Job Description
4 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• Hackney Council is seeking a reliable and experienced Gardener to join the Housing Grounds Maintenance team on a 36-hour per week contract.
• Reporting to the Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, the post holder will be responsible for maintaining and
improving communal green spaces across Hackney housing estates.
• This is a practical, outdoor role requiring the safe use of horticultural machinery, adherence to health and safety standards, and positive engagement with residents.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Maintain communal green spaces including grass cutting, pruning, hedge maintenance, and seasonal planting.
• Operate and carry out basic maintenance on horticultural machinery such as mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers and chainsaws.
• Apply herbicides and pesticides in line with NPTC guidance, COSHH regulations and health & safety requirements.
• Support biodiversity initiatives including meadow areas, bulb planting, orchards and environmentally sustainable practices.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely, always using appropriate PPE.
• Identify and report hazards, defects or incidents on housing estates.
• Engage courteously and professionally with residents and colleagues.
• Follow instructions from the Grounds Maintenance Supervisor and complete work to agreed standards.
Skills/Experience:
• Proven experience in grounds maintenance or horticultural services.
• Competent in the use of mechanical and powered gardening equipment.
• Knowledge of health & safety legislation, including COSHH and PPE requirements.
• Ability to identify faults and carry out basic maintenance on tools and machinery.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
Additional Information:
• A full UK driving licence with no points or convictions is essential.
• NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture (or willingness to work towards).
• Contract: 36 hours per week.
• Location: Hackney Housing Estates (E2).
Requirements
•• Proven experience in grounds maintenance or horticultural services. • Competent in the use of mechanical and powered gardening equipment. • Knowledge of health & safety legislation, including COSHH and PPE requirements. • Ability to identify faults and carry out basic maintenance on tools and machinery. • Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions. • Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.