About the job HWRC Operative
Post Title
Gardener
JOB PURPOSE
To work as directed to carry out all aspects of practical amenity horticulture to the highest standards as required by the Grounds Maintenance Specification and Clients
KEY RESULT AREAS
- To use a high level of gardening skills to meet the horticultural standards within the specification and to undertake all horticultural operations, including:
- Grassing cutting duties/strimming/hedge trimming/clearing leaves and litter
- Planting out of bedding plants, trees and shrubs
- Shrub bed planting and maintenance (e.g. pruning and division)
- Application of chemicals
- Maintenance, setting out and marking sports facilities
- General soft landscaping works (e.g. top-soiling, cultivation, seeding, shrub-bed renewal etc.)
2 . To operate, and be responsible for ensuring that all vehicles, plant and machinery are kept in good working orders and comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Road Traffic Regulations
3. To report any defects in tools and equipment to line manager
4 To take reasonable care of own and others safety; to co-operate with managers/ supervisors in complying with statutory health & safety duties; to report incidents, accidents, faults etc
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
- NVQ stage 1 in Horticulture (or equivalent) OR a minimum of two years' proven practical experience in Grounds Maintenance work
- Possession of a current, full, UK driving licence is essential
Knowledge
Possess knowledge of mechanical plant/equipment and its maintenance (or be prepared to undertake training)
- Knowledge of plant identification and disorders
- Knowledge of Health & Safety at Work Regulations
Experience
- Able to demonstrate all practical aspects of horticulture, including grass cutting and general horticultual machinery
- Experience of soft landscaping work
- Experience of using mowing equipment and small plant (e.g. pedestrian mowers, strimmers etc.)
Aptitude & Skills
- Ability to work on own initiative with minimum supervision
- Able to work to deadlines
- Good communication skills - oral and written
- A willingness and ability to undertake further training and learn new skills
- Punctuality and reliability
- Ability to demonstrate a commitment to the improvement and development of the gardening team as a whole
- Flexible approach to people and work
- Willingness to assist colleagues when necessary
- Have a pleasant manner and positive attitude
- Stamina; able to undertake the physical aspects of the post
- Able to work outdoors irrespective of weather or conditions
- Able to work in any location within the city boundary
- Availability to work overtime if necessary
- Ability to interpret plant plans
- Stamina; able to undertake the physical aspects of the post
- Able to work outdoors irrespective of weather or conditions
EXPECTED BEHAVIOURS & VALUES
- Encourage and support others as part of a team. Give guidance and advice to others. Grow positive working relationships
- Contribute with, and be open to change.
- Communicate openly, being straightforward with people to generate trust and confidence.
- Follow procedures and rules. Give feedback where these can be improved.
- Honestly reflect on my personal style and its impact on others and develop my skills so I can adapt my style as appropriate.