At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with community groups to enhance local environments through horticulture and grounds maintenance.
- Company: Woking Borough Council, dedicated to delivering high-quality services.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, generous flexi time scheme, pension scheme, and discounted health memberships.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities amidst local government reorganisation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture or grounds maintenance, with good communication and IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 29633 - 40988 £ per year.
Employer: Woking Borough Council
Reference: PLDI/26/343238
Salary range from £29,633 to £40,988 dependent on experience plus flexible benefits allowance up to £2,071 per annum and a vehicle allowance of up to £2,683 per annum.
Location: Woking
Closing on 22/09/2026 at 23:55
Yes DBS Check
Permanent | Flexible Hours/Full Time 37 hours per week.
Do you have an interest in working 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.
Interview Dates: 29 September 2026
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Statement: Surrey is included in the Local Government Reorganisation plans, with new unitary councils expected to be established by April 2027. Woking Borough Council remains committed to delivering high-quality services to residents throughout this period of change. While we understand that applicants may feel uncertain about joining us during this transition, it is anticipated that most employees will transfer to the new unitary councils. This reorganisation may also present new career development opportunities across the region.
We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK.
AI Use in Applications: We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications. All submitted information—whether supported by AI or not—must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications. Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.
Woking Borough Council is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities and provide reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process.
Neighbourhood Officer (Grounds and Horticulture) in Woking employer: Woking Borough Council
Woking Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the community. As a Tenancy Enforcement Officer, you will have access to excellent career development opportunities, including a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Regulatory Compliance, while enjoying a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a generous leave policy. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable tenants in Woking, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Neighbourhood Officer (Grounds and Horticulture) in Woking
✨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 Horticulture) in Woking
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 Horticulture).
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.
