Job Title: Craft Gardener
Job type: Permanent
Wages: €816.44 (minimum) €936.11 (maximum). This does not include relevant allowances
Location: Ireland/South Dublin
Closing date: 16/10/2025
Character
Candidates will be of good character.
Health
Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Essential Education, training, experience
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:
1. Hold at a minimum, an Advanced Certificate in Horticulture (QQI Level 6), or equivalent qualification in Horticulture.
2. Have a thorough knowledge of landscape / amenity horticulture.
3. Have comprehensive experience in planning, planting and maintaining greens spaces and/or have a demonstrable aptitude for this type of work
4. Have experience in the care and use of tools, machines and appliances used in the maintenance of parks, gardens and open spaces
5. Be capable of keeping a written record.
6. Have a thorough knowledge of the cultivation of plants, both indoor and under glass, as well as a good knowledge of decorative and landscape gardening.
7. Have an understanding and knowledge of computer literacy to enable report writing.
8. Have a reasonable knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety legislation and regulations.
9. Hold a full Class B Driving Licence free from endorsements and be a competent driver.
10. Hold a current Safe Pass Registration Card Prior to taking up of duty.
Desirable Education, training, experience
1. Have satisfactory knowledge and a keen interest in horticulture, relevant to public open spaces, gardens and parks.
2. Have good communication skills and have the ability to engage with a wide range of people.
3. Have good organisational skills.
4. Have the ability to work as part of a team.
5. Have the ability to organise their own work and work schedule in an efficient manner.
6. Be capable of working on their own initiative, in an independent environment and without constant supervision.
7. Demonstrate a willingness and ability to stay up-to-date and adapt to current developments within the sector; such as the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and the implementation of nature-based solutions in relation to climate change adaptation.
8. Hold a current, unendorsed full driving licence at C1.
Key competencies / skills
* Motivation and interest
* Communication and teamwork
* Awareness of Health and Safety
* Initiative and problem solving
* Local government knowledge
Candidates are requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in these areas and which demonstrates their suitability to meet the challenges of this role. Candidates should ensure the example used clearly demonstrates their ability in this area and that the scale and scope of the example given is appropriate to the post and level of the post.
Duties
The post holder will be required to carry out all the duties allocated to them by the Council under the direction and supervision of the relevant Supervisor, which will include but are not limited to:
1. Maintaining high levels of presentation in the parks, gardens, and open spaces under the Council's control.
2. Assist with Park and Public Realm Management Plans.
3. Carry out day to day operational inspections of park and public realm facilities in accordance with SDCC plans, policies, and procedures.
4. Have a good understanding of playing surfaces, be able to identify issues and provide recommendations to supervisors.
5. Liaise with and provide advice to Tidy Towns, Residents and Community groups on horticulture practices.
6. Planting of new trees and the maintenance of both existing and newly planted trees in any location across the county.
7. Implementing landscape schemes and other projects, as required.
8. Preparing reports as may be required.
9. Requisitioning material / equipment, as required.
10. Being responsible for the safe and efficient usage of all tools, machinery and equipment under their control and ensuring that all such items are not misused, damaged or lost during working hours.
11. Competent in the use of ICT Systems
12. Use all new technology and machinery as required
13. Ensuring that all works being carried out comply with the relevant Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Acts and Regulations, including the completion of Risk Assessment and Accident / Incident forms.
14. Undertaking any training course organised by the council which they are required to attend.
15. Implementing actions on climate change relating to nature-based solutions.
16. Implementation and management of pollinator supporting schemes.
17. Planning and maintenance of diverse grassland management.
18. Carrying out such other duties as required from time to time.
19. Innovation and improvement: seeking for ways to improve and enhance the delivery and finish of works and projects by the Council