At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to enhance Edinburgh’s parks and greenspaces through horticultural and landscaping duties.
- Company: Edinburgh Parks & Greenspace Operational Service, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for training and development.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on health and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying the outdoors and teamwork.
- Qualifications: SVQ Level 2 in horticulture or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 27257 - 29850 £ per year.
Salary: £27,257 – £29,850
Hours: 36 per week
About the role
Senior Gardener Position within the Parks & Greenspace Operational Service. The post will be based at one of our Operational Depots across the city and requires the carry out of horticultural, landscaping and ground maintenance duties to improve Edinburgh’s parks, gardens, and greenspaces. You will be a member of a gardening team undertaking horticultural, landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks at various locations across a geographical area.
Responsibilities
- Work within a small team managed by a Supervisor Gardener and support them in daily leadership.
- Assist in training and instruction of gardening staff as required.
- Deputise for Supervisors when necessary.
- Support and direct new starts, apprentices, students, and shadow workers, encouraging effective team working.
- Carry out horticultural, landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks to defined operational standards.
- Use hand‑held technology to record work, receive instructions and report on actions or problems.
- Assist in the preparation, review and updating of operational risk assessments.
- Operate a range of vehicles, machinery and equipment.
- Determine work practices, arrangements and standards in relation to managing the team on a daily basis.
- Perform tasks independently or as part of a team, with minimal supervision, across a range of settings.
- Work in all weather and ground conditions and in moving traffic.
Qualifications and skills
- Knowledge and skills in horticulture, parks and grounds maintenance.
- A relevant qualification of SVQ Level 2 or equivalent, or evidence of required experience.
- Commitment to health and safety guidelines, risk assessments and the Council’s Lone Working policy.
Working conditions
Duties involve lengthy periods of heavy manual work. The role requires working in all weather and ground conditions and moving traffic, with adherence to health and safety guidelines and risk assessments.
Equalities and diversity
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, 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 be guaranteed an interview.
Find out more about our commitment to equalities: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/work-us/inclusive-edinburgh/4
Additional information
Happy to talk flexible working.
Senior Gardener (Openspace Team) - Inch Park Depot employer: The City of Edinburgh Council
As a Senior Gardener with the Openspace Team at Inch Park Depot, you will join a dedicated and inclusive workforce committed to enhancing Edinburgh's parks and greenspaces. The role offers a supportive work culture with opportunities for professional growth, including training and leadership development, all while working in a vibrant city environment that values diversity and community engagement.
Contact Details:
The City of Edinburgh Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Gardener (Openspace Team) - Inch Park 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) - Inch Park 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) - Inch Park 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.
