At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain sports grounds and landscapes, ensuring they look their best for events.
- Company: Join the University of Nottingham, a leading institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, 24/7 support, and access to fitness facilities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career progression await you.
- Why this job: Be part of an award-winning team and make a real difference on campus.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in horticulture or relevant experience; driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 26908 - 28890 £ per year.
The University of Nottingham has been providing an outstanding student experience for over 140 years and is a leading university of worldwide significance with established campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia.
Your role as a Gardener/Groundworker will be based at Sutton Bonington Campus near Loughborough. This is a full-time, permanent role within the award-winning Landscape & Grounds team. Main duties will include:
- Assisting with the maintenance of a wide range of sports grounds areas to a high standard, including marking out playing surfaces and maintaining turf and artificial surfaces.
- Preparation, care and maintenance of amenity landscapes across university grounds, including planting perennials, shrubs and supporting events such as Graduations & open days.
Candidates should be highly motivated, professional and able to work with minimal supervision. You will be qualified to NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in amenity horticulture or Sports Ground practices, or a related discipline, or have proven relevant experience. You should also be able to operate a wide range of powered machinery including tractors and other equipment used in sports grounds maintenance & amenity horticulture. A full, current driving licence is essential for this role due to the frequency of driving between university sites.
What We Offer:
- A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment.
- Permanent contract for 52 weeks of the year.
- An excellent holiday allowance of 27 days, plus additional university closure days and bank holidays.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Counselling Service - 24/7 support.
- Uniform and the tools you need to do a great job.
- Staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities.
- Access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more.
This position is offered on a permanent basis. Hours of work are full time, 36.25 hours per week to be worked 5 days out of 7 to be arranged (mainly Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 3.30pm) with flexibility to work weekends as required. Job share arrangements may be considered.
Successful candidates will be expected to attend induction training courses which will run each month, Monday to Friday on University Park Campus. Further details will be given at interview.
Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of the Disability Confident Scheme.
This position does not fulfil the UK Visas & Immigration sponsorship criteria for Skilled Worker, therefore we can only accept applications from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK.
Groundsworker/Gardener in Sutton Bonington employer: University of Nottingham School of Humanities
The University of Nottingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of bioinformatics and genomics. As a KTP Research Associate, you will benefit from access to cutting-edge research facilities, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to contribute to impactful projects with NetZeroNitrogen, all while being part of a supportive academic community in the heart of Nottingham.
Contact Details:
University of Nottingham School of Humanities Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsworker/Gardener in Sutton Bonington
✨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 Nottingham School of Humanities.
✨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 Nottingham School of Humanities.
✨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 Nottingham School of Humanities; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundsworker/Gardener in Sutton Bonington
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 Nottingham School of Humanities.
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 Groundsworker/Gardener.
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 Nottingham School of Humanities 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 Nottingham School of Humanities a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Nottingham School of Humanities
✨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 Nottingham School of Humanities might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
