Gardener 2 in Newry

The closing date for this position is the 14th May 2026.

Temporary (Approx 16 weeks) £14.07 per hour, 36 hours per week.

Main Purpose: 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.

Main Roles 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 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 such as planting, pruning, seeding and turfing, and grounds maintenance including 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, including driving and responsibility for allocated vehicles, routine maintenance and cleaning, 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.
• Ensure machinery is not damaged or lost.
• Attend Court to represent Newry, Mourne and Down District Council as 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 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.

Essential Criteria:

• 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).
• In lieu of qualification, a minimum of 2 years relevant experience including the use of commercial grounds maintenance machinery.
• Current category B driving licence.
• Current category C1E driving licence.
• Approved Machinery Operations Certificate.
• Certificate in Chemical Spraying and Handling (Pa1 and Pa6a).
• 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 defect forms).
• Previous working experience with either fine turf or within a bedding plant nursery.
• Awareness of Health and Safety issues in relation to manual handling, working with mechanical equipment while in the presence of members of the public and traffic, and COSHH procedures.
• Ability to identify plant species and knowledge of their welfare.

Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation. We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible. Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted. Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK and Ireland. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level.