At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain parks and outdoor spaces, ensuring they look their best.
- Company: Ashton Recruitment connects talent with local government roles in Craigavon.
- Benefits: Earn £13.26 per hour with flexible hours and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience in horticulture while contributing to your community's green spaces.
- Qualifications: 12 months' experience in grounds maintenance or horticulture is essential; driving licence required.
- Other info: Work may include evenings and weekends, perfect for those seeking varied hours.
Ashton Recruitment require an Outdoor Spaces Groundsperson for our local government client based in Craigavon.
Position: Outdoor Spaces Groundsperson
Location: Banbridge
Duration: Fixed-Term Contract for 6 months, maybe extended
Pay Rate : £13.26 per hour
Hours of work: 37 hours per week (Monday to Sunday) plus additional hours as required. Evening and weekend working may also be required. Start and finish times will vary depending on work location.
The post holder will work as a member of the outdoor space's maintenance team under the general direction of a Head Grounds person/ team leader and be responsible for undertaking both basic and skilled work in parks, playing fields, landscaped areas and open spaces either individually or as part of a team. The post holder will be required to work flexibly regarding time, place and type of work assigned within the Borough in the field of amenity horticulture including the care and maintenance of buildings, sports equipment, sports facilities, general amenity areas, parks and play areas and work diligently, efficiently and effectively to achieve assigned personal and team tasks to the required quality and within the allotted timescales. The post holder will be required to develop personal competence in the use of plant and equipment and provide customer care services at parks and sports grounds.
Duties will include:
Carry out horticultural operations, including planting trees, shrubs and plants.Carry out grass cutting, hedge cutting and pruning.Carry out labour associated with soil cultivation, fertiliser spreading, site preparation and constructional labouring.Carry out sports facility maintenance as and when required to include preparation and constructional labouring.Maintain games facilities and areas including spiking, aeration, scarifying, top-dressing, fertilising and also marking of games areas and erection/dismantling of posts.Load, unload and move equipment and materials such as mowers, barrows, plants, soil, fertilisers, horticultural and sundries.Assist the higher graded gardeners with their work.Responsible for opening and closing parks facilities as and when required to include the setting of alarms etc.Maintain the orderly condition of grounds, i.e. sweeping, hoeing, ranking, mowing, edging, removal of litter/rubbish/illegal dumping etc.Maintain buildings, i.e. cleaning (sweeping, mopping and dusting), movement of equipment and materials (tables, chairs and machinery)
Essential Criteria:
- 12months' experience in two or more of the following areas:
- Operating a variety of commercial grass cutting machinery;
- Amenity horticulture skills;
- Sports ground maintenance.
- Ability to work as part of a team;
- Good communication skills;
- Excellent customer care skills;
- Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision;
- Ability to work to deadlines;
- Committed to quality work;
- Committed to safe working.
- Hold a full current driving licence (valid in the UK) including category B
Desirable Criteria
- NVQ Level 1 Amenity Horticulture or equivalent;
- Pesticide certificate
- One year's experience of:
- Customer care;
Ashton Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business.
Skills:
Health and Safety Horticulture Team work Communication Customer care Ground Maintenance
Groundsperson employer: Ashton Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Ashton Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsperson
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural practices and equipment mentioned in the job description. Being knowledgeable about grass cutting machinery and amenity horticulture will help you stand out during any informal discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm for outdoor work and teamwork. When networking or speaking with current employees, express your passion for maintaining parks and open spaces, as well as your ability to collaborate effectively with others.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your flexibility regarding working hours and conditions. Since the role requires evening and weekend work, demonstrating your willingness to adapt to varying schedules can make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
If possible, gain some hands-on experience in similar roles or volunteer in local parks. This practical experience not only enhances your CV but also gives you real-life examples to discuss during interviews, showcasing your commitment to the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in horticulture, grounds maintenance, and customer care. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills in operating machinery and working as part of a team.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the Groundsperson role. Mention your experience with outdoor spaces, your ability to work flexibly, and your commitment to quality work and safety.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication skills and ability to work independently. Mention any certifications you hold, such as NVQ Level 1 in Amenity Horticulture or a pesticide certificate, as these are desirable criteria.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashton Recruitment
✨Show Your Horticultural Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your horticulture skills and knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with planting, maintaining gardens, and using various gardening equipment. This will demonstrate your competence and passion for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since the role involves working as part of a maintenance team, highlight your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully communicated and worked with others to achieve a common goal.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Initiative
The job requires flexibility in terms of hours and tasks. Be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing situations in previous roles and how you can take initiative when needed. This shows that you're committed to getting the job done, no matter the circumstances.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about specific tasks you might encounter, such as grass cutting or sports facility maintenance. Think through your past experiences and be ready to explain how you would approach these tasks, ensuring you convey your attention to detail and commitment to quality work.