JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Apprenticeship in Horticulture Directorate: Community and Wellbeing Department: Parks and Cemeteries Location: Throughout the Borough * Reports to: Head Gardener Salary Scale: Scale 2 to 3 (SCP 4 - 7) **£25,185 - £26,403 per annum Car User Status: Casual PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST Working as a member of the Horticulture team, this apprentice position is intended for someone motivated to pursue a career as a professional horticulturist and contribute to the maintenance and development of facilities managed by the Parks & CemeteriesService. The post holder will undertake a four-year apprenticeship scheme, attending formal college and receiving workplace tuition. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop horticultural skills and knowledge, undertaking ongoing work-based informal skills assessments including plant identification and keeping a work diary. Participation in training through day release leading to the successful achievement of qualifications in Horticulture. This will involve formal taught courses and assessments. Assist with the maintenance and upkeep of Council Parks and other open space areas spaces including all labour associated with horticultural and grounds operations. To rotate around the different areas of the Service under the guidance of experienced horticulturists, so as to gain practical experience and skills with each of the Parks Teams in locations throughout the Borough. Apply pesticides in line with good operational practice when the PA1 & PA6 qualification has been acquired. Operate a wide range of powered hand tools and pedestrian powered machinery including grass cutting, hedge cutting and pruning works. Carry out labour associated with soil cultivation, site preparations, construction, planting, and maintenance including assist in design of planting schemes when necessary. Assist with sport pitch maintenance works involving marking out, spiking, scarifying, topdressing, fertilising, turf laying, seed sowing, sweeping, sanding and erection and dismantling of posts within facilities. Assist with a range of fine turf works involved in maintaining a high standard development and maintenance throughout Council owned fine turf locations such as golf greens, bowling greens and cricket ground areas. Assist in maintaining all tools and machinery in a satisfactory condition including light maintenance, i.e., fitting of spark plugs, blades, setting up and cleaning of equipment. Assist with community park events and work with the public in carrying out your daily duties. Support the operation and implementation of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) and contribute to its targets. To comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council Policies and legal requirement. Any other appropriate duties as shall contribute to the achievement of the purpose and function of the post as shall be identified by the management of the Parks and Cemeteries Service. Note: The postholder may be required to work outside normal hours, including weekends and public holidays. * The postholder will be initially based at Bangor Walled Garden. However, they will be required to move to an alternative location in accordance with training and operational requirements. ** The postholder will be paid at Scale 2 and will only move to Scale 3 on completion of NVQ Level 3 in Horticulture. PERSON SPECIFICATION The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge, and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process. CATEGORY ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS 2 GCSEs including at least grade C in English and Maths (or equivalent).* EXPERIENCE Have a minimum of 40 hours work or volunteering experience in environmental, gardening or horticulture Basic knowledge and understanding of horticulture, awareness of good health and safety practice Be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have an interest in horticultural and grounds maintenance within a parks and open spaces environment. Basic understanding of environmental issues. KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES To be a good team worker Good communication skills Understanding and appreciation of the needs of the Public. OTHER REQUIREMENTS If required, agreement to complete Essential Skills in Numeracy and Literacy as part of their programme of study if stated qualifications are not held* Agreement to work towards achieving an NVQ Level 3 in Horticulture. Agreement to work towards achieving industrial PA1 & PA6 pesticides spraying certificate. Agreement to work towards achieving a driving licence. Agreement to Councils Learning, Training and Development Policy Prepared to work outside normal hours, including weekends and public holidays. Appointment will be subject to completion of a medical questionnaire including a pre-employment Drugs and Alcohol Screening. Postholder will be rotated around the different areas of the Service under the guidance of experienced horticulturists, so as to gain practical experience and skills with each of the Parks Teams in locations throughout the Borough. * or three GCSEs Grade Ds to include English and Maths (or equivalent). Those who have not attained a Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics at GCSE or equivalent will be required to complete Essential Skills in Numeracy and Literacy as part of their programme of study. The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.