At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful outdoor spaces using various gardening tools and machinery.
- Company: Join a large Public Sector Organisation dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, van and fuel card included.
- Other info: Ideal for those who love nature and enjoy physical work.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience while working outdoors and making a difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and ability to work as part of a team.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 25989 £ per year.
VANRATH are assisting our client, a large Public Sector Organisation, in their search for a Groundsperson for 3 months initially with the possibility of extension. You will predominantly be based in their Antrim site.
Responsibilities:
- To drive, operate and maintain a range of mechanical/electrical equipment and machinery associated with the provision of a grounds maintenance service on a commercial scale, including rotovators, chain saws, grass-cutters, hedge trimmers, strimmers, push mowers, ride-on mowers and tractor mounted flail hedge-cutters.
- To use a range of handheld equipment and tools associated with the provision of a grounds maintenance service, including secateurs, hedge trimmers, rollers, spades, forks, and spraying equipment.
- To establish and maintain shrub beds and grassed areas including reclaiming, fencing-off, ground planting & preparation, hard landscaping, removal of dead trees, planting trees, shrubs and flower bulbs, fixing tree guards, staking, mulching, grading, reseeding, pruning, weeding, rolling and watering as required.
- To clean and lift litter and larger debris from hard areas, shrub beds, rough grass, waterways and shop areas (daily), including the removal of such things as fly-tipping material, building rubble, and bonfire debris.
- To spray shrub beds, tree bases and hard areas with a range of chemicals, pesticides and weed killers.
- To load and unload all equipment, materials and waste.
- To ensure running repairs are carried out and the minor maintenance of equipment and machinery including, for example, the sharpening, adjusting and renewal of blades as required.
The Ideal Person:
- Essential Criteria
- Previous experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping or manual outdoor work.
- Ability to use grounds maintenance equipment such as mowers and strimmers.
- Good understanding of health & safety in an outdoor environment.
- Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
- Physically fit and able to carry out manual duties.
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Desirable
- PA1/PA6 spraying certificates.
- Experience operating ride-on mowers or similar machinery.
- Full driving licence.
- Experience working within a public-sector or facilities environment.
Remuneration: £25,185 - £25,989 plus Van & Fuel Card.
For further information on this vacancy, or any other Public Sector job in Antrim or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Cian France in the strictest confidence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsperson - Gardening in Antrim
✨Get Hands-On in Local Gardens
Dive into volunteer work at local gardens or community farms. This not only gives you practical experience but also helps you build connections in the horticulture community. You'd be surprised at how many temporary roles pop up through local networks!
✨Visit Local Plant Shows or Horticultural Events
Check out seasonal plant shows or horticultural fairs in your area. These events are fantastic for networking and learning about temporary positions that may not be advertised online. Chat with vendors and attendees — you never know who might know of a gig at places like VANRATH!
✨Tap into the Agriculture Community
Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to horticulture. Engaging in discussions or asking about temp roles can lead to insider tips and opportunities. Plus, it showcases your passion for the field, which is always a bonus!
✨Make Your Intentions Clear on Your CV
In your CV, highlight your availability for temporary positions and any hands-on experience you have. Tailor your approach to companies like VANRATH, making sure they know you're keen and ready to jump in as soon as they need someone. And don't forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Groundsperson - Gardening in Antrim
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Horticultural Knowledge:Make sure to showcase any relevant horticulture experience you have. Mention specific plants, gardening techniques, or landscaping projects you've worked on. If you have any certificates in horticulture or botany, include those too – they'll definitely catch our eye!
Show You're Flexible and Ready to Learn:Since this is a temporary role, we want to know you're adaptable and eager to soak up new experiences. In your cover letter, express your willingness to learn and take on different tasks that may come up. Share any previous temporary roles and what you gained from them!
Include Practical Experience:In horticulture, hands-on experience matters a lot. If you’ve volunteered at a community garden or helped maintain private gardens, mention these gigs! Tailor your CV to include any practical work that demonstrates your skills in plant care, garden layout design, or pest management.
Use Clear, Concise Language:When applying for a temporary role, keep your application straightforward. Avoid jargon and focus on the essential skills you bring to the table. We want to understand your experience quickly, so make every word count. Remember, we love clear communication at VANRATH!
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Get to Grips with Plant Knowledge
In the world of horticulture, having a solid grasp of plant types, care techniques, and pest management is essential. Brush up on your understanding of the plants relevant to VANRATH—it might just impress them if you can chat about local species or seasonal challenges!
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Since you’re applying for a temporary role, they’ll want to see that you’re ready to hit the ground running. Be prepared to discuss any hands-on experience you have with gardening tools, techniques, and maintenance tasks. If you've got a portfolio of your gardening projects or any past experiences, don't hesitate to share!
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Much of horticulture works in teams, especially during busy seasons. Anticipate questions about your experience working collaboratively. Think of examples of how you’ve contributed to team efforts in past gardening projects or seasonal work—showing your team spirit is key!
✨Express Your Flexibility and Learning Mindset
Given that this is a temporary position, make sure you convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Employers like VANRATH will appreciate your willingness to tackle various tasks, from planting to weeding, and how you can fit in wherever needed!
