification in gardening/horticulture or equivalent
- Full, clean driving licence and access to a car
- Competent handling and maintenance of garden tools
- Competent and safe use of garden equipment
- The ability to navigate competently with the assistance of a Sat Nav
- Competent manual handling skills (relating to lifting)
- Familiarity with basic Health and Safety and COSHH regulations
About You
The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minoritised Ethnicities (UKME)/Global Majority Heritage (GMH) and other under-represented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to recruiting disabled people. We offer interviews to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role.
You will need to be/have:
- Ability to use own initiative when appropriate
- Ability to work well within a small team and as part of a close-knit and well-established household
- Ability to maintain confidences and be courteous, friendly and discreet at all times
- Knowledge and proven experience of garden cultivation and maintenance
Your salary
A salary of £14,947.15 (FTE £27,759) per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.
Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for the role.
Should you wish to have an informal conversation to discuss the role, please contact Rachel (Bishop\’s Chaplain) on 01244 350 864.
The closing date for applications is 10 September 2025.
Interviews will be held in person on 19 September 2025.
Location and other information
Chester, England, United Kingdom
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Gardener and General Assistant employer: The Church of England
Contact Detail:
The Church of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener and General Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific gardening techniques and tools mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with mowing, hedge-trimming, and pruning during any informal chats or interviews will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local gardening communities or horticultural groups. Engaging with others in the field can provide you with insights about the role and may even lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to work independently and as part of a team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others or taken initiative in a gardening context.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Church of England and its values, especially regarding community engagement and diversity. Showing that you align with their mission and understand their commitment to inclusivity can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener and General Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant gardening and horticulture experience. Include specific tasks you've performed, such as mowing, pruning, and planting, to demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for gardening and your ability to work well in a team. Mention your familiarity with Health and Safety regulations and any relevant qualifications.
Showcase Your Initiative: In your application, provide examples of how you've used your initiative in previous roles. This could include projects where you independently managed garden spaces or improved garden aesthetics.
Highlight Teamwork Skills: Emphasise your ability to work within a small team. Share experiences where you've collaborated with others, especially in a household or community setting, to show you're a good fit for the Bishop's House environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Show Your Gardening Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience and qualifications in gardening or horticulture. Highlight specific tasks you've performed, such as mowing, pruning, or planting, and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with the Bishop and other team members, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous positions. Emphasise your ability to work well within a small team and maintain a friendly, discreet attitude.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Health and Safety Regulations
Understanding basic Health and Safety and COSHH regulations is crucial for this role. Be ready to discuss your knowledge of these regulations and how you ensure safety while using garden tools and equipment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Show your interest in the position by preparing thoughtful questions about the garden's development and the types of events hosted at Bishop's House. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute positively to the role.
