Senior Gardener (LMO/TS 4)

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Manager, Rural Gardens & Scenic Avenue (SOG/ST 5), the Senior Gardener (LMO/TS 4) is responsible for the weeding, pruning, watering as well as the general maintenance of the grounds, gardens and facility in order to create a pleasant, safe and secure environment for internal and external clients. 

The incumbent is also required to lead a team of Gardeners in designing, creating and landscaping the Gardens and green spaces, as well as performing a range of grounds maintenance duties. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative: 

• Collaborates with the Manager, Rural Gardens & Scenic Avenue and writes a Master Garden Plan for the Gardens; 
• Supervises the work of the Gardeners; 
• Assists the Manager, Rural Gardens & Scenic Avenue with communicating to staff members the policies, procedures and regulations of the Ministry; 
• Assists in the preparation of the Performance Appraisal Reports; 
• Assists in the preparation of Work Plans and Work Sheets; 
• Monitors the status of all buildings, fences, pools and all other structure in the Gardens and ensures that they remain in good repair; 
• Monitors and maintains sanitation arrangements for the facility; 
• Participates in the preparation and submission of required reports; 
• Participates in staff meetings/ briefings; 
• Supervises the preparation of plants for sales and rental; 
• Participates in the training of staff. 

Technical/Professional: 

• Ensures that the Plant Nursery produces adequate and suitable plants for use in the Gardens; 
• Monitors the plant collection programme; 
• Supervises and coordinates the preparation of plants for sales and rental; 
• Ensures that all equipment and machines are operating properly and maintained in keeping with the Maintenance Schedules; 
• Maintains the aesthetics of the compound and the inner and outer areas of the property;
• Writes reports and updates records and schedules, as required; 
• Cuts and maintains lawns and verges; 
• Deposits garbage, as required; 
• Disposes of debris and garden waste e.g. cuttings from hedges; 
• Establishes and maintains flower beds; 
• Prunes and maintains trees and hedges; 
• Cleans and maintains sanitary facilities; 
• Cleans and rakes walkways and gazebos; 
• Maintains tanks and pond; 
• Performs plant propagation activities; 
• Controls pest and weed growth; 
• Performs waste management activities; 
• Performs plant and soil nutritional activities; 
• Participates in promotional and outreach event activities; 
• Participates in special horticultural and agronomical projects; 
• Greets and welcomes visitors and maintains log; 
• Collects plants, seeds and other vegetative material; 
• Maintains irrigation system; 
• Operates and repairs small machinery, equipment and tools. 

Human Resources: 

• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Gardens and recommends promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established GOJ Human Resource policies and procedures; 
• Ensures that staff members are aware of and adhere to the policies, procedures, and regulations of the Ministry; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to the direct reports through effective planning, delegating, communicating, training, mentoring, and coaching; 
• Ensures the welfare and developmental needs of staff in the Branch/Section are clearly identified and addressed; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Gardens and Branch; 
• Manages the performance of direct reports consistently; 
• Mentors, coaches, trains, appraises and rewards staff in keeping with GOJ Guidelines;
• Performs any other related duties assigned from time to time. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Core: 

• Good oral communication skills 
• Good written communication skills 
• Strong interpersonal skills 
• Strong team building and staff development skills 
• Planning and organizing skills 
• Customer and quality focus skills 
• Good time management skills 
• Good problem solving and decision making skills 
• Good conflict management skills 

Technical: 

• Knowledge of the Staff Orders and related Government Regulations 
• Basic knowledge of the Branch’s operations 
• Good knowledge of horticultural, landscaping and garden maintenance
• Basic Human Resources Management skills 
• Working knowledge of Botanical Gardens Management 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Graduation from Ebony Park NCT/VET Level 2 
• Two (2) years’ practical experience as a Gardener or Farm Assistant 

OR 

• NVQJ Level 1/2 in Horticultural/ Landscape/ Turf Management from Ebony Park or equivalent from Knockalva/Elim/ 

PLUS 

• Three (3) years’ experience working as a Gardener in a Botanical Gardens or working as a Gardener or Farm Assistant 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Required to work under extreme conditions (sun, dust and water) on occasions
• Exposed to harassment, threats and abuse from workers and hostile persons invading the compound seeking employment, caught stealing or vandalizing property, or from persons where animals are impounded for trespassing and damaging the property of the Branch
• Exposed to chemicals 
• Required to wear protective gears.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.