How much does a horticulturist / landscaper earn?

Indicatively £24,000–£34,000 per year. That is an observed market range rather than an offer — actual pay depends on the employer, your experience, shift pattern and whether you are PAYE or self-employed.

What do I need to work as a horticulturist / landscaper?

Training or ticket needed. You would typically need: PA1 / PA6 spraying, CSCS Blue (Skilled Worker). Horticulture qualification or grounds maintenance experience; spraying certificates help.

When would this role be hired on the Universal Bedford build?

Across 2 phases, from fit-out, theming & landscaping (roughly 2030) through to operations (roughly 2041). These windows are the usual sequence for a project of this size, not Universal's published programme.

Is this role likely to be filled locally?

Very likely local. Universal has pledged around 80 per cent local hiring across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, but that average hides real variation — roles like this one are overwhelmingly recruited locally.

Facilities & maintenance

Horticulturist / landscaper

Planting during fit-out, then maintaining it forever.

Indicative pay: £24,000–£34,000
Paid: per year
Entry level: Training or ticket needed
Hiring volume: Steady need

Pay is an indicative market range, not an offer. We hold no vacancies for this role.

What the job involves

Soft and hard landscaping installation, then ongoing planting, pruning, irrigation and seasonal displays. Theming makes planting design unusually demanding.

How to get into it

Horticulture qualification or grounds maintenance experience; spraying certificates help.

What you need before you start

The cards, tickets and checks this role normally requires.

PA1 / PA6 spraying

£350–£700 · valid Does not expire, but employers may require refreshers

Certificates permitting the professional application of pesticides.

CSCS Blue (Skilled Worker)

£100–£200 · valid 5 years

Proves a recognised trade qualification at NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.

When this role is needed

Indicative windows based on the typical sequence for a project of this size. Not Universal’s published programme.

Fit-out, theming & landscaping
Roughly 2030–2031
Carpenters, painters, plasterers, tilers, landscapers — plus scenic artists, sculptors and model makers, which are unusual skills to be hiring at volume.
Operations
Roughly 2031–2041
Overwhelmingly hospitality, retail, ride operations, entertainment, facilities and corporate roles. Ongoing maintenance keeps a permanent core of electricians, mechanical fitters and building services engineers on site.

Other facilities & maintenance roles

Housekeeping / cleaning operative

No experience needed

Facilities & maintenance

£12.00–£13.50 per hour

Hotels and public areas, at very high volume.

High volumeVery likely local

Building services engineer

Experience needed

Facilities & maintenance

£38,000–£55,000 per year

Keeps the resort's plant and systems running permanently.

Steady need

Resort security officer

Training or ticket needed

Facilities & maintenance

£13.00–£16.00 per hour

Guest safety and site security once the resort opens.

High volumeVery likely local