At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and enhance Belfast's parks and open spaces for everyone to enjoy.
- Company: Join the Belfast City Council's Open Spaces and Streetscene team.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, public sector experience, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop skills and work with a passionate team.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while working outdoors and enjoying nature.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture and at least 1 year of gardening experience.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 17 £ per hour.
Belfast City Council is seeking a Gardener to join its Open Spaces and Streetscene team. This role plays a key part in maintaining and enhancing the city’s parks, playing fields, landscaped areas, and open spaces for public enjoyment. You will work either independently or as part of a team, carrying out a wide range of horticultural, grounds maintenance, and sports facilities duties to a high standard.
Hours & Pay:
- Monday - Thursday: 7:30am - 3:30pm
- Friday: 7:30am - 3:00pm
- Hourly Rate: £14.35
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain parks, open spaces, and sports facilities, including mowing, pruning, litter removal, and pitch marking.
- Carry out turfing, seeding, fertilising, and general horticultural tasks.
- Operate hand tools, light plant, and tractor-mounted equipment safely.
- Identify and manage plant health, pests, and diseases.
- Maintain tools and equipment, and assist with training/support of other staff.
- Follow Health & Safety legislation and Council policies, including wearing PPE.
What We Need From You:
- NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture (or equivalent)
- PA1 and PA6 Pesticide Application Certificates
- At least 1 year’s experience in gardening/horticulture, e.g., grass cutting, hedge trimming, turfing, planting, glasshouse work, sweeping, litter/rubbish removal
- Experience dealing with the public in a face-to-face setting
What We Will Offer You:
- Weekly pay
- Opportunity to work in the public sector
The Next Steps:
Contact Erin Robinson at First Choice Selection Services. Apply via the link. First Choice is an equal opportunities employer.
Skills: mowing, litter removal, pitch marking, turfing, seeding, fertilising, general horticultural tasks
Gardener Belfast City Council in Newtownabbey employer: First Choice Selection Services Ltd
Belfast City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and individual contributions in maintaining the city's beautiful open spaces. Employees benefit from weekly pay, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community through their work in parks and recreational areas. With a commitment to health and safety, as well as ongoing training, this role provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about horticulture and public service.
Contact Details:
First Choice Selection Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener Belfast City Council in Newtownabbey
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like First Choice Selection Services Ltd.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like First Choice Selection Services Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at First Choice Selection Services Ltd; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener Belfast City Council in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at First Choice Selection Services Ltd.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Gardener Belfast City Council.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what First Choice Selection Services Ltd is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at First Choice Selection Services Ltd a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Choice Selection Services Ltd
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at First Choice Selection Services Ltd might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
