ROLE:
Westmeath County Council is seeking to appoint a Horticulturist for Belvedere House, Gardens & Park.  The Horticulturist will report directly to the Manager of Belvedere House Gardens and Park.  Duties will relate to all day-to-day Horticultural operational activities of Belvedere House, Gardens & Park.

The duties may include but are not limited to the following and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
 

• Maintaining the existing stock of exotic specimen plants.

• Maintaining the parks, gardens and open spaces of Belvedere House Park & Gardens.

• Planting roadside trees and maintaining existing roadside trees.

• Implementing landscape schemes and other projects, as required.

• Designing plant schemes and maintenance of same, including opportunities for biodiversity planting.

• Identify opportunities for additional planting in the park/gardens to improve visual attractiveness.

• Requisitioning material and equipment.

• Work closely with the Belvedere Team.

• Being responsible for the safe and efficient usage of all tools, machinery and equipment under his/ her control and ensuring that all such items are not misused, damaged or lost during working hours.

• Ensuring that all works being carried out comply with relevant Safety Health and Welfare at work acts and regulations, including the completion of risk assessment and accident/ incident forms.

• Undertaking any training course by the council which he/she is required to attend.

• Planning and maintenance of diverse grassland management.

• Management of invasive species, tool management, harvesting, soil inspection, succession planting and maintenance of garden furniture.

• Preparing reports as may be required.

• Carrying our Health & Safety inspections and ensuring all works are carried out in accordance with Health & Safety requirements.

• Complying with Health & Safety requirements of the Council and wear/use any safety equipment/clothing required.

• To liaise and supervise landscaping and horticultural work being carried out by contractors/sub-contractors engaged by Westmeath County Council.

• Carrying out such other duties as required from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Character
Candidate(s) must be of good character.

2. 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.
 

3. Citizenship

1. A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or
2. A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
3. A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
4. A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or
5. A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa  or
6. A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa

• Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, Hetac Level 7 or equivalent qualification in Horticulture.
• Have working knowledge with landscape machinery, tools and equipment used in landscape development and landscape maintenance.
• Have had satisfactory experience of organising and setting out work
• Hold a full, clean, current driving licence, minimum category B. & W
• The capacity to work on own initiative and to contribute well to a team-based environment.
• Knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety matters as pertaining to the post.

• Relevant experience in working in the local authorities or similar.
• Satisfactory working knowledge of computers and computer systems.
• Safety, health & welfare at work.