About this role
The Assistant Gardener will provide full garden and grounds maintenance support to the Head Gardener at Duckett’s Grove. With his guidance and knowledge, renovate and restore existing gardens within the grounds to their former glory. The pleasure grounds, walled gardens, house and outbuildings are a major heritage tourism product in Irelands Ancient East trail in terms of cultural, educational, tourism and hospitality activities. The aim of this position is to aid the Head Gardener restore Victorian Gardens back to as near as they can be when they were originally planted. The promotion of County Carlow as the floral county will greatly enhance the tourism product. Duckett’s grove provides a unique opportunity to greatly increase tourism and to become a hub of activity for the County. Main Duties and responsibilities Maintains ornamental lawns along with other grass areas within the demense. Maintains flowerbeds, including seasonal planting. Carries out soil cultivation; digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, pruning, seed sowing, bed preparation and cultivation. Sweeps and clears leaves and debris etc. from lawns, paths, playgrounds, steps, drains and gullies. Assists in woodland management. Undertakes minor construction and landscaping work. Uses and maintains hand tools and basic light machinery and plant. Uses cylinder and rotary mowers, petrol based mechanical tools e.g. hedge cutter, strimmer, leaf blowers, as required to carry out grounds maintenance. Adjusts mower height as required to ensure quality of cut in line with growth. Routinely checks mower for damage and oil levels to ensure safe usage. Drives vehicles and equipment (including tractors) as required for grounds maintenance operations. Ensures vehicles and equipment used by self are regularly maintained in accordance with routine operating requirements. Monitors the use of consumables and spares and makes arrangements for their replenishment. Applies chemicals where directed taking into account Department regulations. Ensures the safe use, storage, calibration and disposal of pesticides and other similar substances. Promotes the health and safety of self and others and adheres to any completed risk assessments. Responds to emergency situations as necessary and appropriate. Keeps the tool store clean and tidy. Carries out gritting, salt spreading, snow cleaning, as necessary Maintains good communications with other staff, visitors, responding politely to any queries.. CE Scheme Skills