The Office of Public Works (OPW) invites applications for the positions of
Chargehand (Head) Craft Gardener at various OPW sites nationwide.
We are looking for someone dynamic with a flair for both formal and informal garden layouts and plants and working with a team of garden staff on maintaining and developing these gardens and plant collections.
The sites where positions are available are as follows:
* Castletown House & Donaghcumper Demesne
* Doneraile Court & Annes Grove Gardens
* Kilkenny Castle
* Derrynane House & National Historic Park
* St. Stephens Green
Essential Eligibility Requirements (at the closing date)
* Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, Hetac Level 7, or equivalent; *
Note
: * Irish or Foreign qualification (deemed in a similar field of study) recognised as
equivalent to the above qualification on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.
* Minimum of 2 years' Horticultural experience as a Craft Gardener. (post qualification) Experience of working with Plant Collections and designed historic landscapes is desirable;
* A full, clean and current driving licence, minimum category B & W.
Note:**
(1) If your Irish driving licence is restricted to driving cars with an automatic transmission only (denoted by the code 78 appearing on the licence), you are not eligible. (2)From 1 January 2021 if you are resident in Ireland and hold a UK/NI driving licence it is no longer valid to drive on here in Ireland. It is not legal for driving purposes and must therefore be exchanged. It is vital that you have a valid driving licence and that you are legally allowed to drive in Ireland by exchanging a UK/NI licence for an Irish driving licence. Further information available on:
Responsibilities and Principal Duties Chargehand (Head) Craft Gardener:
The following list of duties is not exhaustive but indicative of the role of Chargehand (Head) Craft Gardener
(in addition to the Craft Gardener duties that follow)
with the OPW: You will be expected to perform any duties assigned to you by your Supervisor/Manger, including by any person to whom authority has been delegated, which are considered appropriate to your position.
* Excellence in horticultural maintenance and development of the site, including the implementation of projects and horticultural initiatives;
* Carrying out the instructions of the Parks Superintendent, Service Manager, Foreperson, NHP / National Monuments Management etc.;
* Motivation, supervision and instruction of the workforce on site, including Craft Gardeners, General Operatives, Apprentice Gardeners, students and Contractors, as appropriate;
* Ensuring that proper standards of workmanship, attendance and discipline are maintained including record keeping in this regard:
* Timesheets;
* Attendance levels;
* Pay queries;
* Rostering Overtime;
* Production of nursery plant stock, plants – annual, herbaceous, vegetables etc., (
where appropriate);
* Planning daily/weekly work programmes and implementation of projects in line with management instruction;
* Dealing with Contractors;
* Procurement, in conjunction with Supervisor and in accordance with OPW guidance;
* Deputising for the Foreperson as deemed necessary;
* Preparing lists of plant and material requirements;
* Ensuring that site conforms fully to Health and Safety requirements, including record keeping in this regard: -
* Ensuring incident and near miss reports are properly filed and reported;
* Maintaining work areas in a clean, tidy and safe condition;
* Being familiar with the Safety Statement, Safe Operating Procedures and OPW Corporate H&S documentation;
* Ensuring machinery / equipment is inspected and maintained in good working order;
* Engaging with and participating in training for any technological advancements put in place by OPW management;
* All aspects of Craft Gardener responsibilities and duties (a full list is shown under the separate heading below) including: -
* Operating equipment and machinery;
* Planting Programmes;
* Propagation;
* Arboriculture;
* Day to Day management of site;
* Report writing e.g. Accident/Incident;
* Daily Horticultural maintenance and development of the site;
* Giving tours/ lectures as requested;
* Interacting with visitors/members of the public;
* Supervising and assessing students and apprentices;
* Interior plant-scaping;
* Delivering Health & Safety in line with OPW Policy and Safety Statement;
* Upkeep/maintenance/presentation of all site facilities for the staff and public.
Responsibilities and Principal Duties of a Craft Gardener:
The following list of duties is not exhaustive but indicative of the role of Craft Gardener with the
OPW:
* Planting, cultivation and maintenance of plants, including plant collections, nursery plant stock, fruit & vegetable gardens, bedding schemes, climbers, herbaceous borders, trees and shrubberies, with a particular emphasis on both formal and informal styles;Propagation of all plants, including collections, bedding etc.(
where appropriate
);
* Propagation of all types of plants;
* Supervise collection, cleaning, packeting, numbering and listing of seed/vegetative material for distribution;
* Prepare plant layouts for beds, shows and exhibitions;
* Prepare and update records of plant collections in allocated sections, in conjunction with management team (including identification, verification, labelling, documentation);
* Identification and control of pests, diseases and weed;
* Care and maintenance of lawns;
* Arboriculture and tree management works on completion of training;
* Supervise and participate in the carrying out of developmental work in conjunction with the management team;
* Participate in work scheduling and note actions to be taken;
* Plan daily/ weekly work programmes and implementation of projects;
* Maintain a record of daily work being carried out (tracked against annual work plan where in place) and plan both daily and weekly work programmes;
* Prepare lists of plant and material requirements;
* Ensure that work is carried out in an efficient and safe manner, and that personal health and safety of staff, students and members of public is not compromised. Complete all relevant health & safety record keeping including risk assessments, safety methodologies, job safety plans etc.;
* Ensure that personal protective clothing supplied is worn as tasks dictate, STC boots compulsory at all times;
* Use, care and maintenance of tools and equipment;
* Take responsibility for the fabric of sections/gardens including buildings, walks, seats, litter bins etc. and report any damage observed, also note and report any environmental issues of note;
* Opening, clearing and closing of glasshouses, gardens as relevant;
* Monitor and adjustment of climatic controls, boilers, heaters, demineralising plant, including checking of water P.H.;
* Supervision and allocation of work to General Operatives/horticultural assistants etc.;
* Supervision, training and assessment of students/apprentices, keeping of absence records in conjunction with management team;
* Supervision and training of transition year students;
* Supervision of Horticultural Assistants;
* Supervision of contractors;
* Ensure the attendance and good timekeeping of staff and students;
* Arrange and participate in practical skills training and assessment of students;
* Take responsibility for rostered overtime, ensuring cover if unavailable;
* Execution of garden security duties;
* Liaise with the public, disseminate information, answer queries and give guided tours and lectures as requested;
* Attend and successfully achieve the required standard in all training as deemed necessary;
* Attend trade shows, conferences, courses, as deemed necessary;
* Deputising for the Chargehand (Head) Gardener/Foreperson as deemed necessary;
* Carrying out the instructions of the Chargehand (Head) Craft Gardener, Foreperson, Management, etc.;
* Operating equipment and machinery;
* Day to Day management of site;
* Report writing e.g. Accident/Incident;
* Daily Horticultural maintenance and development of the site;
* Giving tours/ lectures as requested;
* Interior plant-scaping;
* Delivering Health & Safety compliance in line with OPW Policy and Safety Statement;
* Upkeep/maintenance/presentation of all site facilities for the staff and public;
* All other duties commensurate with the post.
* Co-operate in the implementation of sustainable work practices.