This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose:

To undertake day-to-day gardening maintenance and horticultural operations.

Responsibilities

• Undertake manual labouring duties as required, including the lifting, and carrying of materials and tools.
• Prepare land for planting digging and forking and establish plants.
• Undertake the planting and aftercare of annual, biennial and perennial plants.
• Maintain turf and grassed areas by using mowing machinery.
• Assist with the construction of basic hard landscape features and surfaces.
• Carry out tasks, without direct supervision.
• Supervision and training of staff, including seasonal staff, trainees, volunteers and work placements and undertake the training of small teams of mixed horticultural ability.
• Undertake mentoring of gardening apprentices.
• Interpret and work on complex planting plans.
• Repair and maintain ornamental and amenity turf areas.
• Undertake basic soft and hard landscaping construction and aftercare.
• Respond to enquiries from parks visitors on basic horticultural techniques and plant varieties.
• Refer concerns expressed by visitors to the parks, to line managers or supervisors.
• Undertake such training as is required to meet the needs of the maintenance of the parks and surrounding areas.
• Undertake other site related horticultural maintenance duties commensurate with the skill levels expected of a craft gardener as directed by Line Manager.
• Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications

NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent is essential. PA1 /PA6 spraying certificate is desirable.

Essential Requirements

Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the following essential requirements.

• Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.
• Able to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at all appropriate levels.
• Able to prepare land for planting and establish and maintain plants.
• Able to establish turf by seed and by laying and maintain turf and grassed areas by using mowing machinery.
• Able to maintain course, amenity and sports turf grass surfaces.
• Able to assist with the construction and maintenance of hard landscape features and surfaces.
• Able to undertake digging, forking and heavy lifting work.
• Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Able to assist with maintenance of hard landscape features and surfaces.
• Able to interpret and work on complex planting plans.
• Able to repair and maintain ornamental and amenity turf areas.
• Able to refer concerns expressed by visitors to the parks, to line managers or supervisors.
• Able to undertake such training as is required to meet the needs of the maintenance of the parks and surrounding areas.
• Knowledge of current, modern horticultural machinery and its uses.
• Experience in the use of ride on mowing machinery.

Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Willingness to actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities to ensure up, to date knowledge and skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable Requirements

Candidates are not required to meet all the following desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.

• Able to supervise and train staff, including seasonal staff, trainees, volunteers and work placements and undertake the training of small teams of mixed horticultural ability.
• Undertake mentoring of gardening apprentices.
• Plant knowledge and identification
• Experience in the use of hand mowing machines