Craftworker Gardener

Galway City Council invites applications from suitably qualified applicants who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel for the position of Craft Gardener. All temporary and permanent vacancies for Craft Gardener may be filled throughout the lifetime of this panel.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       The Craft Gardener’s role is primarily a team leader and a support to the Craft Foreman assigned as supervisor;

·       The Craft Gardener will when required provide a Temporary Acting Role (remunerated) for the Craft Foreman when they are absent or at such times when it is agreed that further Temporary Acting positions are required and approved;

·       To supervise, motivate and direct staff including compliance with the provision of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Acts, under the direction and supervision of the appropriate supervisor and other supervisory staff;

·       To carry out all duties allotted to them by the appointed Line Manager or other Management Staff and including such duties as may be assigned in relation to the operation and management of Recreation & Amenity Facilities under the Council’s control;

·       To prepare work schedules and costings and to submit weekly pay sheets;

·       To investigate complaints, write clear and accurate reports and submission of same when required;

·       To supervise contractors as required;

·       To carry out pro-active maintenance works on an ongoing basis which may include appointing and supervising external contractors to carry out works;

·       The person appointed may be required to work (overtime) after normal hours as and when required subject to the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 for which payment at appropriate rates will be paid;

·       To carry out all duties allotted to him/her by the supervisor or other nominated officer in the operation and maintenance of existing Recreation & Amenity Facilities and any other additional / future Recreation & Amenity Facilities under the control of the Council;

·       To organise and supervise the day to day operation of the Recreation & Amenity facilities and where necessary liaise with the relevant clerical/administrative staff;

·       To ensure Council machinery & properties are maintained appropriately and to be responsible for maintenance of stocks of supplies to suitable levels;

·       The successful candidate will be required to operate all equipment provided, including any new technology which may be introduced in the future.

·       To carry out such other duties as may be assigned from time to time;

Note: The above duties outline the main functions and responsibilities of the post of Craftworker Gardner and may be subject to change in the future.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     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.

3.     Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

                 i.          A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

               ii.          A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

             iii.          A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

             iv.          A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

               v.          A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa  or

             vi.          A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa

4.     Education, Training, Experience, etc.

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

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

equivalent qualification in Horticulture

·       Have comprehensive experience in planning, planting and maintaining greens

spaces and/or have a demonstrable aptitude for this type of work

·       Have experience in the care and use of tools, machines and appliances used in the maintenance of parks, gardens and open spaces

·       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

·       Have had satisfactory experience of organising and setting out work

·       Hold a clean, current Class B driving licence, and have access to their own car

·       Hold a current Safe Pass Registration Card

·       Have a reasonable knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations.

Driving Licence Requirement Applicants should at the date of applying hold a full unendorsed valid Irish/EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence, (Link below).

https://www.ndls.ie/help/faq.html#exchange-of-foreign-driving-licences

Desirable:

It is desirable that candidates should have the following:

·         Hold a recognised diploma/degree in Amenity Landscape Horticultural Management (equivalent to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications) to cover the following skills areas Turf Grass Management, Arboriculture, Plant Management (woody, herbaceous, perennials & annuals), plant pathology, Horticulture Machinery Management, Nursery Management, Budgetary Management and People Management;

·         Have a record of managing people and resources as part of a team reporting to a Supervisory or equivalent grade. They will be able to demonstrate their skills in these areas and clarify their experience at prioritising matters, records management, team leadership, Human Resources Management and Public Relations;

·         Be able to demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of the principles of Practical Horticultural Amenity Management and Development;

·         Identify skills areas required to assist them in the new role which Galway City Council will later provide on the job.

·         Have experience/ability to keep records, write clear reports and perform satisfactorily, the clerical duties attached to the post

·         Demonstrate the ability to perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time;

·         Demonstrate evidence of implementation of Safe Work practices as required under existing Safety Health & Welfare Legislation & Regulations;

·         Demonstrate the ability to deal with the public.

·         Be proficient with computer applications.

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post are given in the table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence at interview of competence under each of these headings.

