Gardener

THE EMPLOYER IS: MAINSTAY DRPMainstay DRP is an organisation with a clear purpose: to enrich lives and enable people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live meaningful, fulfilling, and connected lives in their communities. Founded on values of Empowerment, Compassion, Community, Championing Ability, and Promoting Purpose, we deliver services that place people at the centre of everything we do.

Across our Residential Living, Supported Living, Short Breaks, Day Opportunities, and Social Enterprise services, we are committed to providing safe, high-quality, person-led support. We are currently in an exciting period of organisational development shaped by our new strategy, regional policy reform, a renewed commitment to co-production, and strengthening our safeguarding and governance foundations.

The gardener will support gardening and outdoor activities as part of a wider team, working under the guidance of a manager or designated staff member. The role is designed as a training and development opportunity, enabling the postholder to build practical skills, confidence and employability through supervised, hands-on experience.

• Practical horticulture.
• Developing skills in sowing seeds, watering, weeding, harvesting and general plant care in a polytunnel and garden setting.
• Small animal care, learning the basics of feeding, watering and checking the wellbeing of chickens, including simple daily routines.
• Outdoor health and safety.
• Understanding safe use of tools, safe lifting, working on uneven ground and following guidance to prevent accidents.
• Working to seasonal plans.
• Gaining experience in following a simple gardening plan, prioritising tasks according to weather and plant growth stages.
• Supporting clients in activities.
• Building confidence in showing clients how to carry out simple gardening tasks, offering encouragement and clear instructions.

• Willingness to learn practical gardening and outdoor skills through on-the-job training.
• Ability to carry out basic physical tasks outdoors, including bending, lifting and working on uneven ground.
• Willingness to follow instructions, guidance and health and safety procedures.
• Ability to work as part of a team and take direction from a manager or designated staff member.
• Basic communication skills and willingness to engage with clients in a supportive and encouraging manner.
• Respectful attitude towards animals and willingness to assist with basic care routines under guidance.
• Awareness of the importance of maintaining a safe, tidy and welcoming outdoor environment.

The Employer is: MAINSTAY DRPJobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information
- Standard

Hours:

up to 25 hours per week.

- Flexible/Reduced

Hours:

May be available upon approval by a Work Coach.

- Additional

Hours:

The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.

The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on .

Vacancy  Job Sector Construction, Trades and Architecture,Environmental, Health and Safety Area Co Down Location Downpatrick Salary 16-17 £ 7.55, 18-20 £ 10.00, 21 plus £12.21 per hour No. vacancies 1 Contract Type Temporary Weekly hours 25 Published date 26/01/2026 Closing date 06/03/2026 Worktime To be confirmed with employer