Job Description

Job Title:

Gardener

PP-SRS-GRD:

W-5003-06

Location:

RAF Lakenheath

Vacancy Number

035857

Open Date:

2 December 2025

Close Date

16 December 2025

Work Hours Per Week

20 hours

Salary (Per Hour)

14.03-15.35

Several vacancies may be available - multiple selections may be made

We are currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join a premier team of Gardeners at the 48 Force Support Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, United Kingdom.

What will be your primary role?

The primary purpose of this position is to plan and perform seasonal gardening and grounds maintenance duties associated with the golf course. The position requires the use of motor vehicles and tractors. As a gardener at the Golf course, you will plan and carry out gardening work by determining when and how to plant/transplant flowers, shrubs, grass and trees based on seasonal schedules or project plans for the golf course, suitability of the weather, degree of moisture in the soil and stage of plant growth. You will perform grounds maintenance work such as mowing, weeding, watering, pruning and trimming, selecting and applying established gardening methods. As a gardener you will be expected to use and maintain a variety of hand and power operated garden tools and equipment such as but not limited to: seeders, spreaders, edgers, hedge trimmers, etc. Frequently you will operate a farm-type tractor and towed or attached equipment on level or rolling terrain typical of a golf course as well as operate a variety of gasoline, diesel or electric powered-wheeled vehicles.

For more information on the qualifications requirement for this position, visit:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualification s/#url=WG-5000

We offer fantastic company benefits include:

Competitive salary:

the starting salary for this position is 14.03 per hour

Holiday:

Annual Leave + UK Bank Holidays on a Pro rata basis

Paid Sick Leave

Pension Scheme

Free On-Site Parking

Employee extras such as:

Life Assurance scheme, Employee Assistance Program, Specialized Training, Development Opportunities, Fitness Facilities, Receive time off, cash, and honorary awards for significant contributions

Overview of our mission

U.S. Air Forces in Europe - United Kingdom (USAFE-UK), a forward detachment of USAFE, is headquartered at RAF Mildenhall, England a premier employer of over 1,200 local national employees with a right to work in the United Kingdom. Our jobs ranging from Administrative; Logistics; Trade and Labor (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC), electrician, plumbers, and general Maintenance); Civil Engineers, Lawyers, Doctors and Administrative and Management positions. The organization further serves as the focal point for overseas negotiations with His Majesty's government on a wide range of issues. Our team is dedicated to excellence, innovation, and the highest standards of operational readiness.

As the U.S. Air Forces in Europe's only fourth and fifth-generation fighter wing, RAF Lakenheath brings unique air combat capabilities to the fight, such as the most advanced Joint Direct Attack Munitions used by the F-35A & F-15E. RAF Lakenheath provides all-weather, day or night air superiority and air-to-ground precision combat capability and multi-staged improvement program avionics. Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, is located 70 miles northeast of London and 25 miles northeast of Cambridge. The Liberty Wing consists of more than 4,000 military members, over 1,500 British and U.S. civilians and includes a geographically separated unit at nearby RAF Feltwell. RAF Lakenheath is the largest U.S. Air Force-operated base in England and the only U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) F-35/F-15 fighter wing. Historically, the 48th FW has been the foundation of USAFE's combat capability and remains so today. The Liberty Wing led the El Dorado Canyon raids into Libya in 1986 and was the first F-111 fighter unit to deploy to the Gulf during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The Liberty Wing also anchored NATO forces during Operations Deliberate Force and Allied Force. Since September 11, 2001, the 48th FW has played a key role in antiterrorism operations, flying combat missions and providing combat support in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

What are the Key Skills required for this role?

1. Must have experience which demonstrates knowledge of seasonal gardening tasks, such as; preparing seedbeds, transplanting, laying sod, aerating, pruning, trimming, and applying chemicals to plants; grounds maintenance; skill in operating a variety of tractors and in operating one or more gasoline, diesel, or electric powered wheeled vehicles.

2. Must be able to follow written and/or oral instructions, work orders, and specifications related to gardening, motor vehicle and tractor operation, and to perform preventive maintenance.

3. Must be able to reach, bend, turn or move hands, arms, feet, and legs and carry parts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

5. PA1, PA2, PA6 spraying certificates desired but not required.

What are the conditions of employment for this role?

1. You will be required to handle and safeguard sensitive information in accordance with applicable US and UK laws, rules and regulations.

2. You may be required to travel by military and/or civilian aircraft and you may also be required to travel to the US or other country, in the performance of official duties or attend necessary training, this position may also be coded as mission essential.

3. You will be required to complete a 6-month probationary period.

4. Overtime may be required.

5. You may be assigned other duties not included in this position description, but that are appropriate to the grade and skill set of the incumbent.

6. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

7. Your work hours will be 20 hours per week on a as rostered schedule (any 5 days out of the 7 days - 0730-1330) where start & end times may be modified due to mission needs and in accordance with the organization's flexible working policies

8. The Local National Direct Hire (LNDH) Program does not participate in regular drug testing; however, positions covered by this document may be subject to drug testing upon reasonable suspicion of substance abuse, and safety mishap or accident testing.

9. The work requires the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, CAT B UK valid driver's license is required for the position.

10. Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

11. Pro-Appointment physical/health screening is required; appointment may be contingent upon passing a physical examination.

NOTE:

You will require a security clearance and a right to work in the UK.

This position may have certain restrictions to US citizens including US dual nationals due to the Status of Forces Agreement. For additional information contact the LNDH team on 01638 544955.

Applications:

https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/HiHn37upJw

Supporting Documents to be submitted via email to 100fss.fsmc6@us.af.mil

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 14,591.20-15,964.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Canteen Company pension Free parking Gym membership Life insurance On-site gym On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: 035857