Gardener and Grounds Staff

Gardeners and Grounds staff keep grounds attractive and tidy.

You will look after the outside areas of health and care buildings, making them pleasant places for people to visit. As well as maintenance work, you may be involved in creating new garden spaces, it could be a serene space for reflection, a playful area for children, or a tranquil retreat for individuals dealing with mental health challenges or dementia.

Gardener and Grounds Staff is also known as Horticulture.

Role Characteristics

Mow and tend to lawns and gardens
Create new spaces for reflection, peace, and remembrance
Sweep paths, carparks and clearing snow and ice
Trim trees and bushes
Plant, maintain and weed borders
Use fertilisers and chemicals to control pests within the lawns and gardens

Skills

Attention to detail
Creative thinking
Operating equipment
Planning
Team work
Organisation

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out about the role of a Gardener

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Volunteering or work experience

Apply directly

GCSEs

How to become

Although GCSEs aren't essential to work as a Gardener or Grounds staff, it's a good idea to get some basic qualifications. Some employers may expect a qualification in horticulture or landscaping and experience of horticulture work. This could be from paid or voluntary work or through experience at home.

You can then apply for a job or an apprenticeship and study part-time for a horticultural qualification, such as a Royal Horticultural Society award, certificate or diploma.