Experienced Gardener
Northwich Town Council
Salary: SCP 7 – £26,403 per year
Contract: Full-time, Permanent (37 hours per week)
Northwich has seen considerable investment in recent years and is now widely recognised as a desirable place to live, work and visit.
About Us
Northwich Town Council provides a range of services for residents and visitors, including the maintenance of cemeteries, parks, play areas, open spaces and a paddling pool. We also undertake contract work for other town and parish councils.
We are currently seeking an experienced and qualified Gardener to join our team. This is a full-time position requiring flexible working hours to meet the needs of the Council.
The successful candidate will work as part of a small team delivering high-quality horticultural and grounds maintenance services across the Council’s parks, cemeteries and open spaces. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during busy periods.
Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence, possess relevant horticultural qualifications, and have experience working in formal parks or similar environments.
Main Purpose of the Role
To maintain parks, cemeteries, play areas and contract sites to the high standards expected by Northwich Town Council.
Key Duties
- Grass cutting using a range of equipment
- Strimming, hedge cutting and weeding
- Cultivation and maintenance of flower beds
- Planting and watering of plants and shrubs
- General maintenance of machinery and equipment
- Completing job sheets and daily timesheets
- Applying pesticides and fertilisers safely
- Carrying out visual inspections of sites when required
- Watering plants (including evenings and weekends when necessary)
- Occasional flagging, fencing and general repairs
- Litter picking and site cleaning
Responsibilities
- Organising day-to-day tasks and workload
- Completing worksheets for all works carried out
- Completing inspection sheets and maintaining records
- Opening and locking Council premises when required
Knowledge and Skills
- Formal professional education with significant experience in horticulture, including greenkeeping
- PA1 & PA6 certificates for the safe use of pesticides
- Good interpersonal skills when dealing with members of the public
- Ability to demonstrate planning and creative horticultural skills
Effort Demands
- Working to an established routine while managing daily tasks independently
- Regular physical work including walking, pushing mowers, pruning and project work
- Managing competing demands across various council parks and sites
Essential Requirements
Qualifications
- Sound basic education with good numeracy and literacy
- Full clean UK driving licence
- A recognised horticultural or grounds maintenance qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3, NCH or equivalent) or working towards an appropriate qualification
Experience
- Proven experience in garden maintenance and plant care
- Awareness of Health and Safety legislation relevant to the role
Knowledge and Skills
- Good horticultural knowledge
- Knowledge of both soft and hard landscaping
- Ability to identify trees, shrubs and plants
- Ability to work to a high standard
- Knowledge of equipment use and maintenance
- Ability to maintain records
- Ability to read and interpret plans
Personal Attributes
- Able to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Creative and proactive approach to work
- Honest and trustworthy
- Flexible and reliable
- Presentable appearance
Desirable
- Experience of planning workloads
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Effective communication skills
- Basic IT skills
Benefits
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday with occasional weekend duties.
Click here for application form