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- Tasks: Help create and maintain community gardens while supporting local groups.
- Company: Join GroundworkNI, a passionate team dedicated to community gardening.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and hands-on experience in horticulture.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while learning about gardening.
- Qualifications: Basic IT skills and a willingness to learn about horticulture.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 13 £ per hour.
The Horticulture Assistant will be a member of the Horticulture Team and support community groups throughout Northern Ireland to create new community gardens and maintain existing gardens. Working with the Horticulture Lead and with the support of volunteer gardeners, they will support and develop community gardens and allotments across the Northern Trust area and, at times, in our 4 Community Gardens in Belfast. They will support colleagues to develop new initiatives involving horticulture and deliver training to groups. They will also undertake any other work appropriate with the evolving objectives of the post and as may reasonably be requested by the Management Team.
In accordance with national provisions for the protection of children and adults at risk, applicants for jobs will be required to undergo Access NI checks with the Police Service for Northern Ireland.
Responsibilities- Sow seeds, transplant seedlings, weeding, watering and monitoring for pests and disease.
- Assist the Horticulture Leads to ensure the gardens and polytunnels are cleaned and organised, stocked with supplies, and working efficiently.
- Assist the Horticulture Leads to deliver projects within the local communities.
- Assist the Horticulture Leads to build capacity by engaging and mentoring community groups.
- Attend training sessions to learn about horticulture and community gardening.
- Developing & delivery of community programmes/sessions.
- Basic project management.
- Garden maintenance including successional planting, ensuring best practice/best organic practices, planting and propagating.
- General garden health and safety.
- Basic IT and administration tasks such as use of Outlook, document preparation and file management.
- Basic IT and administration skills such as use of Outlook, document preparation and file management.
- Be able to adhere to all GWNI policies and procedures.
- Willingness to undertake regular travel and to work out of office hours where necessary.
- Basic project management skills.
- A full driving licence that enables the holder to drive in Northern Ireland and access to a car for official business (or access to a form of transport which will enable the applicant to meet the requirements of the post in full).
JobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information: Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week. Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach. Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.
The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.
Application InformationJobStart is open to working age benefit claimants who are deemed eligible by a Work Coach. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.
Job SectorSecurity and General, Environmental, Health and Safety
AreaAll of Northern Ireland
LocationBallymena, with travel between the Northern Trust Area and Belfast
Salary16-17 £7.55, 18-20 £10.00, 21 plus £12.21 per hour.
No. vacancies1
Contract TypeTemporary
Weekly hours25
Published date25/11/2025
Closing date05/01/2026
WorktimeBetween Monday to Friday, hours between 9am - 4.30pm
Horticultural Assistant in Ballymena employer: JobStart Scheme
Contact Detail:
JobStart Scheme Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticultural Assistant in Ballymena
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Before your interview, take some time to research the local gardens and community projects in Northern Ireland. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the Horticulture Team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on skills! If you've got experience with gardening or working in community projects, be ready to share specific examples. We want to hear about how you've sown seeds, managed pests, or engaged with community groups.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and open-minded! The role involves travel and working out of hours, so highlight your willingness to adapt. Let’s show them that you’re ready to jump in wherever needed to support the team!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Horticultural Assistant in Ballymena
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When you're writing your application, let your love for gardening and community projects shine through. We want to see how your enthusiasm can contribute to our community gardens!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve engaged with community groups or managed projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate a straightforward approach! Keep your application clear and to the point, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Horticultural Assistant role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at JobStart Scheme
✨Know Your Horticulture Basics
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common gardening practices, plant care, and pest management. This will show your passion for the role and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Your Community Spirit
Since this role involves working with community groups, be prepared to discuss any previous experience you have in community engagement or teamwork. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to group projects or helped others in a gardening context.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
The job requires travel and potentially working outside of standard hours. Be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different schedules. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully managed your time and commitments.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the community gardens, the team you'll be working with, and the initiatives they have planned. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
