Craft Gardener

South Dublin County Council

Dublin

On-site

EUR 37,000 - 43,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

South Dublin County Council is seeking a dedicated Craft Gardener to maintain parks, gardens and open spaces across the county. You will apply horticultural knowledge to landscape maintenance, plant care and seasonal planting, ensuring high presentation standards in public spaces.

You will work as part of a team, using ICT tools for reporting, and comply with health, safety and biodiversity initiatives, including climate-conscious nature-based solutions and pollinator schemes.

Qualifications

Hold a minimum Advanced Certificate in Horticulture (QQI Level 6) or equivalent in Horticulture.
Thorough knowledge of landscape/amenity horticulture.
Experience in planning, planting and maintaining greens spaces.
Experience with tools and equipment used in park/garden maintenance.
Capable of keeping written records.
Knowledge of plant cultivation indoors and outdoors and landscape gardening.
Computer literacy to enable report writing.
Awareness of Health and Safety legislation and regulations.
Hold a full, valid Category B driving licence with access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

Maintain high levels of presentation in parks, gardens and open spaces.
Assist with Park and Public Realm Management Plans.
Carry out daily inspections of facilities in line with SDCC policies.
Identify issues on playing surfaces and provide recommendations.
Liaise with Tidy Towns, Residents and community groups on horticulture.
Plant new trees and maintain existing ones across the county.
Implement landscape schemes and other projects as required.
Prepare reports as needed.
Ensure safe use of tools and machinery, and ICT system proficiency.
Participate in training and implement biodiversity/nature-based solutions.

Skills

Motivation

Communication

Health & Safety awareness

Initiative

Local government knowledge

Education

QQI Level 6 Horticulture

Job description

Region: Ireland Vicinity: Dublin Industry Sector: Horticulture Jobs , Conservation Jobs , Environmental Jobs , Biodiversity Jobs , Landscape Design Jobs , Parks Jobs Job Category: Installation/Maintenance/Repair , Operations Management , Project Management , Gardener , Grounds Maintenance , Groundskeeper , Horticulturist , Landscape Designer , Park Ranger Job Type: Permanent Education Level: Please see job description Salary Description: €814.17 (minimum) €936.25 (maximum). This does not include relevant allowances Posted: 04/08/2026 Start Date: ASAP Recruiter: South Dublin County Council Job Ref: GreenJobs - 001079 Closing Date: 15/09/2026

Wages: €814.17 (minimum) €936.25 (maximum). This does not include relevant allowances

Qualifications

Character

Candidates will be of good character.

Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Essential Education, Training and Experience

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

Hold at a minimum, an Advanced Certificate in Horticulture (QQI Level 6), or equivalent qualification in Horticulture.
Have a thorough knowledge of landscape / amenity horticulture.
Have comprehensive experience in planning, planting and maintaining greens spaces and/or have a demonstrable aptitude for this type of work
Have experience in the care and use of tools, machines and appliances used in the maintenance of parks, gardens and open spaces
Be capable of keeping a written record.
Have a thorough knowledge of the cultivation of plants, both indoor and under glass, as well as a good knowledge of decorative and landscape gardening.
Have an understanding and knowledge of computer literacy to enable report writing.
Have a reasonable knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety legislation and regulations.
Hold a full, valid Category B driving licence, free from endorsements and recognised in Ireland. Applicants must be legally entitled to drive in Ireland and have access to a vehicle, as required. The vehicle must be maintained to a standard satisfactory to SDCC for the performance of official duties, and the motor insurance policy must provide appropriate indemnity to the Council.
Hold a current Safe Pass Registration Card Prior to taking up of duty.

Desirable Education, Training and Experience

Have satisfactory knowledge and a keen interest in horticulture, relevant to public open spaces, gardens and parks.
Have good communication skills and have the ability to engage with a wide range of people.
Have good organisational skills.
Have the ability to work as part of a team.
Have the ability to organise their own work and work schedule in an efficient manner.
Be capable of working on their own initiative, in an independent environment and without constant supervision.
Demonstrate a willingness and ability to stay up-to-date and adapt to current developments within the sector; such as the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and the implementation of nature-based solutions in relation to climate change adaptation.
Hold a current, unendorsed full driving licence at C1.
Motivation and interest
Communication and teamwork
Awareness of Health and Safety
Initiative and problem solving
Local government knowledge

Key Competencies / Skills

Motivation and interest
Communication and teamwork
Awareness of Health and Safety
Initiative and problem solving
Local government knowledge

Duties

Duties will include but are not limited to:

Maintaining high levels of presentation in the parks, gardens, and open spaces under the Council’s control.
Assist with Park and Public Realm Management Plans.
Carry out day to day operational inspections of park and public realm facilities in accordance with SDCC plans, policies, and procedures.
Have a good understanding of playing surfaces, be able to identify issues and provide recommendations to supervisors.
Liaise with and provide advice to Tidy Towns, Residents and Community groups on horticulture practices.
Planting of new trees and the maintenance of both existing and newly planted trees in any location across the county.
Implementing landscape schemes and other projects, as required.
Preparing reports as may be required.
Requisitioning material / equipment, as required.
Being responsible for the safe and efficient usage of all tools, machinery and equipment under their control and ensuring that all such items are not misused, damaged or lost during working hours.
Competent in the use of ICT Systems
Use all new technology and machinery as required
Ensuring that all works being carried out comply with the relevant Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Acts and Regulations, including the completion of Risk Assessment and Accident / Incident forms.
Undertaking any training course organised by the council which they are required to attend.
Implementing actions on climate change relating to nature-based solutions.
Implementation and management of pollinator supporting schemes.
Planning and maintenance of diverse grassland management.
Carrying out such other duties as required from time to time.
Innovation and improvement: seeking for ways to improve and enhance the delivery and finish of works and projects by the Council