At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain parks and gardens, from grass cutting to planting.
- Company: Be part of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, dedicated to community green spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hands-on experience, and the chance to work outdoors.
- Why this job: Perfect for nature lovers wanting to make a difference in their community.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 1 in Horticulture or 2 years relevant experience required.
- Other info: Immediate start available; work in all weather conditions.
Social network you want to login/join with:
Job Category : General Industrial
Location : Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Hours Per Week : 36.00
Start Date : Immediate start
Start Time : 08:00
End Time : 16:30
Salary: £12.59
Grounds Maintenance section seasonal requirements
Main Purpose of Post/Job Summary
The post holder will be required to work in all weather conditions and as a team member contributing to the maintenance of the full range of the Council’s parks, gardens and open spaces as appropriate.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Undertake work in public parks, playing fields, landscaped areas and similar open spaces, i.e. general maintenance of these areas eg grass cutting, hedge trimming, sweeping, hoeing, raking, edging, removal of litter and rubbish, constructional labouring work, erection and dismantling of sports and other equipment, cleaning eg Council buildings such as changing rooms and toilets
- Patrol and attendance activities, collection and issuing of fees and tickets and maintenance of orderly conduct by the public to ensure Council bylaws are complied with.
- Horticultural operations eg planting, pruning, seeding and turfing and grounds maintenance eg basic setting out and marking of sports areas, spiking, scarifying, top dressing and fertilising and maintenance of Council’s tennis courts.
- Assistance to higher graded gardeners in more skilled tasks, which includes planning seasonal works, assistance with propagation and nursery care of plants, site preparation and construction.
- Carry out driving duties as instructed by the Line Manager. Driving duties to include: driving and responsibility for allocated vehicles i.e. vehicle checks (eg oil and water checks), required routine maintenance and cleaning, transportation of goods, equipment and personnel, assisting in the loading and unloading of vehicles using mechanical aids where appropriate, completing of associated paperwork and familiarity in the use of telecommunications equipment in accordance with Road traffic legislation.
- Operate and control various grounds machinery and hand tools as allocated by Team Leader/Supervisor, ensuring staff and public safety is adhered to. Ensure machinery is not damaged or lost.
- Attend Court to represent Newry, Mourne and Down District Council as and when required.
- Assist in ordering and maintaining stock and equipment, through their relevant Team leader and Line Manager.
- Prepare parks for opening and closing as a key holder to Council parks as and when requested, which also includes advising the Leisure Department on the availability of playing facilities.
- Liaise with members of public and deal with all enquiries in appropriate manner, in accordance with Council policies.
- Where the Post Holder is in possession of a current PA1-PA6 spraying qualification they will carry out spraying operations and maintain all necessary records in compliance with COSHH Regulations.
Education / Qualifications
⦁ NVQ Level 1 Horticulture AND a minimum of 12 months relevant experience to include the use of commercial grounds maintenance machinery. Examples: Strimmers, walk behind or ride on mowers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters and other hand tools
OR
⦁ In lieu of qualification, a minimum of 2 years relevant experience to include the use of commercial grounds maintenance machinery. Examples: Strimmers, walk behind or ride on mowers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters and other hand tools
⦁ Current category B driving licence
Experience
⦁ Experience of working with grounds maintenance equipment while in the presence of members of the public and / or traffic.
⦁ Experience of keeping written records for operational issues eg equipment defect
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Gardener 2 (Greenbank) employer: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Contact Detail:
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener 2 (Greenbank)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and machinery mentioned in the job description, such as strimmers and ride-on mowers. Being able to demonstrate your hands-on experience with these tools during an interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for horticulture and grounds maintenance by discussing any relevant projects or volunteer work you've done. This will highlight your commitment to the role and your ability to work in various weather conditions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you handle public interactions, as liaising with the public is a key part of this role. Think of examples where you've successfully managed inquiries or resolved issues in a customer-facing environment.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have a PA1-PA6 spraying qualification, make sure to mention it during your discussions. If not, consider obtaining it, as it could enhance your application and show your willingness to meet the job's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener 2 (Greenbank)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to understand the specific duties and responsibilities of the Gardener 2 position. Highlight any relevant experience you have that aligns with these tasks.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in horticulture and grounds maintenance. Include specific examples of machinery you've used, as well as any relevant qualifications or certifications.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gardening and your ability to work in various weather conditions. Mention your teamwork skills and how you can contribute to maintaining public parks and gardens.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
✨Know Your Horticulture Basics
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge, especially if you have an NVQ Level 1 in Horticulture. Be prepared to discuss your experience with planting, pruning, and using grounds maintenance machinery.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working as part of a team, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safety
Safety is crucial when operating machinery and working in public spaces. Be ready to talk about how you ensure safety for yourself and the public while performing your duties.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that may require you to demonstrate your knowledge of grounds maintenance tasks. Familiarise yourself with common practices like grass cutting, hedge trimming, and equipment maintenance.