Horticultural Assistant

JobStart Scheme; Ballymena; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused organization is looking for a Horticulture Assistant to support community groups in Ballymena and surrounding areas. The role involves assisting in garden maintenance, delivering horticulture projects, and engaging with community members. Ideal candidates should have basic project management skills and a driving license. This is a temporary position offering up to 25 hours per week at an hourly rate depending on age and experience.

Qualifications

• Basic IT and administration skills such as use of Outlook.
• Full driving license and access to a car for work.
• Willingness to work out of office hours.

Responsibilities

• Sow seeds, transplant seedlings, and monitor gardens.
• Assist in delivering community horticulture projects.
• Perform garden maintenance and ensure health and safety.

Skills

Basic IT skills

Project management skills

Ability to adhere to policies

Willingness to travel

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: GROUNDWORKNIThe Horticulture Assistant will be a member of the Horticulture Team and support community groups throughout Northern Ireland to create new community gardens and maintain existing gardens. Working with the Horticulture Lead and with the support of volunteer gardeners, they will support and develop community gardens and allotments across the Northern Trust area and, at times, in our 4 Community Gardens in Belfast. They will support colleagues to develop new initiatives involving horticulture and deliver training to groups. They will also undertake any other work appropriate with the evolving objectives of the post and as may reasonably be requested by the Management Team. In accordance with national provisions for the protection of children and adults at risk, applicants for jobs will be required to undergo Access NI checks with the Police Service for Northern Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Sow seeds, transplant seedlings, weeding, watering and monitoring for pests and disease.
• Assist the Horticulture Leads to ensure the gardens and polytunnels are cleaned and organised, stocked with supplies, and working efficiently.
• Assist the Horticulture Leads to deliver projects within the local communities.
• Assist the Horticulture Leads to build capacity by engaging and mentoring community groups.
• Attend training sessions to learn about horticulture and community gardening.
• Developing & delivery of community programmes/sessions.
• Basic project management.
• Garden maintenance including successional planting, ensuring best practice/best organic practices, planting and propagating.
• General garden health and safety.
• Basic IT and administration tasks such as use of Outlook, document preparation and file management.

Skills and Qualifications

• Basic IT and administration skills such as use of Outlook, document preparation and file management.
• Be able to adhere to all GWNI policies and procedures.
• Willingness to undertake regular travel and to work out of office hours where necessary.
• Basic project management skills.
• A full driving licence that enables the holder to drive in Northern Ireland and access to a car for official business (or access to a form of transport which will enable the applicant to meet the requirements of the post in full).

Further Information

The Employer is: GROUNDWORKNIJobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information- Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week.- Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach.- Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.

Job Sector Security and General,Environmental, Health and Safety Area All of Northern Ireland Location Ballymena, with travel between the Northern Trust Area and Belfast Salary 16-17 £7.55, 18-20 £10.00, 21 plus £12.21 per hour. No. vacancies 1 Contract Type Temporary Weekly hours 25 Published date 25/11/2025 Closing date 05/01/2026 Worktime Between Monday to Friday, hours between 9am - 4.30pm