Craft Gardener

The Position:

Please note this panel is for the filling of posts from which the first filling will be to Dungarvan Presentation, Dungarvan.

Craft Gardener Qualifications

Character

Each candidate must be of good character.

Health

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

Each Candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms-

(a)         Hold at a minimum, an Advanced Certificate in Horticulture (QQI Level 6), or equivalent qualification in Horticulture.

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

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

(d)         Have a thorough knowledge of the cultivation of plants, both indoor and under glass, as well as a good knowledge of decorative and landscape gardening;

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

(f)          Hold a current, unendorsed, full driving licence (minimum Class B).

Preferably, the successful candidate will demonstrate;

(a)         Hold a current Safe Pass Registration Card.

(b)         C1 licence would be a benefit.

(c)         Relevant experience in working in local authorities or similar.

(d)         Satisfactory working knowledge of experience of:

·       Computer based systems

·       Safety, health and welfare at work

·       Basic computer skills

The ideal candidate will

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

·       Have good communication skills and have 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 in an efficient manner;

·       Be capable of working on his / her 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;

Key Competencies

·       Local Government Knowledge

·       Knowledge and Understanding of Health and Safety

·       Motivation and interest

·       Communication and Teamwork

·       Initiative and problem solving

Duties

The person employed will be required to perform assigned duties exercising duty of care, in the interest of safety of oneself, fellow employees and the general public, at all times in compliance with Waterford City and County Council’s Health and Safety Management system.

·       Maintaining high levels of presentation within the parks, gardens and open spaces under the Council’s control;

·       Planting roadside trees and maintaining existing roadside trees;

·       Implementing landscape schemes and other projects, as required;

·       Checking the health of plants by identifying any pests or diseases and controlling them;

·       Preparing reports as may be required;

·       Requisitioning material / equipment, as required;

·       Being responsible for the safe and efficient usage of all tools, machinery and equipment under his / her control and ensuring that all such items are not misused, damaged or lost during working hours;

·       Ensuring that all works being carried out comply with the relevant Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Acts and Regulations, including the completion of Risk Assessment and Accident / Incident forms;

·       Undertaking any training course organised by the council which he /she is required to attend;

·       Implementing actions on climate change relating to nature-based solutions.

·       Implementation and management of pollinator supporting schemes.

·       Planning and maintenance of diverse grassland management.

·       Carrying out such other duties as required from time to time.

PARTICULARS

The post is wholetime, and pensionable.

Wages

Craftworkers Scale currently €788.63 (min) - €908.30 (max) per week.

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

The salary will be fully inclusive and shall be determined from time to time. Holders of the post will pay to Waterford City & County Council any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their post or in respect of service which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.Hours of Work:

39 hours per week

Annual Leave:

25 days per annum (inclusive of Good Friday)

Pension:

The Local Government Superannuation Scheme applies

Location:

While the initial post will be in the Dungarvan Presentation Gang, Waterford City and County Council reserves the right to assign the successful candidate to any department or premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

InterviewCandidates at the interview will be assessed and marked on the following areas:

Local Government Knowledge (100 Marks)

·        Displays a knowledge of the structure and functions of local government

·        Displays knowledge of current local government issues and advocates practical approaches to addressing them.

·        Holds a clear and realistic view of future trends and strategic direction of local government

·        Understands the role of Craft Gardener in this context.

Knowledge and Understanding of Health & Safety (100 Marks)

·        Knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety legislation and practices

·        Is aware of the surrounding environment and can identify potential risks.

·        Pays due care to both own and others safety.

·        Application of relevant skills in the workplace

Motivation and Interest (100 Marks)

·        Interpersonal & communication skills

·        Self-motivation and ability to work independently

·        Is comfortable doing routine work when the need arises

Communication and Teamwork (100 Marks)

·        Ability to work as part of a team

·        Is respectful, courteous and professional, remaining composed even in challenging circumstances

·        Flexible in terms of working hours

Initiative and Problem Solving (100 Marks)

·        Applicants are asked to demonstrate on the application form their competencies in the area of using their initiative and problem solving.

Residence

The successful candidate shall reside in the district in which his/her duties are to be performed, or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Code of Conduct/Organisational Policies

Employees are to be required to adhere to all current and future Waterford City & County Council codes of practice including Code of Conduct of Employees and all current and future organisational policies including, but not limited to Health and Safety, Communications, Data Protection, Equality, Staff Mobility, Attendance Management and Use of Electronic Equipment. A full list of relevant policies is contained on the council Intranet.

Training

Employees are required to attend and participate fully in training programmes as may be decided by the Council from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their daily working activities.

Transport and Licencing Requirements

Successful applicants will be required to produce their Category B driving licence ahead of commencement in this role

Reporting Arrangements

Craft Gardener will report directly to the appropriate supervisor in the Section or to any other employee of Waterford City & County Council as the Chief Executive, Director of Services or other appropriate employee may designate for this purpose.

Health & Safety

Waterford City & County Council as an Employer is obliged to ensure, in so far as it is reasonably practicable the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work of all of its employees. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the County Council has a legal duty to exercise all due care and take all protective and preventative measures to protect the Safety, Health and Welfare of its employees.

All employees also have a legal obligation under Safety and Health legislation to co-operate with management and not engage in any improper conduct or behaviour or do anything, which would place themselves or others at risk.

Employees must not be under the influence of an intoxicant at the place of work. Employees must comply with all Safety and Health rules and regulations and attend all required Safety and Health Training.