At a Glance
- Tasks: Work with community groups and contractors to tackle environmental issues and enhance local spaces.
- Company: Join a supportive council team dedicated to improving neighbourhoods.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, pension scheme, and discounted health memberships.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a chance to work with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills in horticulture and maintenance.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture or grounds maintenance is a plus, but passion is key!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you have the ability and interest to work with a variety of parties, contractors and community groups to deliver solutions to environmental issues? We wish to recruit a Neighbourhood Officer to join our existing team with a particular focus on grounds and horticulture. This exciting opportunity will see you contributing to the achievement of a clean, safe and pleasant environment.
You will have the ability and experience of working across a wide range of services and with a variety of stakeholders including our Contract Partners; other Council Service areas; Police; Surrey County Council, our residents and community groups and schools. The postholder will undertake the full range of Neighbourhood Officer duties, with an enhanced technical focus on horticulture and grounds maintenance providing professional and technical leadership to strengthen client‑side monitoring.
As such, we welcome applications from those with practical or vocational training in horticulture, grounds maintenance, landscaping or a related environmental discipline, or a commitment to working towards a relevant qualification. With good communication skills, you will be a competent user of IT including Word and Excel and be able to work on your own initiative. You will have a keen interest in contributing to the improvement of the external physical environment and will play a significant part in developing environmental solutions at the leading edge in partnership working.
As this job involves contact with vulnerable groups including children, successful applicants will be required to obtain a Disclosure Certificate from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Assistance will be given by the Council and further details will be in the job application pack.
The Council offers in return a generous flexi time scheme with the ability to take 2 flexi days a month, membership of the local government pension scheme, discounted health and leisure membership, plus many more excellent benefits.
For an informal discussion about the post please contact Russell Ellis, Neighborhood Manager on 07807 474777.
Closing Date: 8 July 2026 - 23:55pm
Interview Dates: 23 & 24 July 2026
Neighbourhood Officer (Grounds and Maintenance) in Surrey employer: Woking Borough Council
Woking Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment that values community engagement and sustainable development. As a CIL & Planning Benefits Officer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of Woking, with access to flexible benefits and professional growth opportunities in local government. Join a team that prioritises collaboration and innovation, making a real impact in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Neighbourhood Officer (Grounds and Maintenance) in Surrey
✨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 Woking Borough Council.
✨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 Woking Borough Council.
✨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 Woking Borough Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Neighbourhood Officer (Grounds and Maintenance) in Surrey
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 Woking Borough Council.
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 Neighbourhood Officer (Grounds and Maintenance).
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Woking Borough Council 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 Woking Borough Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Woking Borough Council
✨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 Woking Borough Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
