At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful grounds and provide support across various crematorium sites.
- Company: Join a leading independent crematoria operator in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, training opportunities, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Flexible role with personal development and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while enjoying travel and teamwork in a caring environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening or grounds maintenance and a full driving licence required.
40 hours per week
From £27,500 - £28,500 per annum + Salary uplifts with specific training + Company performance bonus + Benefits
Test Valley Crematorium (Base site) + travel to support at other sites including New Forest Crematorium (New Milton), Wessex Vale Crematorium (Hedge End), Arun Crematorium (Yapton). Travel time will be factored into your usual working day hours. Company vehicle available for transporting machinery and tools to sites (works van). Mileage paid when using own vehicle.
Permanent role
Have you always wanted to use your experience as a Gardener / Groundsperson in a role where you can truly make a difference every day? If so, we would love to hear from you!
You will provide grounds support during holiday / sickness / busy times at these sites. Travel time will be factored into your normal hours of work so you will not need to spend extensive personal time commuting. We have a company van that can be used to transport tools / machinery.
You will be based at our beautiful Test Valley Crematorium however this is a field orientated role where you will also be required to travel to different sites in the division including New Forest Crematorium (New Milton), Wessex Vale Crematorium (Hedge End), Arun Crematorium (Yapton). If you enjoy travelling, seeing new places and meeting different people then you will enjoy the variety of this role.
We are one of the largest independent operators of crematoria in the UK, supported by almost 500 empathetic and dedicated individuals and we are growing.
The role
Working at our crematorium grounds requires a level of care and respect not found in a generic job. We provide families with a sense of comfort that their loved ones are taken care of and a beautiful setting in which they have time to reflect.
As part of our busy site team, you will work closely with the Site Manager / Grounds Team Leader on the plan for the gardens at this site. You will also be able to use your creativity to shape this plan.
You will be responsible for all grounds maintenance activity including:
- Seasonal gardening and grounds maintenance including lawn cutting, strimming, leaf clearance, hedge cutting, litter picking, watering, weeding, pruning and planting schemes
- Spraying
- Memorial fixing
- Assisting with interments / preparation of burial plots if required
- General upkeep of our grounds
- Undertake daily machinery checks and record operator hours
- Emptying of grounds bins and accumulated waste
- Clearing of all debris around the buildings and car-parks
- Health and Safety compliance
There is the opportunity for personal development and training on areas that you need to be upskilled in or have an interest in. This role requires flexibility and pulling together as one team to support each other and provide the exceptional care and service that we are known for.
About you
Previous experience in a role that involves gardening e.g.: Gardener, Groundsperson, Grounds Maintenance, horticulture etc. You will need to hold a full driving licence and own transport to be able to travel to other sites and operate some of the machinery we use (e.g. ride on mower). There will also be access to a company van to use to transport tools / machinery. Happy to travel to the different sites within the division. (Travel time will be factored into your normal hours of work).
We are looking for someone who is a real team player with the desire to make a difference every day. Organised with excellent attention to detail.
What We Offer
If you would like to join the Westerleigh team, you can be sure of a warm welcome, ongoing training and development and a sense of pride by truly making a difference every day to the families that we serve. The values we champion are Safety First, Exceptional Care, Uniquely Personal and One Team.
In addition to salary, you will also be eligible for the following benefits:
- Company performance bonus
- £500 salary increase (pro rata) if FBCA cremator training completed
- Additional £500 increase (pro rata) on completion of memorial fixing training
- 24 days holiday + bank holidays
- Life Assurance
- Access to a wide range of retail discounts and wellbeing support
- Ongoing learning & development
- Pension scheme
- Employee Assistance / Occupational health support Program
- Mindfulness App
- The benefit we hope you’ll never need: Free Cremation benefit for Immediate family
- Mental Health Ambassadors
- Bereavement Leave
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
- Recognition scheme
- Free Flu jab
- Smart uniform and PPE provided
- Free parking
What next?
Start a career with significance by applying today. We generally advertise vacancies for a minimum of 1 week before reviewing applications. We reserve the right to close the application window sooner if a significant number of applications are received. If you’re not contacted, please assume you have been unsuccessful. Unfortunately, feedback is not always possible due to the volume of applications we receive.
Divisional Gardener / Groundsperson in Romsey employer: Westerleigh
Westerleigh Crematorium offers a unique and meaningful work environment for Payroll Administrators, where you can contribute to a compassionate industry while enjoying a hybrid working model. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a performance bonus, and a supportive team culture, you'll find opportunities to grow your skills and make a real difference in the lives of families we serve. Join us in a role that not only values your expertise but also champions safety, exceptional care, and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Gardener / Groundsperson in Romsey
✨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 Westerleigh.
✨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 Westerleigh.
✨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 Westerleigh; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
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 Westerleigh.
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 Divisional Gardener / Groundsperson.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Westerleigh 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 Westerleigh a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westerleigh
✨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 Westerleigh might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
