Apprentice Gardener

Leeds City Council delivers over 500 different services to residents and is dedicated to bringing the benefits of a prosperous, vibrant and attractive city to the people of Leeds. a competitive pay progression structure including generous employer pension contributions
flexible career paths with tailored personal and professional development
support for you, your home and your family including personal, and financial support
hybrid working arrangements (subject to needs of the role) and a flexitime system
You will require considerable practical horticultural experience, together with an NVQ2 or equivalent in Amenity Horticulture, although applicants who can demonstrate a significant period of work experience without formal qualifications will also be considered.
Work includes all aspects of horticultural maintenance, including lifting, digging, hard and soft landscaping, preparation of ground for the planting and establishment of plants, weed spraying, the laying, establishing and maintenance of turf, fencing, the construction and maintenance of landscape features and grass cutting using a ride-on mower . In addition the Craft Gardener will be responsible for helping with guidance and training of Gardeners and new Gardening Apprentices in horticultural methods and practices and in specific machinery use.
A full, clean driving licence is essential, to enable the post holder to travel independently to various sites as required to supervise and transport staff.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.
Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. To undertake all aspects of horticultural maintenance within the Leeds City boundaries.
The supervision and training of staff, including seasonal staff, trainees, volunteers and work placements.
To undertake mentoring of gardening apprentices.
To undertake basic soft and hard landscaping construction and aftercare.
To respond to enquiries from parks visitors on basic horticultural techniques and plant varieties.
To undertake such training as is required to meet the needs of the maintenance of the parks and surrounding areas.
To supervise and undertake the training of small teams of mixed horticultural ability.
To undertake other site related horticultural maintenance duties commensurate with the skill levels expected of a craft gardener as directed by the Chief Officer, Head of Service or the Senior Estates Manager.
Minimum of NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent, with a considerable practical experience. Candidates who can demonstrate a significant period of work experience, but who do not have a formal qualifications, will be considered for the post.
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.