Garden Centre Retail Assistant (Part-time)
(CSP Supported Position)
Contract Type: Part-time / Permanent
Location: Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow
Reporting to: Head of Horticulture and Garden Retail
Responsible to: CEO
Please Note: This role is a CSP Supported Position (POBAL Funded)
Qualifying Criteria for all applicants applying for CSP Supported Positions:
- People who are in the workforce but unemployed and seeking to return to work i.e.,
- people who are in receipt of Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB), Jobseekers Allowance (JA);people who are signing for credits
- Qualified Adults (Adult dependants of those in receipt of social welfare payment)
- People with Disabilities (PWD) i.e. in receipt of Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Partial Capacity Benefit, or other disability benefit.
- Ukrainians (displaced by the war)
- Refugees & Asylum Seekers
- Irish Travellers & Roma
- People coming from a labour activation scheme i.e. Community Employment, TUS, or RSS placements
- One Parent Families (people who parent alone without sufficient resources and are in receipt of social welfare payments)
- People who are deserted, separated, divorced or widowed (People in receipt of
- Widow/er’s non-contributory pension, surviving Civil Partner’s non-contributorypension, or deserted Wives allowance/benefit)
- Carers (people in receipt of Carers Allowance/Benefit who want to return to the workforce)
- People who are homeless
- Stabilised and recovering drug misusers
Job Description:
The principal duties and responsibilities include:
- To ensure that a high standard of service to customers is delivered at all times, including answering questions, giving advice and guidance on product selection where required.
- To maintain a high standard of display in the Garden Shop & Centre, and to merchandise the centre in order to make best use of the space available.
- To ensure the appropriate care and maintenance of plants including watering and feeding
- To support the manager with organizing events, including the profiling of seasonal goods and plants and create seasonal display areas.
- To operate the till and to ensure that all payments are managed in compliance with the company policy.
- To receive, check, log and store the delivery of stock where required.
- To ensure that stock is maintained in line with procedure, including to carry out regular stock checks and ensure physical stock on hands agrees with the computer records.
- Reporting discrepancies and problems to the supervisor.
- To be vigilant in regard to security and report any security related instances immediately to the relevant manager.
- To record any incidents or accidents in line with company policy.
- To take responsibility for the opening and closing of the garden shop and ensuring the security of the premises and stock.
- To work alongside service members and the supported employment co-ordinator/keyworkers in facilitating work experience placements
- To develop marketing ideas and promotions of relevant stock which could include live demonstrations and interactive displays to promote unique merchandise.
- To support in the induction and training of volunteers.
- Ensure the cleanliness of the shop and centre is in compliance with company policy and maintain a cleaning schedule (hoovering, disinfecting, cleaning of coffee machine etc)
- Ensure perishable items are stored in line with HSE requirements.
- Ensuring that garden seating / tables are washed down each morning, are cleaned during the day as vacated by customers and arranged in a welcoming manner.
- Assisting in the ongoing promotion of all Garden Events.
- Complying with the Health & Safety Statement requirements of the organisation and legislation
- Attending Staff Meetings and training as required
- Building and maintaining excellent working relationships with colleagues, learners, services members, suppliers, and customers of Festina Lente
- To undertake any other reasonable duties which may be assigned to you by the garden manager
The job description is not exhaustive and other duties may be assigned from time to time in accordance with the needs of the garden. This job description may be revised to take account of changing circumstances or requirements.
Working hours may vary in accordance with the needs of the Garden Centre Shop and Gardens and will be reviewed as necessary. Saturday or Sunday working days will form part of this job description.
Person Specification:
The person appointed to this role will ideally meet the following requirements:
- Have at least one year’s experience in shop retail
- Horticultural Certification (QQI or equivalent) – would be an advantage however a willingness to learn is desired.
- Work as part of a team fostering good working relationship with colleagues
- Have fluent English
Personal abilities:
- Excellent communication and friendly outgoing nature
- Strong attention to detail
- Self-motivated and a team player
- An ability to work on your own initiative
- Innovative and creative
- Flexible and adaptive
- Good organisational skills and patience
- Physical stamina
Conditions of employment:
Salary: In accordance with the current National Wage Agreement currently €13.40 per hour
Working Days: 2 week rota - Week 1: Wed/Thurs/Fri Week 2: Thurs/Fri/Sun
Hours: 19.5 hours per week
Annual Leave: Your holiday entitlements shall be 8% of worked hours per year and shall be given in accordance with the provisions of Part III of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. We reserve the right to calculate annual leave based on time worked.
Duration of contract: The contract is a permanent contract
Location of the position: Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Any change in location will notified to you in advance.
HOW TO APPLY:
Closing Date for Applications: 31th August 2026
Send your CV to [email protected]
For Your Information:
The position advertised is supported through Pobal. Pobal administer and manage Government and EU funding to address disadvantage and support social inclusion.
Evidence of your eligibility for this position as laid down in Pobal Guidelines must accompany your application. Please see above criteria for eligibility.
FESTINA LENTE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY / GARDA VETTING / MANDATORY DECLARATION
Garda Vetting for all employees and volunteers is compulsory. Those candidates invited for interview will be asked to provide a personal email address to be used for the Garda Vetting online procedure should employment be offered.
Festina Lente is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes suitably qualified applicants from all sections of society.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: €13.40 per hour
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Company events
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Are you Eligible for CSP Funding as per the criteria specified in the job advert?
Experience:
Language:
Work Location: In person
