At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage horticultural and landscaping duties to enhance Edinburgh’s parks and greenspaces.
- Company: Join a dedicated team within the Parks & Greenspace Operational Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for training.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Knowledge in horticulture and relevant qualifications or experience required.
The predicted salary is between 27257 - 29850 £ per year.
- Senior Gardener (Openspace Team)
- Bankhead Depot
Senior Gardener Position within our Parks & Greenspace Operational Service.
Responsibilities
- Manage horticultural, landscaping and ground maintenance duties to improve Edinburgh’s parks, gardens and greenspaces.
- Work within a small team managed by a Supervisor Gardener who leads the team daily.
- Support the Supervisor Gardener, take instruction and support team working.
- Assist in training and instruction of gardening staff as required; deputise for Supervisors as required by the Service.
- Support and direct new starts, apprentices, students and shadow workers; promote effective team working at all times.
- Work to defined operational standards and all relevant work practices, and comply with health & safety guidance.
- Use handheld technology to record work, receive instructions and report back on actions or problems identified.
- Assist in preparing, reviewing and updating operational risk assessments.
- Operate a range of vehicles, machinery and equipment.
- Assist in determining work practices, arrangements and standards of work when managing the team daily.
- Undertake tasks in a range of settings without constant supervision, alone or as part of a team.
- Perform lengthy periods of heavy manual work; work in all weather and ground conditions and in moving traffic.
- Adhere to health and safety guidelines with risk assessments on site.
Qualifications
- Knowledge and skills in horticulture and parks and grounds maintenance.
- Relevant qualification to SVQ 2 level or equivalent or evidence of required experience.
- Ability to work to operational standards and comply with health & safety guidance.
Health and safety guidelines with risk assessments should be adhered to when on site. Operate in accordance with the Council’s Lone Working policy.
Find out more about our commitment to equalities https://www. edinburgh. gov. uk/work-us/inclusive-edinburgh/4
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best.
We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care‑experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently under‑represented.
All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience.
Disabled and care‑experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will have a guaranteed interview.
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Contact Details:
The City of Edinburgh Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Gardener (Openspace Team) - Bankhead Depot
✨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 The City of Edinburgh Council.
✨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 The City of Edinburgh Council.
✨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 The City of Edinburgh Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gardener (Openspace Team) - Bankhead Depot
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 The City of Edinburgh Council.
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 (Openspace Team) - Bankhead Depot.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what The City of Edinburgh Council 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 The City of Edinburgh Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at The City of Edinburgh Council
✨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 The City of Edinburgh Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
