At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain stunning gardens and amenity areas while using modern horticultural practices.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at a beautiful 250-acre estate in Godalming.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hands-on experience, and a chance to work outdoors.
- Other info: Perfect for nature lovers looking to grow their skills in horticulture.
- Why this job: Get your hands dirty and make a real difference in a picturesque environment.
- Qualifications: A can-do attitude; previous gardening experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 26450 - 26450 £ per year.
Location: Godalming, Surrey
Salary: A GBP 26,450 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, full time all‑year round role
Close Date: Friday 26 June 2026
To undertake the day‑to‑day maintenance of gardens and amenity areas, in line with the maintenance plan and to ensure high standards are achieved. Our stunning grounds covering 250 acres includes ornamental lawns, sports pitches, mixed shrub and herbaceous borders, walled old headmasters garden, formal David Austin rose garden and plant nursery all surrounded by beautiful woodland.
The gardening department grow most of the plants found around the site from seeds and cuttings collected from the grounds in a purpose‑built plant nursery comprising of 6 glasshouses and a large tropical greenhouse. This facility offers the chance to get involved with the whole plant propagation process and seeing the plants develop to reaching full maturity out on site. As well as growing our own plants we also offer plants for sale to the whole Charterhouse community.
The old headmasters garden features a large herbaceous border planted in the style of the local famous garden designer Gertrude Jekyll as well as a summer house designed by Edwin Lutyens famous for designing the Cenotaph war memorial in London. There are also 2 large historical borders planted in cottage garden style made famous by the practical gardener and journalist William Robinson.
Overall Purpose and Responsibilities- To undertake routine preparation and maintenance of gardens and amenity areas, using sound horticultural practices to ensure the grounds are highly presentable at all times.
- To undertake a wide range of manual horticultural operations, of a physical nature, to include plant selection, propagation, cultivation, planting and nursery work.
- To operate a range of modern turf machinery, ensuring vehicles and equipment used by yourself and others are regularly maintained, in accordance with routine operating requirements.
- To operate a range of powered hand tools such as strimmers, hedge cutters and lawn mowers.
- To safely move material and plants around the estate.
- To undertake a range of horticultural operations such as spreading of fertilisers (granular or liquid) and weed control.
- To maintain hedges around the estate.
- In autumn/winter ensure leaves are cleared and disposed of.
- To clear snow and apply salt in icy conditions during the winter months.
- To undertake a range of tree and woodland maintenance operations.
- To maintain and repair boundary and internal fencing as and when required.
- To be able to communicate effectively with school management, pupils and general public with tact, diplomacy and patience.
- To inform the line manager when products and materials are low for ordering.
- To be able to work in a team or on your own depending on the tasks in hand.
- To demonstrate awareness of health and safety for the individual and all others, and to have a sound knowledge of appropriate PUWER and LOLER procedures.
- To ensure the safe use, storage, calibration and disposal of pesticides and other similar substances (COSHH regulations).
- To ensure work area is kept clean, tidy and secure at all times.
- To maintain an accurate log of HAVs usage.
- To carry out machinery risk assessment as per procedures in place (e.g. chainsaw risk assessment).
- To keep up to date knowledge of Health and Safety legislation.
- To attend any mandatory training as and when required.
- Essential: A can:do attitude and a readiness to work.
- Desirable: Previous experience of working in a commercial gardening capacity.
- Hold a recognised qualification.
- Basic Health and Safety training.
- Previous experience of working within a school or college.
- Previous experience of working in a horticultural environment.
- Some knowledge and a genuine interest in herbaceous.
Gardener in Godalming employer: TipTopJob
As a Gardener at our stunning 250-acre estate in Godalming, Surrey, you will be part of a dedicated team that takes pride in maintaining beautiful gardens and amenity areas. We offer a supportive work culture that values employee growth, with opportunities to engage in plant propagation and horticultural practices in our state-of-the-art facilities. Join us for a rewarding career where your contributions directly enhance the natural beauty of our grounds while enjoying a competitive salary and a fulfilling work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Godalming
✨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 TipTopJob.
✨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 TipTopJob.
✨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 TipTopJob; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Godalming
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 TipTopJob.
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 Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what TipTopJob 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 TipTopJob a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨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 TipTopJob might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
