At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain parks and gardens, ensuring they look their best all year round.
- Company: Join the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council team.
- Benefits: Earn £12.59 per hour with a stable 36-hour work week.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience in horticulture while working outdoors and making a difference.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 1 in Horticulture or 2 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and skill development.
The predicted salary is between 12.59 - 12.59 £ per hour.
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
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, including general maintenance such as grass cutting, hedge trimming, sweeping, hoeing, raking, edging, removal of litter and rubbish, constructional labouring work, erection and dismantling of sports and other equipment, and cleaning of Council buildings such as changing rooms and toilets.
- Patrol and attend activities, collect and issue fees and tickets, and maintain orderly conduct by the public to ensure compliance with Council bylaws.
- Perform horticultural operations such as planting, pruning, seeding, turfing, and grounds maintenance including basic setting out and marking of sports areas, spiking, scarifying, top dressing, fertilising, and maintenance of Council's tennis courts.
- Assist higher graded gardeners in more skilled tasks, including planning seasonal works, propagation and nursery care of plants, site preparation, and construction.
- Carry out driving duties as instructed by the Line Manager, including vehicle checks, routine maintenance, transportation of goods, equipment and personnel, assisting in loading and unloading of vehicles, completing associated paperwork, and familiarity with 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.
- Attend Court to represent Newry, Mourne and Down District Council as required.
- Assist in ordering and maintaining stock and equipment through the relevant Team leader and Line Manager.
- Prepare parks for opening and closing as a key holder to Council parks as requested, advising the Leisure Department on the availability of playing facilities.
- Liaise with members of the public and deal with all enquiries in an appropriate manner, in accordance with Council policies.
- If in possession of a current PA1-PA6 spraying qualification, carry out spraying operations and maintain necessary records in compliance with COSHH Regulations.
Education / Qualifications:
- NVQ Level 1 Horticulture AND a minimum of 12 months relevant experience including the use of commercial grounds maintenance machinery (e.g., strimmers, walk behind or ride on mowers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters, and other hand tools).
- OR a minimum of 2 years relevant experience in lieu of qualification, including the use of commercial grounds maintenance machinery.
- 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, e.g., equipment defects.
Gardener 2 in Newry employer: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Contact Detail:
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener 2 in Newry
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and allow you to articulate your experience with grounds maintenance machinery and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress for success! Even though this is a gardening role, showing up looking neat and professional can make a great first impression. It shows that you take the opportunity seriously and respect the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener 2 in Newry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When you're writing your application, let us see your love for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for maintaining parks and gardens.
Tailor Your CV to the Job: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with grounds maintenance machinery and any relevant qualifications to catch our eye!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in long paragraphs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with planting, pruning, and using grounds maintenance machinery. They’ll want to know you can handle the tasks listed in the job description.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous jobs. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to a group effort, especially in outdoor or maintenance settings.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with safety protocols related to grounds maintenance. Be ready to talk about how you ensure safety when operating machinery and dealing with the public. This shows you take responsibility seriously.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, seasonal challenges they face, or how they measure success in this role. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and the council's operations.