Job vacancies

Team Leader (Landscaping & Projects) - Fixed Term Contract for 18 Months

Are you a Landscaper who is passionate about creating and maintaining stunning green spaces? Join our dynamic University Parks Team at the University of Oxford and play a key role in shaping, maintaining, and enhancing renowned green spaces.
 
About Us
The University Parks Team is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty of the University’s extensive landscapes. From historic gardens to vital departmental green spaces, the team plays a crucial role in creating welcoming environments that inspire students, staff, and visitors alike. This role is for our newly formed projects team that carry out new landscape installations across a wide variety of high-profile sites across Oxford.
 
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.
  • A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
  • An excellent contributory pension scheme.
  • 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
A fantastic team has been created to shape how we execute landscape projects at the University and you have the chance to be a key part of it. You will have the opportunity to work on prestigious, high profile sites implementing landscaping schemes that are seen by thousands of students, staff and visitors daily. Please see this link showing some of our recent projects.
 
You will be involved in a wide range of landscaping projects, from planting and turfing to paving and structural work. Working with expert colleagues and professional machinery, you will help transform outdoor spaces while ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship.
 
You will also have the chance to supervise on-site teams, mentor apprentices, and contribute to meaningful projects that blend heritage with modern landscaping practices. Working closely with the wider management team, you’ll have the chance to influence design and implementation.
 
About You

To apply for this role, you should have:

  • Plant operator certification (e.g., excavators, dumpers, etc.) or significant relevant experience.
  • Hands-on experience in landscaping and site work.
  • A full driving licence (essential for the role).
  • Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture, or a related field or significant relevant experience
  • Strong teamwork and leadership skills.
  • Knowledge of Health & Safety best practices.

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
To apply, please visit our job portal, where you will be asked to upload the following as part of your application:

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

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 28 March 2025. The job advert may close earlier if we find a suitable candidate.