Gardener – Section: Open Spaces & Street Scene Location: Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT17 9LA Contract Details Hours: 37 hours per week Working Pattern: Mon–Thu: 7:30am – 3:30pm Fri: 7:30am – 3:00pm Start Date: 2 February 2026 Pay Rates PAYE: £14.35 per hour Main Purpose of the Role To work as part of the Open Spaces and Street Scene team maintaining parks, playing fields, landscaped areas and open spaces across Belfast. The post holder will carry out a wide range of horticultural, grounds maintenance and manual duties either independently or as part of a team. ️ Key Duties & Responsibilities Maintain grounds in a clean, safe and orderly condition, including sweeping, hoeing, raking, mowing, edging and litter removal Carry out soil cultivation, manuring, site preparation and basic construction works Undertake grass cutting, hedge cutting, pruning, turfing and seed sowing Identify, plant, maintain and cultivate a wide range of plants, trees and shrubs Carry out remedial action to control plant growth, pests and diseases Operate powered hand tools, light plant and tractor-mounted equipment Apply chemical pest control methods, including calibration of sprayers and identification of pests, diseases and weeds Load, unload and transport equipment and materials such as mowers, plants, soil, fertilisers and tools Clean, maintain and carry out basic checks on tools and equipment Maintain sports and games facilities including spiking, scarifying, top-dressing, fertilising, marking out and erection/dismantling of posts Assist with training and mentoring junior staff and placements Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors and members of the public Work in full compliance with Health & Safety legislation and Council procedures, including wearing required PPE Participate in induction, training and ongoing development as required Act in accordance with Council policies including customer care, equality, safeguarding and health & safety Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as required This role may evolve over time, and flexibility is required to meet service needs. Essential Criteria Qualifications Applicants must hold: NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture (or equivalent relevant qualification) PA1 and PA6 Pesticide Application Certificates Experience Applicants must demonstrate at least 1 year’s relevant experience in: Gardening and horticultural work (e.g. grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, turfing, seed sowing, litter removal) Dealing with members of the public in a face-to-face environment ⭐ Skills & Attributes Strong team-working skills Good awareness of personal and workplace health & safety Sound horticultural knowledge with the ability to coach junior staff Clear communication skills with colleagues, managers and the public Commitment to delivering excellent customer care and representing the Council positively Shortlisting Criteria (if required) Preference may be given to applicants who can demonstrate: At least 2 years’ relevant experience in the areas listed above; and/or NVQ Level 3 in Amenity Horticulture (or equivalent higher qualification)