Craft Gardener (Temple Newsam)

This post is based at Temple Newsam Estate, Leeds, where the team are responsible for all aspects of horticulture and general grounds maintenance of this 600 hectare historic parkland, sports fields and amenity grassland., To undertake all aspects of horticultural maintenance within the Leeds City boundaries,

• To Prepare Land for planting
• To undertake the planting and aftercare of annual, biennial and perennial plants
• To repair and maintain ornamental and amenity turf areas
• To undertake basic hard and soft landscaping construction and aftercare
• To prepare sports areas, marking out and maintenance
• To undertake other manual labouring duties as required
• To respond to enquiries from parks visitors on basic horticultural techniques
• To refer concerns expressed by visitors to the parks to line managers or supervisors
• To undertake such training as is required to meet the needs of the maintenance of the parks and surrounding areas
• To undertake other site-related horticultural maintenance duties commensurate with the skill levels expected of a craft gardener as directed by the site manager
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post., Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
  
  You will require considerable practical horticultural experience, together with an NVQ2 or equivalent in Amenity Horticulture, although applicants who can demonstrate a significant period of work experience without formal qualifications will also be considered.
Work includes all aspects of horticultural maintenance, including lifting, digging, hard and soft landscaping, preparation of ground for the planting and establishment of plants, weed spraying, the laying, establishing and maintenance of turf, fencing, the construction and maintenance of landscape features and grass cutting using a ride-on mower. In addition the Craft Gardener will be responsible for mentoring and training new Gardening Apprentices in horticultural methods and practices and in specific machinery use. A full, clean driving licence is essential, to enable the post holder to travel independently to various sites as required to supervise and transport staff. The post may be based at any point within the Leeds City boundaries. You will have excellent communication skills and be a team player. You will be motivated and a critical thinker with the ability to understand the needs of your customers.In addition to previous experience in staff supervision, training and completion of relevant paperwork We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults., Minimum of NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent, with a considerable practical experience. Candidates who can demonstrate a significant period of work experience, but who do not have a formal qualifications, will be considered for the post. Minimum provisional driving licence, It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements:
• Ability to prepare land for planting.
• Ability to establish and maintain plants.
• Abilith to establish turf by seed and by laying.
• Ability to construct basic hard landscaping features and surfaces.
• Ability to maintain course, amenity and sports turf grass surfaces.
• Ability to undertake digging, forking and heavy lifting work.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Experience in amenity horticulture
• Experience in the use of ride-on machinery
Essential behavioural and other characteristics
• To have the ability to carry out tasks without direct supervision
• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at appropriate levels
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Be aware of and be able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities, It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
• PA1 / PA6 spraying certificate is desirable.
• Full UK driving licence
  
  Would you like to be part of something bigger and join us in our ambition to become the Best City, working together as a Team for Leeds. Do your values match ours and do you have something to offer?
Leeds City Council delivers over 500 different services to residents and is dedicated to bringing the benefits of a prosperous, vibrant and attractive city to the people of Leeds. This is a fantastic time to join us.


• a competitive pay progression structure including generous employer pension contributions
• flexible career paths with tailored personal and professional development
• support for you, your home and your family including personal, and financial support
• hybrid working arrangements (subject to needs of the role) and a flexitime system