At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens and sports areas while working outdoors.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Newry, Mourne and Downe District Council.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, company pension, and potential for job extension.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities to work weekends and develop your skills.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience in horticulture and make a difference in your community.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 1 in Horticulture and experience with grounds maintenance machinery.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 30000 £ per year.
First choice are currently recruiting 11 Gardeners to work within Newry, Mourne and Downe District Council, with posts available in Downpatrick, Newry, and Castlewellan. These are full time, temporary posts, initially required for 18 weeks, with the possibility of extension. Working hours will be 8am to 4pm, Monday to Sunday, on a rota basis. Therefore, successful candidates must be fully flexible and available to work both weekdays and weekends.
Pay Rate: £14.07 Per Hour with enhanced weekend rate.
The main duties of the role will be:
- To oversee and participate in maintenance including grass cutting, hedge trimming, clearing leaves and litter.
- To undertake ground maintenance work including planning, setting out and marking of sports areas.
- To advise on condition and availability of pitches.
- To be responsible for the safe storage, handling and recording of chemicals according to COSHH procedures.
- To undertake horticultural operations such as planting, pruning and seeding.
- To clear snow or debris following severe weather conditions and salt car parks and Council property.
What We Need From You:
- NVQ Level 1 Horticulture and 1 year experience to include use of commercial grounds maintenance machinery. Examples: Strimmers, walk behind or ride on mowers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters and other hand tools.
- Category C1+E Drivers License.
- Certificate in Approved Machinery Operations.
- Certificate in Chemical Spraying and Handling (Pa1 and Pa6a).
What We Will Offer You:
- Weekly pay.
- Company pension.
- Opportunity to work in the Public Sector.
The Next Steps:
- Contact Jonny Bill in our Newry Office.
- Email your CV.
- Apply via the link.
Gardener employer: First Choice Selection Services Ltd
First Choice is an excellent employer for Gardeners, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and flexibility. With competitive pay rates, weekly payments, and a company pension, employees can enjoy meaningful work while contributing to the beautification of the Newry, Mourne and Downe District. The opportunity for professional growth in the public sector, combined with the chance to work in picturesque locations like Downpatrick, Newry, and Castlewellan, makes this role particularly rewarding.
Contact Details:
First Choice Selection Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Newry, Mourne and Downe District Council and their values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the work culture, which can give you an edge when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since the role involves using various machinery, brush up on your skills with strimmers, mowers, and other tools. Being confident in your abilities will impress your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in horticulture and grounds maintenance. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your use of machinery and any certifications you have!
Craft a Catchy Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about gardening and how your experience makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it friendly and professional – we love a bit of personality!
Show Off Your Flexibility:Since the role requires working on a rota basis, make sure to mention your availability in your application. We need team members who can work both weekdays and weekends, so let us know when you can jump in!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Choice Selection Services Ltd
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your NVQ Level 1 Horticulture knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with commercial grounds maintenance machinery, like strimmers and mowers. Showing that you understand the tools of the trade will impress the interviewers.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires working on a rota basis, make sure to highlight your availability for both weekdays and weekends. Share examples of how you've managed flexible schedules in the past to demonstrate your adaptability.
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with COSHH procedures and be prepared to talk about your experience with chemical handling and storage. Mention your certificates in Chemical Spraying and Handling (Pa1 and Pa6a) to show you're serious about safety.
✨Show Your Passion for Gardening
Let your enthusiasm for gardening shine through! Share personal experiences or projects that showcase your love for horticulture. This can help you stand out as a candidate who genuinely cares about the work they'll be doing.
