PERSON SPECIFICATION NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS 1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant. 2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise. 3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below. 4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. 5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. 6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria. Section 1 - Essential Criteria The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Experience Hold a NVQ Level 1 in Horticulture or an equivalent or higher level qualification relevant to amenity horticulture. OR have one year’s paid professional experience of working in grounds maintenance Shortlisting by Application Form Knowledge Can demonstrate an awareness/knowledge of Health and Safety requirements relevant to amenity horticulture and the safe use of machinery/equipment. Shortlisting by Application Form Other Hold a full, current valid driving licence. Shortlisting by Application Form S ection 2 - Essential Criteria The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model. Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/ Experience Evidence of the following: the requirements of a Groundsperson, and, the machinery/equipment used for grounds maintenance. Interview Skills/ Abilities In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of\: Effective interpersonal and communication skills. Effective team working skills. Ability to work on own initiative to successfully complete tasks. Interview Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here. Interview Section 3 - Desirable Criteria Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Experience Hold Spraying Certificates PA1a AND PA6a Shortlisting by Application Form Our Values Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential. DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage. Further information can be accessed on www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminal-record-checks or www.justice-ni.gov.uk/articles/about-accessni APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here. The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer JOB DESCRIPTION REPORTS TO: Team Supervisor, or other supervising officer JOB PURPOSE The person appointed shall work as a member of the Grounds Maintenance Service, and be responsible for carrying out grounds duties under the direction of the Team Supervisor or other supervising officer. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Basic setting out and marking of playing facilities. • Maintaining sports and amenity areas. • Preparing, planting and maintaining tree and shrub areas. • Preparing, seeding, turfing and maintaining grass areas. • Simple pruning, hedge cutting, chemical control and application, under supervision. • Constructional labouring duties associated with the post and assisting more skilled operators in their duties. • Use and routine maintenance of all powered plant, vehicles and tractor operated machinery necessary for the job. • Driving and routine maintenance of any vehicle necessary for the transportation of goods, materials, equipment and personnel. • Opening, closing and locking gates, where appropriate. • Any other duties commensurate with the post that may reasonably be required by the team supervisor or other supervising officer. • All duties must be carried out to comply with: (a) The Health and Safety at Work (N1) Order 1978, (b) Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements, (c) Agreed Codes of Practice; including the COSHH regulations and Safe Working Practices manuals, (d) Any other statutory regulations which may apply. • Carrying out all duties in the working conditions normally inherent in the particular job, including the agreed flexible working hours arrangement. • Completing all necessary paperwork. • Carrying out duties for jobs up to and including those in the same grade, provided such duties are within the competency of the employee. Training • Employees will accept any training to facilitate the undertaking of duties for jobs up to and including their own grade. • Employees will accept training for jobs graded at higher levels than their own. Payment will only be made where there is a requirement by the authority for the higher level duties to be carried out, in adherence to EA guidelines. This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times. To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.