At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain the beautiful grounds of the University of Leeds and support exciting events.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at the University of Leeds, dedicated to creating an attractive campus.
- Benefits: Enjoy 42 days off a year, gym discounts, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with great career growth potential in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience outdoors while making a positive impact on campus life.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and strong communication skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 30000 £ per year.
Overview
Interviews are expected to be held on the 17th October 2025. This role will be based on the university campus.
Role and team
Do you have experience of working within a grounds maintenance environment? Are you able to build and maintain effective working relationships? Would you like to join a team maintaining the external estate at the University of Leeds?
Responsibilities
You will have experience of working in a grounds maintenance environment. You will possess good communication and interpersonal skills. Joining a busy and growing team you will be a key part of a team making sure that the external estate is attractive, well maintained and reflects well on the University. Your team contributes to the University by undertaking varied support activities including external maintenance activities and supporting the set up of events across the University.
You will be able to undertake significant levels of manual handling and be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions. An interest in horticulture would be an advantage however full training will be provided.
Working pattern
Grounds and Gardens staff are required to provide a flexible service, working as necessary to meet the needs of the University, this would normally equate to a 35 hour working week, 5 days over 7. Your normal working times will be 7.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday working on average 1 Saturday in 4; however flexibility is particularly required due to seasonal variations, customer requirements and University events e.g. open days, large conferences and degree ceremonies.
Benefits
- 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
And much more!
How to apply / Contact
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
James Wright, Senior Maintenance Manager
Please see details of the University’s Pre-employment Health Assessment within the Candidate Brief.
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Grounds & Gardens Assistant in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
The University of Leeds is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values teamwork and personal development. As a Grounds & Gardens Assistant, you will enjoy generous benefits including 42 days of holiday, access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to the beauty and functionality of the university campus in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds & Gardens Assistant in Leeds
✨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 Leeds.
✨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 Leeds.
✨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 Leeds; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds & Gardens Assistant in Leeds
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 Leeds.
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 Grounds & Gardens Assistant.
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 Leeds 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 Leeds a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨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 Leeds might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
