Craft Gardener

Role overview

The Office of Public Works is recruiting Craft Gardeners for several heritage sites, including St. Stephen’s Green and St. Enda’s Park in Dublin, and Castletown House and Donaghcumper House in Celbridge, County Kildare.

Competition reference: 2026/046.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet the following conditions by the closing date:

• A Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, HETAC Level 7, or an equivalent qualification.
• At least 3 years of post-qualification horticultural experience as a Craft Gardener.
• Experience working with plant collections and designed historic landscapes is preferred.
• A valid, clean current driving licence with at least Category B and W.

Irish or overseas qualifications may be accepted where they are recognised as equivalent on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.

If your Irish licence is restricted to automatic vehicles only (code 78), you are not eligible. From 1 January 2021, a UK/NI licence held by an Ireland resident is not valid for driving in Ireland and must be exchanged for an Irish licence. You must be legally permitted to drive in Ireland.

Key duties

The role covers a broad range of horticultural and site-management work. Responsibilities are indicative rather than exhaustive and may include planting, maintenance, propagation, planning, supervision, public engagement, and practical site operations.

Horticultural work

• Carry out planting, cultivation, and ongoing care of plants, including collections, nursery stock, fruit and vegetable gardens, bedding displays, climbers, herbaceous borders, trees, and shrubberies in both formal and informal settings.
• Propagate plants where appropriate, including collections and bedding material.
• Support the collection, cleaning, packing, numbering, and listing of seed and vegetative material for distribution.
• Prepare planting layouts for beds, exhibitions, and show displays.
• Maintain and update plant collection records, including identification, verification, labelling, and documentation.
• Identify and control pests, diseases, and weeds.
• Maintain lawns and carry out arboriculture and tree-management tasks after training.
• Handle interior plantscaping and day-to-day horticultural maintenance and development of the site.

Planning, supervision, and administration

• Assist with development work alongside the management team.
• Take part in work scheduling and record actions to be completed.
• Plan daily and weekly work programmes and help implement projects.
• Keep daily work records and maintain forward plans for daily and weekly tasks.
• Compile lists of plant and material requirements.
• Supervise and allocate work to general operatives, horticultural assistants, contractors, and other staff as required.
• Support the training, supervision, and assessment of students, apprentices, and transition year students, including absence tracking with management.
• Ensure staff and student attendance and good timekeeping.
• Arrange and take part in practical skills training and assessments.
• Deputise for the Chargehand/Head Gardener or Foreperson when needed.
• Carry out instructions from the Chargehand, Foreperson, management, and other senior staff.

Health, safety, and site care

• Work safely and ensure the wellbeing of staff, students, and visitors is not put at risk.
• Complete all relevant health and safety documentation, including risk assessments, safety methods, and job safety plans.
• Wear provided protective clothing as required; STC boots are mandatory at all times.
• Use, maintain, and care for tools and equipment properly.
• Take responsibility for the condition of gardens and site fabric, including buildings, paths, seats, litter bins, and similar features, and report any damage or environmental concerns.
• Open, clear, and close glasshouses and gardens as needed.
• Monitor and adjust climatic controls, boilers, heaters, demineralising equipment, and water pH.
• Carry out garden security duties.
• Deliver health and safety duties in line with OPW policy and the Safety Statement.
• Oversee upkeep, maintenance, and presentation of facilities for staff and the public.

Public-facing and additional duties

• Liaise with members of the public, answer queries, share information, and provide guided tours and lectures when requested.
• Attend required training and achieve the necessary standards.
• Participate in trade shows, conferences, and courses as required.
• Work rostered overtime and ensure cover arrangements if unavailable.
• Operate equipment and machinery.
• Provide day-to-day management support for the site.
• Prepare reports, including accident and incident reports.
• Perform all other duties consistent with the position.