Gardener

The closing date for this position is the 1 st May 2026

Gardener

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Temporary (Approx 12 weeks)

£14.35 per hour

37 hours per week- 7.30am-3.30pm(Mon-Thurs) 7.30am-3.00pm(Fri)

Main Purpose

To be responsible to the Open Spaces and Streetscene Supervisor or other appropriate officer for the undertaking of work in parks, playing fields, landscaped areas and open spaces either individually or as part of a team.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

To maintain the orderly condition of grounds, that is, sweeping, hoeing, raking, mowing, edging, removal of litter/rubbish, etc.

To carry out labour associated with soil cultivation, manuring, site preparation and construction.

To carry out grass cutting, hedge cutting and pruning.

To use powered hand tools and light plant to perform duties.

To load, unload and move equipment and materials such as mowers, barrows, plants, soil, fertilisers, horticultural tools and sundries.

To maintain all tools and equipment in a satisfactory condition including the cleaning of garden tools and basic cleaning and maintenance of lawnmowers.

To undergo periodic training as and when required.

To carry out skilled horticultural/sports ground/arboricultural operations.

To also identify, maintain and cultivate a wide range of plants, trees and shrubs and be able to take remedial action to control growth/pests/diseases, use of wide range of horticultural tools and sundries.

To assist in the training of staff, including ability to pass on skills and give direction to lesser graded staff and staff placements.

To carry out turf and seed sowing. To maintain games facilities and areas including spiking, scarifying, top-dressing, fertilising and also marking of games areas and erection/dismantling of posts.

To carry out application of chemical pest control methods including calibration of sprayers and identification of a range of pests, diseases and weeds.

To operate tractor mounted equipment as required.

To ensure effective communication with other members of the team and line management.

To ensure that work is carried out in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and council regulations, to include the wearing of safety boots and high visibility jacket.

To participate in all induction and in-service training provided by Belfast City Council and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.

To act in accordance with the council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care, equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.

To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the council.

To undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.

Essential Criteria:

(Please note that Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd require original certificates as proof of all qualifications listed on CV)

Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:

possess an NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture, or an equivalent relevant qualification;

possess the PA1 and PA6 Pesticide Application Certificates;

and be able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples,

at least one years relevant work experience of each of the following:

undertaking gardening and horticultural work, for example, grass cutting, hedge trimming, turfing and seed sowing, planting, working in glasshouses, sweeping, removal of litter and rubbish etc; and dealing with members of the public, in a face to face environment.

Special skills and attributes

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate evidence of the following special skills and attributes which may be tested at interview:

Team working skills: the ability to work effectively within a team environment.

Health and safety awareness skills: an awareness of personal responsibility for Health and Safety.

Technical knowledge: the ability and appropriate horticultural and gardening knowledge to carry out their own duties successfully and to coach junior gardeners.

Communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively with members of the public, colleagues and line managers.

Customer care skills: the ability to provide an excellent standard of customer care whilst enhancing and protecting the image of Belfast City Council.

Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation.

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible.

Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted.

Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK and Ireland. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level.