QUALIFICATIONS

• Level 1 qualification within this field of work and actively working towards gaining or able to demonstrate a substantial number of years practical experience in gardening and horticultural operations.
• A full UK driving licence.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Ability to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at all appropriate levels.
• Ability to keep accurate records.
• Physical ability to undertake all aspects of horticultural operations outside, in all weathers.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Ability to supervise staff and train effectively.
• Ability to undertake mentoring for gardening apprentices.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of current, modern horticultural machinery and its uses.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of quality assurance procedures.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Level 1 qualification within this field of work or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of current, modern horticultural machinery and its uses.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures.
• Knowledge in the use of computers, smart phones and Microsoft software packages.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS CANDIDATES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MEET ALL THE FOLLOWING DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS HOWEVER THESE MAY BE USED TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN CANDIDATES.

• PA1/PA6 spraying certificate
• Knowledge of quality and safety assurance procedures.
• Knowledge of Departmental policies and procedures.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will require considerable practical horticultural experience, together with a Level 1 qualification within this field of work or equivalent experience. Applicants who can demonstrate a substantial period of work experience without formal qualifications will also be considered.
Work includes all aspects of horticultural maintenance, including manual handling such as 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 range of grass cutting mowers or machinery.
In addition the Leading Hand Gardener will be responsible for mentoring and training new Gardening Apprentices in horticultural methods and practices and in specific machinery use.
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.
A full UK 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.

THIS ROLE IS BASED IN THE UK. HOME OFFICE GUIDANCE STATES THAT CANDIDATES MUST EVIDENCE THEIR RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK PRIOR TO COMMENCING EMPLOYMENT, EITHER AS A UK OR IRISH CITIZEN, UNDER THE EU SETTLEMENT SCHEME OR HAVING SECURED ANY OTHER RELEVANT WORK VISA.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you’ll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

JOB PURPOSE

To undertake horticultural maintenance duties, within the Climate, Energy and Green Spaces service.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.
• The undertaking and completion of all horticultural operations within the defined working district.
• To undertake the training and development of horticultural apprentices.
• The supervision and training of staff, including seasonal staff, trainees, volunteers and work placements.
• To deputise as required in the absence of the Senior Chargehand Gardener.
• To undertake specified record keeping and other administrative duties as required.
• To ensure that Climate, Energy & Green Spaces Safety Policy and relevant Safe Working Practices are adhered to by the staff under the post holder’s control.
• To undertake any training as is deemed necessary to improve performance and to meet the needs of the maintenance of the parks and surrounding areas.
• 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 soft and hard landscaping construction and aftercare.
• To prepare sports areas, marking out and maintenance.
• To undertake other manual labouring duties as required in all weathers.
• To respond to enquiries from parks visitors on basic horticultural techniques.
• To refer concerns expressed by visitors to the parks and open spaces, to line managers or supervisors.
• To undertake other site related horticultural maintenance duties commensurate with the skill levels expected of a Leading Hand Gardener.

As a Leading Hand Gardener you will bring to the role:-

• Ability to help lead and motivate a team of gardeners.
• Encourage staff to be their best and support advancement through training.
• A passion about horticulture and an infectious enthusiasm to deliver results.
• Good communication with multiple stakeholders and members of the public.
• The ability to access all required locations across the city.
• Effective leadership working collaboratively and inspiring others