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- Tasks: Maintain public parks and open spaces, including grass cutting and planting.
- Company: Join a well-established local authority committed to community beautification.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £26,000, pension, and holiday pay.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while working outdoors and gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 1 Horticulture or 2 years relevant experience with grounds maintenance machinery.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and skill development in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 15600 - 21600 £ per year.
VANRATH are excited to be working closely to support with the role of a Gardener for a well established client within the local authority. This is initially a 4 month assignment, with possible extension.
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 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 bylaws are complied with.
- Horticultural operations including planting, pruning, seeding and turfing, and grounds maintenance such as basic setting out and marking of sports areas, spiking, scarifying, top dressing and fertilising, and maintenance of 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 the loading and unloading of vehicles using mechanical aids where appropriate, 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, and ensuring machinery is not damaged or lost.
Ideal Candidate
- NVQ Level 1 Horticulture AND a minimum of 12 months relevant experience to include 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 in lieu of qualification, a minimum of 2 years relevant experience to include 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).
- Basic AccessNI clearance will be needed.
Remuneration
Circa £26,000 plus pension & holiday pay.
For further information on this vacancy, or any other Public Sector jobs in Newry or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Chris Haddock.
Gardener (Public Sector) in Newry employer: VanRath
Contact Detail:
VanRath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener (Public Sector) in Newry
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local parks and public spaces in your area. Familiarise yourself with their maintenance needs and any ongoing projects. This way, when you chat with potential employers, you can show off your knowledge and passion for keeping our community green!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local gardening events or community clean-ups. Meeting people in the industry can lead to job opportunities that aren’t advertised. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your skills and dedication to horticulture.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Follow local councils and gardening groups on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with their posts and share your own gardening experiences. It’s a fantastic way to get noticed by potential employers!
✨Tip Number 4
When you find a job you like, apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and stand out from the crowd. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that perfect gardener role.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener (Public Sector) in Newry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in horticulture and grounds maintenance. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your use of machinery and any qualifications you have!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about gardening and how your experience makes you the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch!
Show Off Your Skills: When filling out your application, be specific about the tools and machinery you’ve used. Mention any certifications you hold, like the Approved Machinery Operations Certificate or Chemical Spraying and Handling. We want to know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the position right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at VanRath
✨Know Your Horticulture Basics
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge, especially if you have an NVQ Level 1 in Horticulture. Be ready to discuss your experience with planting, pruning, and using grounds maintenance machinery. This shows you're not just a gardener but someone who understands the science behind it.
✨Showcase Your Machinery Skills
Since the role involves operating various grounds machinery, be prepared to talk about your hands-on experience with tools like strimmers, mowers, and hedge cutters. Mention any specific projects where you successfully used these machines, as it demonstrates your practical skills.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Safety is key in this role, so highlight your understanding of safety protocols when using machinery and working in public spaces. Discuss any relevant training you've had, such as your Approved Machinery Operations Certificate, to show you're serious about keeping yourself and the public safe.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you'd handle real-life situations, like dealing with litter in public parks or ensuring compliance with bylaws. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully managed similar challenges, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
