Skilled Gardener

Wyre Borough Council; Knott End-On-Sea; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the United Kingdom is seeking a Skilled Gardener to maintain its award-winning outdoor spaces. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining parks, cemeteries, and recreational areas, ensuring high standards of care and compliance with health and safety. Applicants must have a Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture and experience with grounds maintenance. This role offers an excellent opportunity for development, including training and a supportive work environment, along with competitive pay and benefits.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Employer pension contributions

Annual leave increasing with service

Qualifications

• Previous experience maintaining parks and open spaces.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Physically able to undertake duties.

Responsibilities

• Maintain parks and open spaces to high standards.
• Operate grounds maintenance equipment safely.
• Conduct fine turf and sports pitch maintenance.
• Carry out grave digging tasks.

Skills

Horticultural maintenance

Team leadership

Grounds maintenance equipment operation

Fine turf maintenance

Health and safety compliance

Education

Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture

Tools

Grounds maintenance equipment

360 Excavator

Job description

At Wyre, we take pride in the maintenance of our outdoor spaces. To help us achieve this, we are looking to recruit a Skilled Gardener that has the necessary skills and ability to maintain our award-winning open spaces. This is an opportunity to play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the borough's parks, cemeteries, and landscaped areas. You will assist the Parks Area Team Leader in day-to-day operations and take a lead role in managing the team during their absence.

What You'll Do

• Maintain parks, open spaces, cemeteries, and recreational areas to the highest standards.
• Operate and maintain a range of grounds maintenance equipment safely and effectively.
• Undertake fine turf and sports pitch maintenance.
• Carry out grave digging and related cemetery tasks.
• Complete playground inspections and record findings.
• Provide a visible, professional presence while carrying out duties.
• Support health and safety compliance and promote best practice.

Essential:

• Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture (or equivalent).
• Previous experience maintaining parks, open spaces, and cemeteries.
• Experience in grave preparation, excavation, shoring, and backfill operations.
• Ability to work independently and lead a team.
• Knowledge of fine turf and sports pitch maintenance.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Physically able to undertake duties.

Desirable:

• PA1 & PA6a Pesticide Application.
• IOSH Working Safely.
• 360 Excavator Licence.
• Experience with playground inspections and memorial safety checks.

Benefits:

• Hands on experience working with teams that have award winning standards.
• Training and development opportunities including leadership skills and a range of grounds maintenance equipment and methodologies.
• A competitive rate of pay including additional benefits such as employer pension contributions, 24 days annual leave rising to 29 days depending on length of service including bank holidays and a work environment that will help you develop and grow.