Gardener

BSNI are working with Newry Mourne and Down District Council to recruit a Gardener – Manual Labour. This role is temporary.

Employment type
Temporary
Number of people required
3
Target start date
18 May 2026
Duration
16 Weeks
Hours per week
36

Rate
PAYE: £14.07 per hour

Job location
Greenbank Offices, Newry, Newry, Mourne and Down, BT34 2SL, United Kingdom

In light of the on-going Reform of Local Government and the establishment of the new Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, it is expected that role will evolve and transform with on-going changes.  The post holder will therefore be expected to be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs and requirements of the organisation, and duties and responsibilities may vary without changing the purpose of the job or level of responsibility.

Main Purpose of Post/Job Summary
The post holder will be required to work in all weather conditions and as a team member contributing to the maintenance of the full range of the Council�s parks, gardens and open spaces as appropriate.
Duties and Responsibilities
Undertake work in public parks, playing fields, landscaped areas and similar open spaces, i.e. general maintenance of these areas eg grass cutting, hedge trimming, sweeping, hoeing, raking, edging, removal of litter and rubbish, constructional labouring work, erection and dismantling of sports and other equipment, cleaning eg Council 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 Council bylaws are complied with.
Horticultural operations eg planting, pruning, seeding and turfing and grounds maintenance eg basic setting out and marking of sports areas, spiking, scarifying, top dressing and fertilising and maintenance of Council�s 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. Driving duties to include: driving and responsibility for allocated vehicles i.e. vehicle checks (eg oil and water checks), required routine maintenance and cleaning, transportation of goods, equipment and personnel, assisting in the loading and unloading of vehicles using mechanical aids where appropriate, completing of associated paperwork and familiarity in the use of 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. Ensure machinery is not damaged or lost.
Attend Court to represent Newry, Mourne and Down District Council as and when required.
Assist in ordering and maintaining stock and equipment, through their relevant Team leader and Line Manager.
Prepare parks for opening and closing as a key holder to Council parks as and when requested, which also includes advising the Leisure Department on the availability of playing facilities.
Liaise with members of public and deal with all enquiries in appropriate manner, in accordance with Council policies.
Where the Post Holder is in possession of a current PA1-PA6 spraying qualification they will carry out spraying operations and maintain all necessary records in compliance with COSHH Regulations.
General

Carry out all the duties of the post in the working conditions normally inherent in the job.
Carry out duties in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Order 1978 (as amended); Acts of Parliament; Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements; and all Council Policies and Procedures including Dignity at Work, Health and Safety, Attendance and all relevant Codes of Conduct.
Complete all documentation associated with the duties of the post.
Participate in staff training and development activities to update and enhance knowledge, skills and competence required to fulfil the role in full.
Undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and promote the positive reputation of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Lead by example by behaving at all times in accordance with the Council�s values and promote same within the organisation and externally.
Undertake all aspects of work respecting confidentiality and ensure that personal and/or sensitive information under the control or access of the postholder is used, stored and maintained in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.
When required, assist in the execution of the Council�s Emergency and Business Continuity Plans.
Promote diversity across the organisation and in the Department by adhering to the Council�s Equal Opportunity policies and procedures and avoiding all forms of discrimination both as an employer and a service        provider.

The list of duties / responsibilities must not be considered comprehensive nor exhaustive. They are simply a summary of the main duties / responsibilities that the post holder will be required to undertake.  No Job Description can cover every issue that may arise within the post at various times and the post holder is expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with those in this Job Description.

Employees/Applicants must be capable of undertaking the duties and responsibilities as set out in the Job Description and fulfil the requirements of this Person Specification; which will be assessed through the appointment process.

Employees/Applicants must be suitably qualified and experienced, be able to meet the criteria set out in this Person Specification and demonstrate they possess the key competencies for the position at a Front-Line level.

Education / Qualifications

NVQ Level 1 Horticulture AND a minimum of 12 months relevant experience to include the use of commercial grounds maintenance machinery.  Examples: 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.  Examples: Strimmers, walk behind or ride on mowers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters and other hand tools
Current category B driving licence

Current category C1+E driving licence

Approved Machinery Operations Certificate.

Certificate in Chemical Spraying and Handling (Pa1 and Pa6a)

Experience

Experience of working with grounds maintenance equipment while in the presence of members of the public and / or traffic.

Experience of keeping written records for operational issues eg equipment defect forms
Previous working experience with either fine turf or within a bedding plant nursery

Technical Skills and Knowledge

Awareness of Health and Safety issues in relation to:

Manual Handling.
Working with mechanical equipment while in the presence of members of the public and traffic.
COSHH procedures.

Ability to identify plant species and knowledge of their welfare

Other Requirements

Access to transport to meet the requirements of the post; or have access to a mode of transport that will enable the post holder to fulfil the role in full
Available to work an average of 37 hours per week based on an annualised hours arrangement
Access NI Check (Basic)

COMPETENCIES

Competence at a front-line level is essential for this post and will be assessed at the appropriate selection stage of the appointment process; using the Competency Framework for Local Government, which includes definitions of the competence groups and examples of positive indicators.  All of the competencies are considered relevant to this post and may also be assessed during probation and throughout employment in this role

.1 Managing Our Own Work

Plans, structures and prioritises own work to achieve optimum results
2.3 Communicating with Impact

Presents a positive image by communicating effectively, being resilient and treating people fairly

3 How We Work With Others
3.2 Influencing Outcomes

Adapts style and approach to achieve effective

3.3 Meeting Customer Needs

Establishes the needs of customers and strives to ensure that these are met

3.4 Respect for Diversity and Equality

Treats all individuals with respect, responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do likewise. Ensures equality of opportunity for all

Selection Interview / Assessment
4   How We Move Forward
4.3 Achieving Results

Takes personal responsibility for making things happen. Shows motivation and perseverance in

overcoming obstacles and achieving results

For more information contact Jessica or Debbie on 02895219313

BSNI are an acting recruitment agency.