Gardener

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 38 days

Family leave scheme

Cycle loan

Bus travel discounts

Season ticket loans

Social clubs

Job summary

University of Oxford is seeking three permanent Gardeners to join the University Parks team within Estates Services. You will maintain and develop the green spaces across the University, contributing to historic landscapes and sustainable outdoor environments.

The role requires horticultural knowledge, equipment operation, and a flexible approach. This on-site position offers a stable career within a respected academic estate in Oxford.

Qualifications

• A craft qualification (e.g. NVQ or City & Guilds) in horticulture or land-based work.
• Demonstrable knowledge of horticultural practices.
• Experience using a broad range of horticultural, landscape and grounds care equipment.
• Good plant knowledge.
• Full driving licence.
• Flexible approach to work.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance diverse landscapes across the University's estate.
• Undertake grounds maintenance, planting, pruning, turf and hedge maintenance.
• Safely operate horticultural machinery and equipment.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Equipment operation

Plant knowledge

Full driving licence

Flexible approach

Education

NVQ/City & Guilds in horticulture

Job description

Are you a Gardener eager to work on iconic green spaces in Oxford?

We are recruiting three permanent Gardeners to join our University Parks team within Estates Services at the University of Oxford. You will play a key role in developing and maintaining the green spaces across the University.

• Location:South Lodge, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RF
• Contract:Full Time, Permanent

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the 'city of dreaming spires', the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations.

University Parks plays a central role in maintaining the University's extensive green estate, caring for the historic University Parks alongside landscaped areas surrounding academic departments across Oxford. The team helps create welcoming, safe and sustainable outdoor environments that are enjoyed by students, staff, local communities and visitors from around the world

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

As a Gardener, you will help maintain and enhance a diverse range of landscapes across the University's estate, ensuring they remain attractive, safe and well cared for throughout the year. Your work will contribute to the preservation of historic green spaces while supporting the day-to-day experience of everyone who studies, works and visits the University.

Working as part of an experienced team, you will undertake a broad range of horticultural activities including grounds maintenance, planting, pruning, turf and hedge maintenance, and the safe operation of horticultural machinery and equipment.

About You

• A craft qualification (e.g. NVQ or City & Guilds) in horticulture or other land-based work
• A good and demonstrable knowledge of horticultural practices
• Experience in the use and operation of a broad range of horticultural, landscape and grounds care equipment
• Good plant knowledge
• Full driving licence
• A flexible approach to the work required.

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa under the UK Visa & Immigration points-based system. We are therefore unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Application Process

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 21 September 2026.