Gardener – Public Sector
Temporary Contract
Upper Malone Belfast BT9
Closing Date: 30 January 2026
Main purpose of job
To be responsible to the Open Spaces and Streetscene Supervisor or other appropriate officer for the undertaking of work in parks, playing fields, landscaped areas and open spaces either individually or as part of a team.
Summary of responsibilities and personal duties
To maintain the orderly condition of grounds, that is, sweeping, hoeing, raking, mowing, edging, removal of litter/rubbish, etc.
To carry out labour associated with soil cultivation, manuring, site preparation and construction.
To carry out grass cutting, hedge cutting and pruning.
To use powered hand tools and light plant to perform duties. T
To load, unload and move equipment and materials such as mowers, barrows, plants, soil, fertilisers, horticultural tools and sundries.
To maintain all tools and equipment in a satisfactory condition including the cleaning of garden tools and basic cleaning and maintenance of lawnmowers.
To undergo periodic training as and when required.
To carry out skilled horticultural/sports ground/arboricultural operations.
To also identify, maintain and cultivate a wide range of plants, trees and shrubs and be able to take remedial action to control growth/pests/diseases, use of wide range of horticultural tools and sundries.
To assist in the training of staff, including ability to pass on skills and give direction to lesser graded staff and staff placements.
To carry out turf and seed sowing.
This job description has been written at a time of significant organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve. Therefore, the post-holder will be required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description but which are commensurate with the role.
Essential criteria
Qualifications and experience
Applicants must, as at the closing date for CV’s:
Possess an NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture,
or an equivalent relevant qualification;
possess the PA1 and PA6 Pesticide Application Certificates;
and be able to demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples, at least one year’s relevant work experience of each of the following:
undertaking gardening and horticultural work, for example, grass cutting, hedge trimming, turfing and seed sowing, planting, working in glasshouses, sweeping, removal of litter and rubbish etc;
and dealing with members of the public, in a face to face environment.
Special skills and attributes
Applicants must also be able to demonstrate evidence of the following special skills and attributes which may be tested at interview:
Team working skills: the ability to work effectively within a team environment.
Health and safety awareness skills: an awareness of personal responsibility for Health and Safety.
Technical knowledge: the ability and appropriate horticultural and gardening knowledge to carry out their own duties successfully and to coach junior gardeners.
Communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively with members of the public, colleagues and line managers.
Customer care skills: the ability to provide an excellent standard of customer care whilst enhancing and protecting the image of Belfast City Council.
Other Information
Location: Malone Belfast
Start Date: 2 February 2026
Hours of Work: 37 per week 7.30-3.30 pm finish at 3 pm Friday
Rate of pay: £14.35 per hour plus accrued holiday pay
If you would like to apply for this role, please send us your updated CV via thelink provided and one of the team will be in touch with you. Or if you would like to discuss this position, please contact Task Recruitment on 02890 421047 or 07812 017416 to speak to one of our consultants.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
