At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maintain beautiful outdoor spaces and inspire the community.
- Company: Join a supportive university team with a positive work culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 35-hour week, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working conditions and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in creating attractive environments for students and staff.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture and team leadership is essential.
The predicted salary is between 26093 - 28778 £ per year.
The role We are looking for a motivated Garden Team Leader to join our friendly and supportive team to help maintain the diverse outdoor spaces of the University. Enjoy the benefits of a 35 hour working week with generous holiday allowance (including 7 University closure days) and a positive and flexible working culture. This is a hands‑on practical role where you can combine horticultural expertise with team leadership to help create attractive and inspiring environments for our students, staff and the public to enjoy.
What will you be doing? As Garden Team Leader, you will:
- Lead, organise and motivate a team to deliver high-quality seasonal grounds maintenance
- Plan and prioritise workloads to ensure work is completed safely and on time
- Carry out and oversee horticultural tasks including planting, pruning, weeding and landscaping
- Maintain gardens, hard surfaces and open spaces to professional standards
- Deliver team briefings and help to support staff development and training
- Adhere to health & safety policy on-site, including COSHH and risk assessments
- Operate and oversee the safe use of machinery, tools and vehicles
- Respond to changing conditions (e.g. weather or operational priorities)
- Liaise with colleagues across the University to maintain high service standards
- Deputise for the Grounds Coordinator when required
You’ll lead from the front — setting standards, supporting your team and ensuring continuous improvement across all activities.
You should apply if We’re looking for someone who:
- Has strong experience in horticulture, gardens or grounds maintenance
- Has proven experience supervising or leading a team
- Has relevant operational qualifications (e.g. NPTC, LANTRA)
- Demonstrates strong organisational and problem‑solving skills
- Has a good understanding of health and safety practices
- Communicates effectively and works collaboratively
- Holds a full UK driving licence (as some duties would not be easily completed via public transport only)
Additional information Contract type: Open ended Work pattern: Full time (35 hours) Grade: E Salary: £26,093 - £28,778 per annum School/Unit: Campus Division - External Estates
Garden Team Leader employer: University of Bristol
Join our award-winning university health service as a Nurse Practitioner, where you will be part of a close-knit and supportive primary care team dedicated to the well-being of our diverse student population. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth, with opportunities to engage in evidence-based patient care in a beautiful, purpose-built practice. We value your expertise and enthusiasm for working with young people, offering a fulfilling environment that prioritises both personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Team Leader
✨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 University of Bristol.
✨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 University of Bristol.
✨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 University of Bristol; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Team Leader
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 University of Bristol.
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 Garden Team Leader.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what University of Bristol 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 University of Bristol a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol
✨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 University of Bristol might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
