Gardener

Join Our Gardening Team as a Seasonal Grass Cutter in Newport!
Location: Newport (Cemeteries)
Contract: Full-Time (37 hours/week, 28 weeks)
Start Date: 05/05/2025
End Date: Mid-November 2025
Hours: Flexible, as per operational needs
Pay Rate: £12.59/hour (PAYE) or £15.99/hour (Limited/Umbrella)

Are you passionate about creating beautiful, well-maintained green spaces? Newport City Council is seeking a skilled Seasonal Grass Cutter to join our Grounds Maintenance team, working in our cemeteries to deliver exceptional horticultural care. If you love working outdoors and take pride in transforming landscapes, this is your chance to make a lasting impact in Newport!

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Why Join Us?

• Meaningful Work: Maintain Newport’s cemeteries, creating serene and respectful environments for visitors.
• Supportive Team: Work alongside a dedicated gardening crew committed to excellence and teamwork.
• Outdoor Lifestyle: Embrace the fresh air, working in varied locations across Newport, regardless of weather.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to enhance your horticultural expertise and learn new techniques.
• Community Impact: Contribute to the beauty and sustainability of Newport’s green spaces.

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What You’ll Do
As a Seasonal Grass Cutter, you’ll:

• Perform high-quality grass cutting, strimming, hedge trimming, and leaf/litter clearance in Newport’s cemeteries.
• Plant and maintain bedding plants, trees, shrubs, and shrub beds, including pruning and division.
• Carry out soft landscaping tasks such as top-soiling, cultivation, seeding, and shrub-bed renewal.
• Apply chemicals safely and maintain sports facilities as needed.
• Operate and maintain vehicles, plant, and machinery, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety and Road Traffic Regulations.
• Report equipment defects promptly to your line manager.
• Work safely, taking reasonable care of yourself and others, and report incidents or faults as required.
• Contribute to a positive team environment, supporting colleagues and embracing council values.

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Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking candidates who are:

• Qualified: Hold an NVQ Stage 1 in Horticulture (or equivalent) OR have at least 2 years’ proven practical experience in grounds maintenance (essential). A spraying certificate is desirable.
• Licensed: Possess a valid, full UK driving licence (essential).
• Skilled: Experienced in grass cutting, using mowing equipment, strimmers, and small plant, with knowledge of soft landscaping.
• Knowledgeable: Understand mechanical plant/equipment maintenance (or willing to train), plant identification, and Health & Safety regulations.
• Self-Motivated: Able to work independently with minimal supervision, meet deadlines, and show punctuality and reliability.
• Physically Fit: Capable of performing physical tasks (e.g., bending, lifting) and working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Team-Oriented: Flexible, communicative, and willing to support colleagues while contributing to team improvement.
• Adaptable: Open to further training, overtime, and working across various locations within Newport.

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What We Offer

• Competitive pay: £12.59/hour (PAYE) or £15.99/hour (Limited/Umbrella).
• A 28-week seasonal contract with a clear focus on delivering high-quality results.
• The chance to work in Newport’s cemeteries, creating peaceful and well-kept spaces.
• A supportive team environment that encourages growth, collaboration, and positive working relationships.
• Opportunities to develop your horticultural skills and contribute to Newport’s environmental goals.

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How to Apply
Ready to dig in and make Newport’s cemeteries bloom? Submit your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting your horticultural experience and passion for grounds maintenance.

Join our Grounds Maintenance team and help create beautiful, sustainable spaces in Newport. We can’t wait to grow with you!