Gardener (Grade 4)

POST IDENTIFICATION

Post Title Gardener

Grade         4 Job Evaluation ID: 1020b Date Evaluated/Reviewed May 2018

Service Area Streetscene & City Services

Service Team Environment & Leisure

Responsible to Team leader, Supervisor or Grounds Manager

Areas of Responsibility None

Number of staff responsible for None Political Restricted Role (refer to special conditions section) No DBS Required   No Job Evaluation Proforma  (to be completed by a manager only when creating a new job or amending an existing role)

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.)

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

To report any defects in tools and equipment to line manager

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

This job description sets out the main result areas of the post at the date when it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or the level of responsibility. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot in themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post. PERSON SPECIFICATION   ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

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

Possess a spraying certificate

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.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunities Understand and demonstrate a willingness to promote positively the  Strategic Equality Plan of Newport City Council

Welsh Language Requirements

The Authority is committed to delivering an equally high quality service in Welsh and English and will support staff in providing this. All posts have to be assessed in respect of the Welsh Language requirements. Welsh requirements for this post (see  Welsh Language Skills Assessment for skill levels)

Listening / Speaking Skills 0 Writing Skills 0 Reading / Understanding Skills 0

Special Conditions

Disclosure & Barring Service Disclosures Not Applicable

Politically Restricted The post you are applying for is politically restricted under the provisions of the Local Government and Housing act 1989. If you wish to receive further information about politically restricted posts e-mail human.resources@newport.gov.uk

Other (including physical demands and working conditions)

Training

Undertake all mandatory training relevant to the role and be responsible for your own Continuing Professional Development.

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