At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens and support property maintenance tasks to create welcoming spaces.
- Company: Join Zetetick Housing, a caring organisation dedicated to supporting tenants.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company vehicle, uniform, enhanced pension, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the lives of people with learning disabilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening and basic maintenance skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a proactive and enthusiastic Gardener / Maintenance Operative to join our Maintenance Team in the Southeast for 4 days per week. This hands‑on role is primarily responsible for maintaining the gardens and outdoor spaces at our properties to a high standard, ensuring they remain safe, attractive and welcoming for our tenants. Alongside gardening duties, the successful candidate will support the wider maintenance team with general property maintenance, decorating and minor repairs as required, particularly during quieter seasonal periods. As a frontline ambassador for Zetetick Housing, you will consistently demonstrate our values and commitment to delivering excellent service to tenants, colleagues and partners.
Gardening and Grounds Maintenance
- Maintain gardens and external areas across Zetetick Housing properties
- Carry out routine gardening tasks including:
- Lawn mowing
- Hedge trimming
- Pruning shrubs and small trees
- Weeding and planting
- Leaf clearance
- General tidying of outdoor areas
- Undertake minor landscaping and garden improvement works where required
- Ensure all outdoor spaces are safe, presentable and accessible for tenants
- Monitor and report any health and safety concerns relating to grounds or external areas
- Maintain gardening tools and equipment in good working order and report any defects
Maintenance Support
- Carry out minor maintenance and repair tasks including:
- Painting and decorating
- Furniture assembly
- Basic DIY repairs
- Minor plumbing tasks
- Assist with preparing void properties for new tenants
- Identify and report maintenance issues requiring specialist contractors
- Support planned maintenance projects as directed
General Responsibilities
- Organise appointments and manage your own workload effectively
- Complete and submit job records accurately using our mobile‑based repairs system
- Liaise closely with the Housing Maintenance Supervisor and Housing Team regarding work priorities
- Participate in the out‑of‑hours emergency on‑call rota (additional payment and door‑to‑door hours apply)
- Work safely and in accordance with health and safety procedures at all times
- Carry out basic dynamic risk assessments before undertaking work and report hazards, accidents, incidents and near‑misses in line with company procedures
- Work independently in a lone‑working environment
Essential
- Practical experience in gardening, grounds maintenance or landscaping
- Ability to carry out basic property maintenance and DIY tasks
- Able to carry out the physical requirements of the role, including outdoor work in all weather conditions and the safe use of gardening equipment and materials
- Ability to work independently and use initiative to solve problems
- Good organisational and time‑management skills
- Strong customer service approach and respect for vulnerable tenants and their homes
- Good written, verbal and numerical skills
- IT literate and able to use mobile‑based job management systems
- Full UK driving licence (successful applicants will be subject to a driving licence check)
- Willingness to participate in the out‑of‑hours on‑call rota
- Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory Basic DBS check
Desirable
- Experience of working within social housing, supported housing or a similar environment
- Experience of basic decorating or property maintenance work
- Knowledge of safe use and maintenance of gardening equipment
Benefits
- Company vehicle provided for business use
- Company uniform and PPE provided
- Enhanced workplace pension scheme with a 7% employer contribution
- Additional payment for participation in the on‑call rota
- Free parking at our Uckfield depot
- Training and development opportunities
- Access to our Workplace Health Scheme
- Access to our Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS)
- Opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and additional needs
Housing Gardener & Maintenance Operative employer: Zetetick Housing
Zetetick Housing is an exceptional employer that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. With a commitment to professional development, we offer training opportunities and a generous benefits package, including a company vehicle, enhanced pension contributions, and access to health schemes. Working in the Southeast, you will play a vital role in enhancing the lives of our tenants while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Gardener & Maintenance Operative
✨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 Zetetick Housing.
✨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 Zetetick Housing.
✨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 Zetetick Housing; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Gardener & Maintenance Operative
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 Zetetick Housing.
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 Housing Gardener & Maintenance Operative.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Zetetick Housing 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 Zetetick Housing a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zetetick Housing
✨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 Zetetick Housing might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
