Assistant Gardener

Reporting to the Assistant General Foreperson or Executive Parks & Landscape Officer and/or Senior Parks and Landscape Officer and/or appropriate officer, the Assistant Gardener is responsible for supporting the maintenance and development of Cork City’s parks, gardens, and open spaces. The role involves executing horticultural tasks, ensuring high standards of presentation, and contributing to the city’s environmental and biodiversity goals.

The successful candidate will work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative, pride in their work, and a commitment to Cork City Council’s values of sustainability, inclusivity, and public service excellence.

DUTIES

The Assistant Gardener shall arrange under the direction of the Assistant General Foreperson or their appointed representative, the efficient execution of all works in their area of charge and discharge all other duties related to their work including the following:

• Develop, co-ordinate and implement the parks, open/green space planting, maintenance and development programme.

• Maintain high levels of presentation in public parks, gardens and open spaces.

• Plant and weed flower beds and borders.

• Plant and prune trees and shrubs.

• Check the health of plants by identifying any pests or diseases and controlling them.

• Apply nutrients to plants and water containers.

• Take responsibility for cleaning and maintaining tools, machinery and equipment.

• Apply plant knowledge.

• Use all new technology and machinery as required.

• Comply with all Health and Safety requirements as required.

• Document and maintain tasks in accordance with Cork City Council Health & Safety Management System.

• Undertake any training as may be decided upon by the local authority from time to time.

• Perform any other duties which may be assigned from time to time.

The above duties are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities involved. Accordingly, the post holder may be required to perform other duties appropriate to the post, as may be assigned from time to time, and to contribute to the ongoing development and evolution of the role while in office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(a) Hold at a minimum, a recognised qualification in Horticulture (QQI Level 5 in the National Framework of Qualifications) or an equivalent qualification in Horticulture.

(b) Have at least one year’s post-qualification horticultural experience relevant to working in gardens and parks.

(c) Have experience in planning, planting and maintaining green spaces and/or have a demonstrable aptitude for this type of work.

(d) Have experience in the care and use of tools, machines and appliances used in the maintenance of parks, gardens and open spaces.

(e) Have had satisfactory experience of organising and setting out work.

(f) Have a reasonable knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety legislation and regulations.

Driver’s Licence

Holders of the office may be required to drive a car in the course of their duties and therefore are required to hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles free from disqualifications. Should you be disqualified from driving, you may be subject to an appropriate sanction which may include demotion, suspension, or other disciplinary action.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

It is desirable that candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong ability in the following areas:

• Have satisfactory knowledge and a keen interest in horticulture relevant to public open spaces, gardens, and parks.

• Have good communication skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of people.

• Have good organisational skills.

• Have the ability to work as part of a team.

• Have the ability to organise their own work and work schedule efficiently.

• Be capable of working on their own initiative, in an independent environment, and without constant supervision.

• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to stay up to date and adapt to current developments within the sector, such as the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and the implementation of nature-based solutions in relation to climate change adaptation.

• Hold a current Safe-Pass card.

• Demonstrate competencies in delivering quality work and services, communicating effectively, and personal effectiveness.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration for the position of Assistant Gardener, Parks & Recreation Department is:

€772.24 - €775.89 - €779.45 - €781.48 - €783.57 - €785.57 - €787.57 - €789.64 - €791.78 - €794.02 - €794.02 - €794.02 - €794.02 (Max)

In accordance with Departmental Circular Letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011 will enter the scale at the minimum point.

HOURS OF DUTY

The standard working week is 39 hours per week. The role may, on occasion, require evening or weekend work.

Holders of the post may be required to attend for duty at any time, in accordance with arrangements made by the local authority. The Council reserves the right to alter hours of work from time to time.

All hours worked will be subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and the Organisation of Working Time (Regulations) Act, 2001.