The Organisation
The Royal Parks (TRP) is a charity created in March 2017. We manage over 5,000 acres of diverse parkland, rare habitats and historic buildings and monuments in eight Royal Parks across London. These are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent\'s Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park.
We also manage other important public spaces including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. Our eight Royal Parks and other iconic green spaces are among the most visited attractions in the UK with tens of millions of visits every year.
We are now looking for a Park Officer to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 36 hours a week, as well as some weekends and evenings for events. The postholder will be required to work onsite 5 days a week.
The Benefits
- Salary of £33,666 - £37,921 per annum, depending on experience, plus an on-call allowance of £3554 per annum
- 26 days\' annual leave plus public holidays, increasing to 29 days after 3 years’ service
- Pension scheme (3% employee contribution; up to 10% employer contribution)
- Private medical insurance and healthcare cash plan
- Employee assistance programme and access to mental health first aiders
- Learning and development opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme
- Offices in a beautiful location
This is a rare and rewarding opportunity for an individual with a decent grasp of all things landscape, parks, horticulture and heritage-related to join our iconic and nationally treasured organisation.
You’ll get to enjoy the privilege of working in St James’s Park, one of the most historic and high-profile parks in the country, gaining first-hand experience in a unique environment where world-class landscapes, major events, heritage assets and daily public life come together at the very heart of London.
In return for your commitment, you’ll be supported to grow your skills and confidence through meaningful collaboration with experienced professionals, as well as terrific learning and development schemes.
So, if you’re looking for a career that combines purpose, variety and an extraordinary setting, apply today!
The Role
As a Park Officer, you will support the safe, smooth and welcoming day-to-day operation of St James’ Park.
Working closely with the Park Manager, Assistant Park Managers, Head Gardener, Senior Wildlife Officer and Volunteer Manager you will play a role across a wide range of park operations, from horticulture and estates activity to events, sustainability and public engagement.
You will support events and filming activity, liaise with contractors and estates teams, respond to enquiries from park users and stakeholders, and help maintain clear, engaging signage and public-facing information. This will include working on some weekends and evenings for event monitoring.
Additionally, you will:
- Carry out regular inspections of park facilities and infrastructure
- Monitor playgrounds, amenities and park furniture
- Assist with estate developments and compliance with licences and permits
- Help manage the park vehicles fleet and participate in the duty management on-call rota
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations whilst promoting a safe workplace and minimising risks
About You
To be considered as a Park Officer, you will need:
- Experience working at medium or large events at an operational level
- Report writing and proofreading experience
- Knowledge of Health and Safety principles, roles and responsibilities
- A basic understanding of best practice and technical matters relating to landscape, parks, horticulture and sustainability
- Good communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills
- A full, valid driving licence
Other organisations may call this role Park Management Officer, Park Operations Officer, Technical Officer, Urban Park Officer, Park Ranger, Park Warden, Forest Ranger, or Countryside Officer.
We want to put everyone in the best possible position to succeed and use Recite-me accessibility software. At the top of the application page, there is an “Accessibility Tools” button which you can use to complete the application form in a way that works for you. If you think that you may need more support to complete our application process, please do get in touch.
The Royal Parks is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Please visit our website to find out more on our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
So, if you are interested in this unique opportunity as a Park Officer, please apply via the button shown. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Park Officer in London
✨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 Royal Parks.
✨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 Royal Parks.
✨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 Royal Parks; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
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 Royal Parks.
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 Park Officer.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what The Royal Parks 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 Royal Parks a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Parks
✨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 Royal Parks might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
