Ards and North Down Borough Council

Employer Location: County Down
Phone Number: 03000133333
Email: recruit@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Web: ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/jobs

Job description

Working as a member of the Horticulture team, this apprentice position is intended for someone motivated to pursue a career as a professional horticulturist and contribute to the maintenance and development of facilities managed by the Parks & Cemeteries Service. The post holder will undertake a four-year apprenticeship scheme, attending formal college and receiving workplace tuition.

Responsibilities

• Develop horticultural skills and knowledge, undertaking ongoing work-based informal skills assessments including plant identification and keeping a work diary.
• Participation in training through day release leading to the successful achievement of qualifications in Horticulture. This will involve formal taught courses and assessments.
• Assist with the maintenance and upkeep of Council Parks and other open space areas spaces including all labour associated with horticultural and grounds operations.
• To rotate around the different areas of the Service under the guidance of experienced horticulturists, so as to gain practical experience and skills with each of the Parks Teams in locations throughout the Borough.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• 2 GCSEs including at least grade C in English and Maths (or equivalent) OR 3 GCSEs Grade Ds to include English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Those who have not attained a Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics at GCSE or equivalent will be required to complete Essential Skills in Numeracy and Literacy as part of their programme of study.
• Have a minimum of 40 hours work or volunteering experience in environmental, gardening or horticulture
• Basic knowledge and understanding of horticulture, awareness of good health and safety practice
• Be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have an interest in horticultural and grounds maintenance within a parks and open spaces environment.
• Basic understanding of environmental issues.
• If required, agreement to complete Essential Skills in Numeracy and Literacy as part of their programme of study if stated qualifications are not held
• Agreement to work towards achieving an NVQ Level 3 in Horticulture.
• Agreement to work towards achieving industrial PA1 & PA6 pesticides spraying certificate.
• Agreement to work towards achieving a driving licence.
• Agreement to Council’s Learning, Training and Development Policy
• Prepared to work outside normal hours, including weekends and public holidays.
• Appointment will be subject to completion of a medical questionnaire including a pre-employment Drugs and Alcohol Screening.
• Postholder will be rotated around the different areas of the Service under the guidance of experienced horticulturists, so as to gain practical experience and skills with each of the Parks Teams in locations throughout the Borough.

Further Information

For full list of responsibilities, essential & desirable skills, please see Job Description on employer's website by following the Apply Direct button. Applications for this post will be channelled exclusively through Council’s GETGOT system. However, Council will consider requests for applications in hard copy and will provide alternative arrangements if possible. Local Government is committed to fair and equal treatment to all those seeking employment and in employment.