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- Tasks: Manage allotment plots, oversee volunteers, and maintain community green spaces.
- Company: Join Cheltenham Borough Council, an award-winning organisation dedicated to community growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, a strong pension, and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, horticultural experience, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Apply by 4th May 2025; interviews on 15th May 2025.
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Join the Cheltenham Borough Council team as an Allotment and Public Realm Officer!
Location: Cheltenham, GL51 9JZ
Salary: £31,586 - £33,366 per annum
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 4th May 2025
Come and work for an award-winning organisation! We are an ambitious and forward-thinking council dedicated to making Cheltenham a great place to live and work. By supporting thriving communities and businesses while preserving the town's unique character, we create opportunities for growth and innovation.
As an employer, we are committed to fairness, respect, and creating a stimulating environment where our people can thrive. With benefits like flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, a strong pension scheme, and comprehensive learning and development opportunities, we empower our team to reach their full potential. Together, we’re building a vibrant future for Cheltenham and its people.
The Role:
Join our team as an Allotment and Public Realm Officer, where you’ll manage allotment plot turnover, tenancy agreements, and rent collection while overseeing volunteer allotment wardens. You’ll also be responsible for inspecting and maintaining infrastructure such as paths, fences, gates, and street name plates, coordinating repairs, and facilitating sponsorship programmes for public spaces. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with local bodies, support sustainability efforts, and enhance the community's green spaces. If you’re organised, passionate about the environment, and eager to make a real impact, then this may be the role for you!
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain adequate turnover of allotment plots to ensure unworked plots are freed up to people on the waiting list
- Issue tenancy agreements and inductions to new tenants
- Manage volunteer allotment wardens
- Make sure allotment rent is paid by all tenants
- Maintain site infrastructure so that it is safe by undertaking inspections and organising repairs: such as paths, fences, gates, locks, taps, sheds
- Raise invoices and purchase orders
- Monitor and respond to email enquiries on the Council’s Allotment and Townscape inbox
- Organise / undertake cleaning and repairs of green space and public realm infrastructure
- Employ contractors to undertake repairs and installations
You:
- GCSE English / Maths
- Diploma / NVQ / City and Guilds qualification in horticulture/landscape administration or supervision
- Health and Safety / Risks Assessment / Safe Systems of Work
- Some horticultural / allotment growing experience
- Experience of management of contractors
- Use of ICT systems and software
- Experience of working with volunteers
- Communicates and negotiates effectively at all levels (excellent verbal and written skills)
Benefits:
- An excellent pension scheme. You will be eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- A generous holiday entitlement of 26 days rising to 31 days after five years
- A flexible and agile working environment. We aim to provide opportunities to work from home or elsewhere and offer flexibility in working hours
- A comprehensive programme of learning and development
- Two days paid time off for volunteering
- Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes
- An employee counselling service
- Free eye tests (for some posts) and contribution towards the cost of glasses
- A cycle to work scheme
- Low-cost town centre parking for some jobs, depending on work location
- A commitment to employee wellbeing
Interviews will be held in-person on Thursday 15th May, 2025. If you’re ready to make a positive impact and help our community thrive, apply now to become an Allotment and Public Realm Officer with Cheltenham Borough Council!
Allotment and Public Realm Officer employer: Cheltenham Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Cheltenham Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Allotment and Public Realm Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cheltenham's community initiatives and green space projects. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and how you can contribute to ongoing efforts.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local gardening clubs, community groups, or environmental organisations. Building connections in the community can provide valuable insights and show your commitment to enhancing public spaces.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing volunteers and contractors. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully coordinated teams or projects, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your knowledge of health and safety regulations related to horticulture and public spaces. This will demonstrate your preparedness for maintaining safe environments in your future role.
We think you need these skills to ace Allotment and Public Realm Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Allotment and Public Realm Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these aspects.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any horticultural or allotment growing experience you have, as well as your ability to manage volunteers and contractors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities in these areas.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since effective communication is crucial for this role, ensure your application reflects your verbal and written communication skills. Consider including examples of how you've successfully negotiated or communicated with various stakeholders.
Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising it. Mention why you are passionate about making a difference in the community and how you can contribute to the goals of Cheltenham Borough Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheltenham Borough Council
✨Show Your Passion for Community Work
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for making a difference in the community. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to local projects or initiatives, as this will resonate with the council's mission.
✨Demonstrate Your Horticultural Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience in horticulture or landscape management. Highlight any relevant qualifications and practical experiences that showcase your understanding of allotment management and public realm maintenance.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves working with volunteers and local bodies, emphasise your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully negotiated or collaborated with different stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing allotment plot turnover or dealing with tenant issues. Think through your problem-solving strategies and be ready to share your thought process.
