At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and develop beautiful gardens while using specialised horticultural equipment.
- Company: Join the University of Warwick, a world-class institution with stunning gardens.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and access to amazing sports facilities.
- Other info: Great training opportunities and a supportive team environment await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a significant project to create the best university gardens in the UK.
- Qualifications: Level 2 diploma in horticulture and a passion for gardening required.
For informal queries about the role, please contact Dean Jackson, Operations Manager (Gardens), at D.S.Jackson@warwick.ac.uk.
In this role, you will carry out a wide range of horticultural duties, including planting trees, shrubs, natural grassland and bedding schemes. You will also maintain areas by mowing, pruning, digging and strimming. Both areas of work require the use of specialised machinery as well as accurate record keeping to ensure all machinery is safe to use and in good repair. Beyond maintenance, we’ll ask you to come up with your own ideas as to how we can improve and develop our gardens as part of our wider strategy.
You Will Be Required To:
- Use a range of horticultural equipment, power tools and machinery.
- Undertake demanding manual tasks.
- Take part in the winter gritting and ice-clearing rota.
- Find ways to improve our gardens and bring our plans to life.
The role is a 5 over 7 day contract which will include occasional weekend working on a rota basis to cover University events, this will be discussed in more detail at interview. We offer a variety of benefits including generous annual leave allowance (including four days at Christmas), flexible working, training and development, and family friendly leave. We also offer discounted membership to the Sports hub, a bespoke sports & wellness hub with amazing facilities and its own climbing centre, as well as access to an Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support delivering guidance and expert advice), free eye test and discounted membership with Costco.
About You:
- Hold a Level 2 diploma in horticulture (or an equivalent qualification).
- Experience working in a residential, commercial or public garden.
- Able to understand landscape designs and bedding schemes.
- Wide knowledge of gardening.
- Able to complete necessary paperwork.
- Truly passionate about horticulture.
- Able to work well as part of a team.
- Educated to GCSE standards.
Closing Deadline Thursday 20th August 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time).
The University of Warwick has a world class reputation for learning with a vision that by 2030, it will be one of the world’s exceptional universities, helping to transform our region, country and world for the collective good. Our workforce spans around 7,000 staff from diverse backgrounds. Inclusion is one of the four strategic priorities which underpin everything that we do in our Research and Education offerings as we aspire to remove economic, social and cultural barriers that have prevented talented people from working and studying at Warwick. Our award-winning gardens, extensive borders and diverse ecology sit within a 715-acre campus, which is an important, highly visible element of our reputation. You will be responsible for maintaining and developing them as part of our ambition to create among the best university gardens in the UK. Our plans are backed by considerable investment, so not only will you be part of a significant project to add to your record, you’ll also receive high-quality training and development opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere.
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
What we Offer:
- An attractive pension scheme.
- 26 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
- Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
- Onsite childcare facilities.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. Where possible, we offer hybrid working arrangements that combine office-based and remote working. Opportunities for hybrid working will depend on the requirements of the role, business needs of the department and can be discussed during the recruitment process.
We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.
To find out more about our commitments to equality, diversity, and inclusion, please see: Our Commitments | University of Warwick.
Right to Work in the UK: This role is not eligible for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa. If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK you will need to check the UK Government Website to see if you are eligible to obtain the right to work in the UK through one of the other UK immigration routes before you make your application.
Gardener (105502-0726) in Coventry employer: University of Warwick
Warwick Sport is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a commitment to inclusion and a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances, flexible working arrangements, and excellent learning opportunities, the role of Head of Student Sport provides a unique chance to lead impactful programmes that enhance the student experience at one of the UK's leading universities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener (105502-0726) in Coventry
✨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 Warwick.
✨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 Warwick.
✨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 Warwick; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener (105502-0726) in Coventry
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 Warwick.
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 (105502-0726).
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 Warwick 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 Warwick a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Warwick
✨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 Warwick might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
