At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain parks and gardens, from grass cutting to planting.
- Company: Be part of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, dedicated to community green spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hands-on experience, and the chance to work outdoors.
- Other info: Immediate start available; work in all weather conditions.
- Why this job: Perfect for nature lovers wanting to make a difference in their community.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 1 in Horticulture or 2 years relevant experience required.
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Job Category : General Industrial
Location : Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Hours Per Week : 36.00
Start Date : Immediate start
Start Time : 08:00
End Time : 16:30
Salary: £12.59
Grounds Maintenance section seasonal requirements
Main Purpose of Post/Job Summary
The post holder will be required to work in all weather conditions and as a team member contributing to the maintenance of the full range of the Council’s parks, gardens and open spaces as appropriate.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Undertake work in public parks, playing fields, landscaped areas and similar open spaces, i.e. general maintenance of these areas eg grass cutting, hedge trimming, sweeping, hoeing, raking, edging, removal of litter and rubbish, constructional labouring work, erection and dismantling of sports and other equipment, cleaning eg Council buildings such as changing rooms and toilets
- Patrol and attendance activities, collection and issuing of fees and tickets and maintenance of orderly conduct by the public to ensure Council bylaws are complied with.
- Horticultural operations eg planting, pruning, seeding and turfing and grounds maintenance eg basic setting out and marking of sports areas, spiking, scarifying, top dressing and fertilising and maintenance of Council’s tennis courts.
- Assistance to higher graded gardeners in more skilled tasks, which includes planning seasonal works, assistance with propagation and nursery care of plants, site preparation and construction.
- Carry out driving duties as instructed by the Line Manager. Driving duties to include: driving and responsibility for allocated vehicles i.e. vehicle checks (eg oil and water checks), required routine maintenance and cleaning, transportation of goods, equipment and personnel, assisting in the loading and unloading of vehicles using mechanical aids where appropriate, completing of associated paperwork and familiarity in the use of telecommunications equipment in accordance with Road traffic legislation.
- Operate and control various grounds machinery and hand tools as allocated by Team Leader/Supervisor, ensuring staff and public safety is adhered to. Ensure machinery is not damaged or lost.
- Attend Court to represent Newry, Mourne and Down District Council as and when required.
- Assist in ordering and maintaining stock and equipment, through their relevant Team leader and Line Manager.
- Prepare parks for opening and closing as a key holder to Council parks as and when requested, which also includes advising the Leisure Department on the availability of playing facilities.
- Liaise with members of public and deal with all enquiries in appropriate manner, in accordance with Council policies.
- Where the Post Holder is in possession of a current PA1-PA6 spraying qualification they will carry out spraying operations and maintain all necessary records in compliance with COSHH Regulations.
Education / Qualifications
⦁ NVQ Level 1 Horticulture AND a minimum of 12 months relevant experience to include the use of commercial grounds maintenance machinery. Examples: Strimmers, walk behind or ride on mowers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters and other hand tools
OR
⦁ In lieu of qualification, a minimum of 2 years relevant experience to include the use of commercial grounds maintenance machinery. Examples: Strimmers, walk behind or ride on mowers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters and other hand tools
⦁ Current category B driving licence
Experience
⦁ Experience of working with grounds maintenance equipment while in the presence of members of the public and / or traffic.
⦁ Experience of keeping written records for operational issues eg equipment defect
#J-18808-LjbffrGardener 2 (Greenbank) in Newry employer: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Join Newry, Mourne and Down District Council as a Gardener 2 and become part of a dedicated team committed to maintaining the beauty of our parks and open spaces. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer opportunities for growth in horticultural skills and hands-on experience with various grounds maintenance machinery. Our supportive work culture values teamwork and community engagement, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about enhancing local green spaces.
Contact Details:
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener 2 (Greenbank) in Newry
✨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 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
✨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 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
✨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 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener 2 (Greenbank) in Newry
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 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
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 2 (Greenbank).
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Newry, Mourne and Down District Council 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 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
✨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 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
