Groundworker/gardener

Our client is a local authority in the Reading area in Berkshire, who is looking for an experienced groundworker or gardener join their team and help to manage the parks, open spaces, streets and neighbourhood services.

Job purpose:

1. Maintenance to a high standard of a wide variety of ornamental planting features such as annual bedding and perennial displays, ornamental lawns, shrub beds and minor tree works.
2. Use and maintenance of a variety of ride-on, pedestrian and hand held machinery (including basic chainsaw).
3. Application of pesticides.
4. Operation of various types of plant e.g. fork lift truck, dumper truck and mini-tractors with attachment.
5. General litter clearance, cleaning and maintenance of parks and gardens, including hard landscape, furniture and buildings.
6. To provide cover for other operational teams at times of peak work e.g. inspection of children’s playground equipment, basic preparation of sports pitches, operation of tractors and associated equipment, e.g. gang mowers.
7. Ensuring the general safety of the public and enforcement of byelaws and regulations with tact and diplomacy.
8. Drive vehicles as required to transport materials, equipment and personnel to site and for removal of arisings and waste for disposal.

Requirements:

 - minimum 5 years' relevant groundworker or gardening experience, inc. experience of driving a mini-tractor

- minimum 2 years epxerience in dealing with the public

- NPTCs 30 and 31, PA6A, certificate for operation of ride-on and pedestrian mowers and handheld tools, certificate for tractor driving units 1-4

- level 2 in horticulture or equivalent

- full UK driving lcience inc. C1 + E

In return a salary of £14.59/hr is offered (c. £28k pa) and 28 days paid leave including bank holidays.

This is a temporary position with the possibility of becoming permanent for the right candidate after a probationary period.