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- Tasks: Join our team to maintain beautiful gardens and grounds, including planting and pruning.
- Company: Work at a historic 18th Century Estate in stunning Dorset, rich in natural beauty.
- Benefits: Enjoy a friendly team environment and the chance to work outdoors in a picturesque setting.
- Why this job: Contribute to preserving a unique estate while gaining hands-on horticultural experience.
- Qualifications: Must have a clean UK driving licence and experience in grounds maintenance.
- Other info: Permanent position with 39 hours per week; weekend duties on a rota basis.
The predicted salary is between 19800 - 24800 £ per year.
We are seeking reliable, conscientious, and highly motivated Gardenersto join our dedicated team maintaining the stunning 35-acre formal gardens and grounds of our 18th Century Estate, nestled in the heart of Dorset.
About the Estate:
Originally designed by the Hanbury Family between 1915 and 1922, our gardens offer year-round interest with two National Plant Collections, sweeping lawns, lakeside walks all set within a Capability Brown-style parkland. The grounds also include sports lawns, recreational grass areas, and footpaths used daily by students, staff, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain formal gardens, lawns, and parkland to a high standard.
- Carry out horticultural tasks including planting, pruning, weeding, and mulching.
- Operate and maintain handheld machinery and grounds maintenance equipment.
- Assist with the upkeep of sports lawns and recreational areas.
- Work independently and as part of a team to ensure the estate remains a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment.
Essential Requirements:
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
- Experience driving light commercial vehicles and towing trailers.
- Proven experience in grounds maintenance and horticultural work.
- Competence in using handheld and ride-on machinery (e.g., strimmers, hedge cutters, mowers).
- A proactive, can-do attitude with a willingness to learn and take initiative.
Desirable:
- Horticultural qualifications or training.
- Certificate of competence for chainsaw use, tree climbing, PA6a or other relevant industry tickets.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a friendly and passionate team, working in one of Dorset’s most beautiful and historic landscapes.
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the preservation and development of a unique estate.
For an informal discussion about the role, the qualifications needed or your suitability, please call Mark Burgess on 01305 215000, option 1, extension 3304 during normal working hours.
The college doesn’t hold a sponsorship licence therefore we are not open to candidates who require sponsorship under the points-based system.
Status: Permanent
Hours: 39 hours per week 8:00am – 4:30pm worked over Monday – Friday, with weekend glasshouse/nursery duties to be worked on a rota basis.
Salary: £24,829 per annum
Campus Location: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester
To Apply:
Please visit the website for the full Job Description and College Application Form.
Applicants for this position must complete an employment application form. CVs may be submitted but only in support of a fully completed application form.
We are not accepting CVs at this stage from Recruitment Agencies.
Please return the completed application Form by email to recruitment@kmc.ac.uk
The Closing Date for Applications: Friday 25 July 2025 at 12 noon
Proposed Interview Date: To be confirmed
We reserve the right to close this position before the published date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
Kingston Maurward College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.
The College welcomes applications from people with a disability and will offer interviews to all those who are able to reasonably fulfil the criteria outlined in this Job Description. If applicants with a disability shortlisted for interview require any assistance in attending please contact the College’s Human Resources Manager in order that alternative arrangements are made.
For further details on application forms, the recruitment process or to read our GDPR Candidate Privacy Notice, please visit: https://www.kmc.ac.uk/college/quick-links/work-for-us/
Following receipt of completed application forms, if you have not heard from the College within 2 weeks of the closing date regrettably you will not have been short listed on this occasion. All short-listed applicants will be contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date or no later than 3 days prior to the interview date (where an interview date is specified).
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Gardener employer: Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College
Contact Detail:
Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural practices and plant species mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role and the estate's unique gardens.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former employees of the estate through platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with the specific machinery and tools listed in the job description. Being able to confidently talk about your practical skills will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider visiting the estate if possible, to get a feel for the environment and the gardens. This will not only give you a better understanding of the role but also provide you with talking points during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and essential requirements for the Gardener position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Complete the Application Form: Make sure to fill out the employment application form completely. While you can submit a CV, it should only support your application form, not replace it.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous grounds maintenance or horticultural work experience. Mention specific tasks you've performed, such as planting, pruning, or operating machinery, to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific plants, gardening techniques, and any relevant experience you have with maintaining gardens, especially in a formal setting.
✨Showcase Your Machinery Skills
Since the role involves operating handheld and ride-on machinery, be ready to talk about your experience with these tools. Mention any specific equipment you've used and how you ensure safety and maintenance while operating them.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Independence
The job requires both independent work and collaboration with a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in both scenarios, highlighting your proactive attitude and ability to take initiative.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the estate and its gardens. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand the expectations better. You might ask about the types of projects the team is currently working on or future plans for the gardens.
