Assistant Gardener

Job Summary

Nua Healthcare Services is one of Ireland’s leading Care Providers. We provide Residential, Supported Living, Day Services and Community Outreach Services to both Children and Adults with a range of complex support requirements. 

Benefits of joining Nua Healthcare!

• Company Pension
• Specified Illness Cover
• Comprehensive Induction process
• Continuous Professional Development
• Fantastic development & career opportunities
• Life Assurance/Death-in-Service
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Education Assistance
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Working hours over a 7-day roster involving shift work
• Bike to work Scheme
• Refer/Retain a friend bonus. 
• Discounts with Retailers - Nationwide 

Job Objectives

At Nua Healthcare Services, we are proud to offer high standards of service and care. Renowned for offering some of the best facilities in the country; our residential accommodation combines modern state-of-the-art facilities with beautiful outdoor environments. Our tailored day care programs encompass a wide variety of stimulating and enjoyable activities. 

Our team bring a wealth of experience in supporting individuals with a range of complex needs including, but not limited to: 

• Autism 

• Asperger Syndrome 

• Acquired Brain Injuries 

• Challenging Behaviour 

• Intellectual Disabilities with Alzheimer’s or Dementia 

• Mental Health Rehabilitation and Recovery 

• Personality Disorders 

The Assistant Gardener will support the Main Gardener in delivering the routine and seasonal maintenance of the gardens and landscaped grounds at Gormanston.

The Assistant Gardener will undertake a broad range of practical gardening and grounds maintenance tasks safely, reliably and to the required standard.

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Job Objectives

• Carry out routine and seasonal garden maintenance tasks under the direction of the Main Gardener.
• Assist with the maintenance of mixed shrub and perennial borders and sensory gardens.
• Complete planting, weeding, deadheading, pruning, staking, mulching, feeding and watering tasks.
• Maintain lawns through mowing, edging, strimming, feeding, aeration, overseeding and localised repairs as directed.
• Assist with hedge maintenance, including seasonal cutting, clearing cut material and replacement planting.
• Assist with routine tree care, including watering, mulching and checking tree stakes and ties.
• Report damaged, unstable or potentially hazardous trees and branches.
• Observe plants for signs of pests, diseases, damage, nutrient deficiencies or environmental stress and report any concerns to the Main Gardener.
• Apply plant protection products only when appropriately trained, authorised and directed.
• Use mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, blowers, hand tools and other equipment for which training has been provided.
• Carry out basic equipment checks and report faults immediately.
• Keep paths, garden features, storage areas and work areas clean, safe and tidy.
• Manage green waste through the agreed composting, recycling or disposal arrangements.
• Assist with deliveries, stock checks, material handling and preparing areas for planting or improvement work.
• Engage respectfully with residents, staff and visitors while carrying out duties.
• Support planned resident gardening activities when requested by the service team.
• Follow work schedules, risk assessments, safe systems of work and all relevant health and safety procedures

Skills Requirement

• Practical experience in gardening, grounds maintenance, landscaping or a similar outdoor role.
• A formal qualification is not essential where the candidate can demonstrate suitable experience, aptitude and an interest in horticulture.
• A basic understanding of seasonal garden maintenance.
• Willingness to develop knowledge of shrubs, perennials, lawns, hedges, trees, pests and diseases.
• Ability to use common gardening tools and grounds maintenance equipment safely, or willingness to complete the required training.
• A reliable and proactive approach to work.
• Ability to follow instructions, work as part of a small team and complete tasks to a consistent standard.
• Good communication skills and a respectful, professional manner suitable for working within a residential care environment.
• A full driving licence, or actively in the process of obtaining one.
• Ability to undertake the physical requirements of an outdoor role throughout the year, with reasonable accommodation where appropriate.

Desirable criteria

• A relevant horticulture, landscape maintenance or amenity horticulture qualification at QQI Level 5 or equivalent.
• Previous experience maintaining extensive planting, sensory gardens, lawns, hedges or trees.
• Pesticide application training or a willingness to complete the required training before undertaking pesticide application duties.
• Experience working within healthcare, residential services, education, hospitality, estate grounds or another public facing environment.
• Basic IT skills for email, task updates and simple work records.

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