Senior Gardener / Groundsperson

Senior Gardener / Groundsperson

Newtownards Full-Time 26824 - 33500 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Ards and North Down Borough Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Maintain beautiful parks and cemeteries while working with a passionate team.
  • Company: Join a dedicated local government team focused on community service.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, job security, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while enjoying the outdoors.
  • Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture and two years of relevant experience required.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive work environment.

The predicted salary is between 26824 - 33500 £ per year.

Job summary

The person appointed will be responsible for carrying out a range of horticultural, grounds and facility maintenance service tasks within all Parks & Cemeteries locations identified by the line manager either individually or as part of a team, ensuring all areas are well maintained, clean and presentable.

To ensure effective communication with site users, other members of the team and line management. Assist in the community development of the Parks and Cemeteries Service through internal and external initiatives that engage Service stakeholders.

Please Note

  • This is a permanent, full-time post working 36 hours per week, located initially in Lower Ards, Whitechurch Cemetery, Ballywalter but will be required to work in various locations throughout the Borough
  • The working hours are Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 4.00pm and Friday 8.00 am to 2.30 pm
  • A reserve list may be kept from this recruitment exercise for future similar full time Senior Gardener/ Grounds Person posts
  • All correspondence in relation to the job vacancy will be completed by email and phone. Therefore, it is important that applicants ensure a valid e-mail address and mobile number are provided and entered accurately when filling out the application form.
  • Applicants should ensure they check their emails including junk folders regularly.
  • Benefits
    Employees have access to a wide range of benefits at Ards and North Down Borough Council. In addition to a competitive salary, the Council supports all staff in their career aspirations through learning and development opportunities. Current key benefits include:

    • 35 days of annual leave (including bank/public holidays), rising to 38 days after five years of service, and 41 days after 10 years of service.
    • Northern Ireland Local Government Pension Scheme (Council contributes 19% of salary).
    • Health benefits: Westfield Healthcare Scheme; Leisure Centre Membership; Cycle to Work Scheme.
    • Flexi time / Time Off in Lieu (TOIL).
    • Education / qualifications support after qualifying period.
    • Plus much more …

    Senior Gardener / Groundsperson employer: Ards and North Down Borough Council

    As a Senior Gardener/Groundsperson with our Council, you will join a dedicated team committed to enhancing the beauty and functionality of our Parks and Cemeteries across North Down and Newtownards. We offer a supportive work culture that values community engagement and personal development, alongside competitive benefits such as a permanent contract and opportunities for further training in horticulture. Working here means contributing to a vital public service while enjoying a fulfilling career in a picturesque environment.
    Ards and North Down Borough Council

    Contact Detail:

    Ards and North Down Borough Council Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Senior Gardener / Groundsperson

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Get to know the Parks and Cemeteries Service! Research their projects and community initiatives. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the role and the team culture, which can be super helpful when you're preparing for your interview.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to horticulture and grounds maintenance. Think of specific examples from your experience that highlight your skills and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the position and ready to take the next step in your career with us.

    We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gardener / Groundsperson

    Horticultural Knowledge
    Grounds Maintenance
    Facility Maintenance
    Public Interface Experience
    Pesticide Application (PA1/PA6)
    Use of Horticultural Machinery
    Use of Hand Tools
    Customer Service Skills
    Teamwork
    Communication Skills
    Adaptability to Work Hours
    Driving Licence (C1E)
    Health and Safety Awareness
    Community Engagement

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your two years of experience in a horticultural environment. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've worked with the public and handled horticultural chemicals and tools safely.

    Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to the Senior Gardener/Groundsperson role by mentioning your NVQ qualifications and any relevant certifications. This shows us you’re serious about the position and understand what we’re looking for.

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and get straight to the facts about your skills and experiences. This will help us see why you’d be a great fit for our team!

    Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there too!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Ards and North Down Borough Council

    ✨Know Your Horticulture

    Brush up on your horticultural knowledge, especially around the specific plants and maintenance techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss your experience with different horticultural chemicals and machinery, as this will show you’re well-prepared for the tasks at hand.

    ✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

    Since effective communication is key in this role, think of examples where you've successfully interacted with the public or team members. Prepare to share how you’ve handled feedback or resolved issues, as this will demonstrate your ability to engage with service stakeholders.

    ✨Demonstrate Your Commitment

    Be prepared to talk about your willingness to work outside normal hours and your commitment to obtaining any necessary qualifications, like the PA1/PA6 Certificate. This shows that you’re dedicated and ready to meet the demands of the job.

    ✨Prepare for Practical Assessments

    Since a driving assessment is part of the selection process, ensure you’re comfortable with driving and handling the required vehicles. Practise any relevant skills beforehand, so you can confidently showcase your abilities during the interview.

    Senior Gardener / Groundsperson
    Ards and North Down Borough Council
    Location: Newtownards
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