Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Gardener and General Assistant, maintaining our beautiful Bishop's House garden.
- Company: Be part of the National Church Institutions, supporting the Church of England's mission.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and access to exclusive venues.
- Why this job: Work in a vibrant environment, develop your gardening skills, and contribute to community events.
- Qualifications: A qualification in gardening or horticulture is preferred; driving licence required.
- Other info: This is a part-time entry-level role with a friendly team atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 12000 - 16000 £ per year.
Overview
WE ARE SEEKING A GARDENER AND GENERAL ASSISTANT Bishop’s House is the residence of the Bishop of Chester and his family. The garden at Bishop’s House extends to about half an acre, and is mainly laid to shrubs and lawn, with a herbaceous border and some climbing plants. The Bishop’s House and gardens are used for hosting many events throughout the year.
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, including the following responsibilities:
What You’ll Be Doing
- General gardening tasks, including but not limited to 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 Role 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
- 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
Please refer to the Job Description for more information about the role and person specification.
What We Offer
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.
Your Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays (pro-rated if working part-time)
- Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest
- Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher
About National Church Institutions
The National Church Institutions comprises a wide variety of teams, professions and functions that support the mission and ministries of the Church of England in its vision to be a church, centred on Jesus Christ, for the whole nation – a church that is simpler, humbler, bolder.
We Include. You Belong. Our Belonging and Inclusion Strategy aims for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Living out our values in all that we do, we:
- Strive for Excellence
- Show Compassion
- Respect others
- Collaborate
- Act with Integrity
We believe our commitment to belonging and inclusion fuels our progress and drives us forward. The NCIs are a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We welcome applications from people of all faiths and of no faith. We want to encourage applications from a diverse group of people who share our values. Even if you have never thought about working for us before, if you have the skills and experience we’re looking for then we would like to hear from you.
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.
Seniority level
- Entry level
Employment type
- Part-time
Job function
- Other
Industries
- Religious Institutions
Chester, England, United Kingdom
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 tasks mentioned in the job description. Understanding the nuances of mowing, hedge-trimming, and pruning will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local gardening communities or horticultural groups. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with garden maintenance and cultivation in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects or tasks you've completed, as this will demonstrate your competence and passion for gardening.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work well within a team by highlighting any previous collaborative experiences. Since this role involves working closely with the Bishop and other staff, emphasising your teamwork skills will be crucial.
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 experience and skills. Include any qualifications in horticulture, as well as your ability to use garden tools and equipment safely.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for gardening and your understanding of the role at Bishop’s House. Mention your ability to work independently and as part of a team, and how you can contribute to the upkeep of the garden.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide specific examples of your previous gardening work or related tasks. Highlight any experience with event assistance, as this is part of the role's responsibilities.
Demonstrate Soft Skills: Emphasise your interpersonal skills in your application. The role requires courtesy, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidences, so make sure to mention these qualities.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Church of England
✨Know Your Gardening Basics
Brush up on your gardening knowledge, especially regarding the specific plants and maintenance tasks mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss your experience with mowing, pruning, and planting, as well as any relevant qualifications you have.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work well within a small team. Share examples of past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, particularly in a close-knit environment, to demonstrate that you can fit into their household dynamic.
✨Demonstrate Initiative
Highlight instances where you've taken the initiative in previous roles, especially in gardening or maintenance tasks. This will show that you can work independently and proactively manage the garden space as required.
✨Be Courteous and Discreet
Since the role involves working closely with the Bishop and his family, it's crucial to convey your understanding of confidentiality and discretion. Prepare to discuss how you maintain professionalism and courtesy in sensitive environments.
