Grounds Person

Work Pattern:

10am – 4pm, over 3 days

Location:

Down Syndrome Cork Field of Dreams Curraheen

Job Purpose:

To carry out the day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of gardens, lawns, planted areas, and outdoor facilities across the site, ensuring the grounds are kept safe, attractive, and well-presented throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Mow, edge, and maintain lawns and gardens to a consistent, high standard
• Plant, prune, weed, and mulch flower beds, borders, shrubs, and trees
• Maintain hedges, plant beds, and other features
• Water plants and manage irrigation systems as required
• Monitor and control pests and weeds using approved methods
• Clear leaves, litter, and debris from paths, lawns, and outdoor areas
• Maintain hard landscaping features such as paths and fencing
• Operate and carry out maintenance using approved, and provided, garden power tools (mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers, etc.)
• Assist with seasonal planting schemes, landscaping projects and produce growing and harvesting
• Monitor and report health and safety hazards on site
• Ensure compliance with site health and safety procedures, including safe use of materials and equipment
• Support waste management and composting activities
• Assist with snow/ice clearance and other weather-related site upkeep during winter months
• Carry out general site duties as directed by the Head Horticulturist
• Support on site preventative maintenance plan 
• Assist with on site events, activities and visits as directed 
• Assist with off-site horticultural events as required
• Help maintain the health and wellbeing of the chickens on site

Essential:

Previous experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, or a similar outdoor role

Ability to safely operate horticultural machinery and hand tools

Basic understanding of health and safety practices relevant to outdoor work

Desirable:

Working knowledge of plants, lawns, and seasonal horticultural tasks

Full, valid driving licence

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Good practical, hands-on approach with attention to detail
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work with minimal supervision
• Able to work well as part of a small team
• Good communication skills
• Flexible approach to varied daily tasks
• Genuine interest in horticulture and the outdoors
• Willingness to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment and materials, withing manual handling limits 

Regular bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods

Working Conditions:

Primarily outdoor work across the site grounds

Some earlier starts may be required, particularly in summer months

Occasional weekend or seasonal work may be needed (e.g. events, adverse weather response)

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for certain tasks