At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful public spaces through grass cutting, planting, and general grounds upkeep.
- Company: Join a dedicated team enhancing the Borough's green areas and community spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy outdoor work, flexible hours, and the chance to make a positive impact.
- Other info: Must have a driving licence; experience with gardening tools is a plus.
- Why this job: Perfect for nature lovers wanting hands-on experience in horticulture and community service.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
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We are currently looking to appoint a Gardener.
The main duties of the role will include grounds maintenance work on highway verges, public spaces, cemeteries and landscaped areas throughout the Borough.
Qualifications
NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent knowledge and experience would be be advantageous.
Current driving licence Category B + E would be advantageous.
Duties and responsibilities
- General grounds maintenance of the areas mentioned in the job purpose e.g. grass cutting, hedge trimming, clearing leaves and litter, clearing shrub beds, planting, pruning, seeding duties and minor tree work.
- Use and maintenance of tools and equipment, including powered hand tools which includes pedestrian mowing equipment, strimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws and ride on mowing equipment.
- Assist higher graded Operations operatives in all aspects of their work.
- Work unsupervised and responsibly as required.
- Observe the customer care standards and treat all customers with dignity and respect.
- Clearance of snow and ice from public highways and other public places.
- Clear areas and sites of litter, refuse, dirt, furniture, leaves, weeds and animal faeces.
- Contribute to risk assessments as required to comply with health and safety requirements including Personal Protective Equipment.
- All duties must be carried out to comply with:
- The Health & Safety at Work Act.
- Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements.
- Nationally agreed Codes of Practice, which are relevant.
- All necessary paperwork must be completed.
Person Specification
- Experience of using mowing and gardening tools.
- Experience of working in a parks and open spaces environment would be advantageous.
- Experience of tree felling and maintenance would be advantageous.
- Skills in customer care.
- Good communication skills, both orally and written.
- Ability to work on own initiative and make decisions within pre-determined guidelines.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to work in an outdoor environment and capable of working in a physically demanding job.
- General understanding of employees’ responsibilities in terms of Health and Safety at work.
- Ability and willingness to demonstrate the council’s values and behaviours.
Gardener in Bacup employer: Rossendale Borough Council
Join our dedicated team as a Gardener, where you will play a vital role in maintaining the beauty of our public spaces and contributing to the community's well-being. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values teamwork, personal growth, and respect for all individuals. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to health and safety, working with us means being part of an organisation that truly cares about its employees and the environment.
Contact Details:
Rossendale Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Bacup
✨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 Rossendale Borough 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 Rossendale Borough 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 Rossendale Borough Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Bacup
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 Rossendale Borough 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.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Rossendale Borough 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 Rossendale Borough Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rossendale Borough 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 Rossendale Borough Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
