Location
Various locations across Edinburgh, based either at Inch Park Depot or South Gyle Depot.

Hours
36 hours per week

Salary
£27,257 - £29,850 per annum

About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Gardener to join our Parks & Greenspace Operational Service. You will be part of a gardening team undertaking horticultural, landscaping and grounds maintenance duties to improve Edinburgh’s parks, gardens and greenspaces. The role is based at one of our operational depots across the city and involves working within a small team led daily by a Supervisor Gardener. You will support your Supervisor, take instruction, and help develop effective team-working within your gardening squad. Assisting in the training and instruction of gardening staff is also a key part of the role, including deputising for Supervisors as required.

While not directly responsible for day-to-day supervision, you will support, direct and, when appropriate, supervise new starts, apprentices, students and other shadow workers. Promoting effective team working at all times is essential.

You will be expected to work to defined operational standards and follow all relevant work practices and health & safety guidance. Use of handheld technology to record work, receive instructions and report on actions or issues may be required. You will assist in the preparation, review and updating of operational risk assessments.

The role requires operation of a range of vehicles, machinery and equipment. You will assist in determining work practices, arrangements and standards of work related to managing the team on a daily basis. Tasks will be undertaken in a variety of settings, sometimes without constant supervision, either alone or as part of a team.

Duties involve lengthy periods of heavy manual work in all weather and ground conditions, including working in moving traffic. Adherence to health and safety guidelines and risk assessments is mandatory. You will also be expected to operate in accordance with the Council’s Lone Working policy.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

We are interested not only in your skills and experience but also in your approach to work. Part of our interview process will assess how you embody our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility in your ways of working.

Experience
Knowledge and skills in horticulture, parks and grounds maintenance are required. Experience working within a gardening or grounds maintenance team is essential.

About you
You should be able to work effectively within a team and support team development. You will be expected to assist in training and supervising new staff and apprentices. The role requires a strong commitment to health and safety and the ability to work in all weather conditions and ground situations. You must be able to undertake heavy manual work and operate vehicles, machinery and equipment safely. Good communication skills and a positive, flexible approach to work are important.

Qualifications
A relevant qualification to SVQ Level 2 or equivalent, or evidence of required experience, is necessary. You will be expected to work to defined operational standards and health and safety guidance.