Experience, Knowledge & Skills

·       Knowledge & understanding of the role and responsibilities

·       Knowledge & Understanding of the functions of a Local Government

·       Relevant experience to date

·       Technical Experience

·       Knowledge of current Health & Safety Regulations and their application in the workplace

Planning & Organising Work

·       Deliver a high standard of service in line with work plans and schedules

·       Manage time and workload effectively

·       Problem solving/ decision making

·       Ability to work as part of a team & maintain effective working relationships

·       Ability to work on own initiative and unsupervised

Communication & Interpersonal Skills Including Report Writing & Use of Technologies

·       Good communicator with the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships across all levels, both senior and junior

·       Ability to give and receive information accurately and clearly and ability to take instruction

·       Ability to work as part of a team

·       Strong ability to deal with the public.

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Type of Post

Future relevant permanent and temporary posts will be filled from the panel(s) formed. The post(s) will be whole-time, permanent/temporary and pensionable.

Remuneration

The weekly salary (Circular EL 02-2026, Revised Local Authority Scales Operative from 1 February 2026) is as follows:

Point

01/02/2026

Point 1

€806.10

after 0.5 years

€828.58

after 1.5 years

€882.60

after 2.5 years

€888.20

after 3.5 years

€893.69

after 4.5 years

€899.26

after 5.5 years

€904.80

after 6.5 years

€910.35

after 7.5 years

€915.89

after 8.5 years

€921.45

after 9.5 years

€926.96

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates should note that the starting salary is not subject to negotiation. Entry into the pay scale above the minimum point will only apply to existing public servants in the context of the relevant Government Pay Circulars. Candidates who are not covered by such Circulars will enter the pay scale at the minimum point i.e. €806.10.

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to and received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

Probation:

(a)       there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation,

(b)       such period shall be 12 months but, the Chief Executive may at their discretion extend such period,

(c)       such persons shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory.

Hours of Duty

The person appointed will be required to work a 39 hour week. The successful candidate will be required to log their hours of work in accordance with the requirements of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and will be required to co-operate with the use of technologies to record such hours.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave entitlement will be 25 days per annum.

Residence:

Holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Work Permit

All non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid work permit prior to and for the duration of their contract. The work permit must allow you to work full time for Galway City Council. It is the responsibility of individual employees to ensure that you have a valid work permit. If at any stage during your contract you cease to hold a valid work permit you must immediately advise Galway City Council and your employment will cease with immediate effect.

Outside Employment:

The position is whole-time and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

Driving Licence:

Applicants should at the date of applying hold a full unendorsed valid Irish /EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence. Expenses incurred in work related travel will be recompensed in line with departmental circulars.

Garda Vetting:

The successful applicant may be required to undergo Garda Vetting prior to appointment.

Superannuation Contribution:

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority, who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of the State Pension Contributory).

Persons who become pensionable officers of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

Widows & Orphans/ Spouses & Children’s Scheme

All persons who become pensionable officers of a local Authority are required, in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme, 1986, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) in accordance with the terms of the Scheme.

New Entrants From 1st January 2013 – Single Public Services Pension Scheme

FOR NEW ENTRANTS recruited on or after 1st January, 2013 as well as former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. The Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 applies to your employment. Members of this Scheme are required in respect of superannuation to contribute at the rate of 3% of pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of State Pension contributory) and you are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution. Under this scheme the mandatory retirement age is 70 years.

Retirement Age:

Retirement age will be determined on previous Public Sector Service (if any) and will be advised on appointment.

Former Public Service Employees

Eligibility to compete may be affected where applicants were formerly employed by the Irish Public Service and previously availed of an Irish Public Service Scheme including:

·       Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER)

·       Department of Health and Children Circular (7/2010)

·       Collective Agreement: Redundancy Payments to Public Servants

Applicants should ensure that they are not precluded from re-engagement in the Irish Public Service under the terms of such Schemes.  This is a non-exhaustive list and any queries should be directed to the applicant’s former Irish Public Service Employer in the first instance. 

Declaration

Applicants will be required to declare whether they have previously availed of a public service scheme of incentivised early retirement and/or the collective agreement outlined above. Applicants will also be required to declare any entitlements to a Public Service pension benefit (in payment or preserved) from any other Public Service employment and/or where they have received a payment-in-lieu in respect of service in any Public Service employment.