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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for and maintain Richmond Park's stunning gardens and landscapes.
- Company: Join The Royal Parks, a charity managing iconic green spaces in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and health perks in a beautiful setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while working in one of the UK's most famous parks.
- Qualifications: Must have practical horticultural experience and a relevant qualification.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
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. Our eight Royal Parks and other iconic green spaces are among the most visited attractions in the UK with 77 million visits every year.
We are now looking for a Skilled Gardener to join us in Richmond Park on a full-time, permanent basis, working 40 hours per week.
The Benefits
- Salary of £30,992 per annum, depending on experience
- 26 days' annual leave plus public holidays, increasing to 29 days after 3 years service (pro rata)
- 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
If you’re a qualified horticulturist with practical experience and a working knowledge of gardening machinery, this is an unparalleled opportunity to become part of our prestigious organisation. Embark on a fulfilling journey where your efforts will play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing the natural splendour of one of the UK’s most renowned green spaces.
Beyond this, you’ll champion biodiversity and promote sustainable gardening practices in Richmond Park, a haven for diverse wildlife, historic landscapes, a National Nature Reserve, and one of London’s largest sites of special scientific interest!
So, if you’re passionate about maintaining and elevating Richmond Park’s gardens and landscapes, we’d love to welcome you to our team.
The Role
As a Skilled Gardener, you will be responsible for the care, cultivation, and maintenance of Richmond Park's 2500 acres of gardens and landscapes. Delivering practical conservation work and general maintenance tasks, you will protect and enhance the park's conservation status, undertaking repairs and renewals of estate infrastructure, ensuring all park facilities are safe and well-maintained.
You will be tasked with mowing, hedge-cutting, plant care, and tree establishment activities for allocated garden areas, as well as providing guidance and mentorship to apprentices and volunteers, contributing to their training and development by sharing your expertise.
Additionally, you will:
- Operate and maintain countryside machinery and equipment safely
- Assist with winter maintenance tasks, including road gritting and snow removal
- Implement and promote sustainable gardening practices to enhance biodiversity
- Engage with park visitors, providing information and ensuring their safety and enjoyment
- Collaborate with the Estates Team to participate in planning and programming of work
About You
To be considered as a Skilled Gardener, you will need:
- Demonstrable practical horticultural experience
- The ability to safely operate a range of routine garden machinery, including ride-on mowers, tractors, hedge-cutters, strimmers and leaf blowers
- Knowledge of workplace health and safety
- Good plant knowledge, particularly around shrubs, herbaceous and bulbous plants
- Working knowledge of horticultural plant and machinery operations
- A formal horticultural qualification, such as an NVQ Level 2 in amenity horticulture or RHS (or equivalent experience)
- A full, valid driving licence
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.
So, if you are interested in this unique opportunity as a Skilled Gardener, please apply via the button shown. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.
Skilled Gardener employer: The Royal Parks
Contact Detail:
The Royal Parks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Skilled Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Richmond Park and its unique biodiversity. Understanding the specific plants and wildlife in the area will not only show your passion for the role but also help you engage meaningfully with the team and park visitors.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of The Royal Parks. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your practical skills by volunteering at local parks or community gardens. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your CV but also give you real-life examples to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on sustainable gardening practices and conservation efforts. Being knowledgeable about current trends and techniques in horticulture will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who aligns with the organisation's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Skilled Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant horticultural experience and qualifications. Emphasise your practical skills with gardening machinery and any previous roles that involved conservation work.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gardening and conservation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to enhance biodiversity and engage with park visitors.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your formal horticultural qualifications, such as an NVQ Level 2 in amenity horticulture or RHS. If you have additional certifications or training, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Plants: In your application, mention your good plant knowledge, particularly around shrubs, herbaceous, and bulbous plants. This will show that you have the expertise needed for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Parks
✨Show Your Passion for Horticulture
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for gardening and conservation during the interview. Share specific examples of your experiences with plants, machinery, and sustainable practices to demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge, especially regarding shrubs, herbaceous, and bulbous plants. Be prepared to discuss your experience with different species and how you care for them, as this will showcase your expertise.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Since the role involves operating garden machinery, be ready to talk about your understanding of workplace health and safety. Highlight any relevant training or certifications you have that ensure safe practices in the garden.
✨Engage with the Community
As a Skilled Gardener, you'll interact with park visitors. Prepare to discuss how you would engage with the public, provide information, and ensure their safety and enjoyment while in the park. This shows your ability to represent the organisation positively.
