Senior Gardener

Corehr; Oxford; On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Long‑term family leave scheme

Cycle loan scheme

Public transport discounts

Clubs and community activities

Job summary

Oxford University Parks is seeking an experienced Senior Gardener to lead on projects and mentor the next generation of green space professionals. The role focuses on high-quality grounds maintenance across the university estate, with opportunities to develop leadership and technical skills.

You will contribute to seasonal planting, lawn care, borders, shrubs, and safe machinery operation while supporting day-to-day operations and team mentoring.

Qualifications

• Relevant craft qualification in horticulture required.
• PA1 and PA6 pesticide certification required.
• Full driving licence necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead small project teams on grounds maintenance.
• Seasonal planting and lawn care across university grounds.
• Border and shrub maintenance and landscape scheme implementation.
• Proficient in safe operation of horticultural machinery.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentoring

Practical horticulture

Education

NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds

BTEC National Diploma

NCH certificate

Tools

Safe machinery operation

Job description

UK date and time: 19-September-2026 14:02

Are you a skilled and passionate horticulturist ready to take the lead on projects and mentor the next generation of green space professionals?Oxford University Parks is seekingan experiencedhorticultural professional to join the team asa Senior Gardener.

Location:South Lodge, South Parks Road, Oxford

Contract type: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.

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 Senior Gardener, you will take on an active and hands-on role across the University’s extensive green estate, working as part of a close-knit team to deliver high-quality grounds and horticultural maintenance. You’ll also have opportunities to lead teams on projects, support day-to-day operations, and play a key role in mentoring apprentices and developing colleagues.

Your responsibilities will span seasonal planting and lawn care, border and shrub maintenance, safe machinery operation, and implementing landscaping schemes. You’ll contribute to a wide variety of work, from specialist projects to everyday operations - with the chance to develop your own technical and leadership skills along the way.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact on the University’s green spaces, contributing to the beauty and function of the estate in support of world-leading research, teaching, and public engagement.

About You

You will be an experienced horticultural professional with a recognised craft qualification, confident working with a wide range of tools and equipment. You'll bring:

• A relevant horticultural qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 2, City & Guilds, BTEC National Diploma, NCH)
• PA1 and PA6 pesticide certification
• A full driving licence
• Strong practical plant knowledge and horticultural experience
• The ability to lead small teams and mentor apprentices
• A commitment to health and safety, team collaboration, and quality work

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon onMonday 28 September 2026.

We will be reviewing applications and holding interviews on an ongoing basis. If we find the right candidate before the closing date, we may close the vacancy earlier than planned, so we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.