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Job description

To supervise the daily operation of basic grade gardeners within the Parks Department. To undertake general and specialised turf and grounds maintenance duties in public parks, landscaped areas or similar open spaces. To undertake horticultural operations and chemical control..

Responsibilities

• To undertake general and specialised turf and grounds maintenance duties in public parks, landscaped areas or similar open spaces and undertake horticultural operations and chemical control.
• Work and liaise with the Ground Maintenance Supervisor and Craftsperson Gardener (4) in order to allocate duties to basic grade gardeners, and oversee their daily work.
• To train (on the job) and develop permanent and temporary basic grade gardeners as required.
• Oversee and participate in maintenance including grass cutting, hedge trimming, clearing leaves and litter, etc at any of the Councils facilities including hazardous locations and in all weathers.
• Undertake ground maintenance work including planning, setting out and marking of sports areas. To advise on condition and availability of pitches.
• To be responsible for the safe storage, handling and recording of chemicals according to COSHH procedures.
• Undertake horticultural operations such as planting, pruning and seeding. To quantify appropriate plants and materials using horticultural knowledge for specific projects for ordering purposes.
• To use powered hand tools and plant, including the operation of tractor mounted equipment. To undertake daily maintenance and setting of machinery.
• To transport, erect and dismantle sports and other equipment.
• To drive and be responsible for allocated vehicles including trailers.
• Maintain records e.g. accident book, daily work sheets and stores records as required.
• Act as key holder for a range of Council locations.
• To ensure that corporate policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Maintain an up-to-date professional awareness of matters relating to horticulture and grounds maintenance.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Hold a NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture or Equivalent AND 1 years relevant horticulture experience to include the use of commercial grounds maintenance machinery.
• Applicants without NVQ level 2 in Horticulture qualification or equivalent must have 2 years relevant horticulture or site work experience to include the use of commercial grounds maintenance machinery.
• Experience of operating commercial grounds maintenance machinery.
• Experience in grounds maintenance to include grass cutting, hedge trimming, clearing leaves and litter, etc.
• Have knowledge of either seasonal planting schemes and plant selection; OR Pruning and tree maintenance; OR General site work to include civil and landscape works.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Ability to keep written records
• Hold a full, current valid driving licence
• Have access to transport to meet the requirements of the post or have access to a mode of transport that will enable the postholder to fulfil the role in full.
• Available to work an average of 37 hours per week based on an annualised hours arrangement.
• Able to work outside normal office hours including evenings, weekends and public/bank holidays.

Desirable Skills

• Hold a Certificate in Chemical Spraying and Handling (Pa1 and Pa6a) OR Chainsaw Licence (CS30 & CS31).
• Hold a valid C1 E driving licence entitlement

Further Information

Worktime: To be confirmed. Newry Mourne and Down District Council is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to appointing the best person for the job, irrespective of gender, marital/family status, religious belief, political opinion, disability, race, age or sexual orientation. The Council particularly welcomes applications from the Protestant community.

Application Information

Please apply online https://www.newrymournedown.org/jobs