At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain parks and open spaces while driving and operating machinery.
- Company: Join a large public sector organisation dedicated to enhancing community spaces.
- Benefits: Earn £13.69 per hour, enjoy weekly pay, and receive paid annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible hours with an early finish on Fridays and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, gain valuable experience, and make a positive impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence required; training for additional qualifications provided.
The predicted salary is between 28400 - 38400 £ per year.
Location: Ballyearl / Antrim Area
Pay Rate: £13.69 per hour
Hours: Full-Time, 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday, 8:00am – 4:00pm | Friday, 8:00am – 3:30pm
Duration: Temporary positions available from June to August 2026 (with one position available until September 2026)
Start Date: ASAP
Application Deadline: Monday 8th June 2026 at 5:00pm
About the Role
We are currently recruiting for a number of Parks Operative (Driver) positions on behalf of a large public sector organisation. This is an excellent opportunity to join a busy Parks Service team, helping to maintain and enhance parks, open spaces, sports facilities, cemeteries, woodlands, and public areas across the Borough. The successful candidates will undertake a variety of grounds maintenance, horticultural, and driving duties while contributing to the delivery of high-quality public services.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out grounds maintenance and horticultural work across parks, open spaces, sports pitches, cemeteries, and recreational facilities.
- Operate and maintain a range of vehicles, machinery, tools, and plant equipment safely and effectively.
- Undertake grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, seeding, turf laying, watering, spraying, and fertiliser application.
- Perform routine maintenance activities including litter collection, sweeping, leaf collection, gritting, snow clearance, and general site upkeep.
- Conduct daily vehicle and equipment safety inspections and complete required records.
- Assist with maintenance of synthetic sports facilities and Council-owned grounds.
- Support cemetery operations as required.
- Provide support for Council events and community activities.
- Engage professionally with members of the public and respond appropriately to enquiries.
- Adhere to all health and safety procedures and Council policies.
Essential Criteria
- A full current driving licence and willingness to obtain C1E entitlement within 9 months of appointment (funded by the organisation), or a provisional licence with willingness to achieve a full licence and C1E entitlement within 9 months.
- A Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification card, or willingness to obtain this within 9 months (funded).
- An NVQ Level 1 in Amenity Horticulture, or willingness to achieve this within an agreed timeframe (funded).
- Experience working as part of a team.
- At least 3 months' experience dealing with queries from members of the public.
- Knowledge of grounds maintenance techniques and health and safety requirements.
- A flexible and positive approach to work.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake physically demanding duties.
Desirable Criteria
- C1E driving entitlement.
- Qualification in professional grass-cutting equipment.
- PA1 and PA6A pesticide application qualifications.
- Road management or traffic control qualification.
- NPTC chainsaw certification.
- At least 6 months' experience in horticultural or grounds maintenance work, including planting and flowerbed maintenance.
- Knowledge of horticultural materials, shrubs, bedding plants, and landscaping techniques.
What You'll Receive
- Full-time hours with an early Friday finish.
- Funded training and qualification opportunities.
- Valuable experience within a public sector environment.
- Opportunity to work across a variety of outdoor locations and facilities.
- Weekly pay.
- Paid annual leave.
If you wish to apply or would like to find out more, please email your CV to Julie at as soon as possible. Please note that only applicants who meet the essential criteria will be considered.
Parks Operative (Driver) in Newtownabbey employer: Apple Recruitment
Join our dedicated Parks Service team in the beautiful Ballyearl/Antrim area, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values teamwork and community engagement. As a Parks Operative (Driver), you'll benefit from full-time hours, funded training opportunities, and the chance to work outdoors while contributing to the enhancement of public spaces. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to high-quality public service, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks Operative (Driver) in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Parks Service team! Research their projects and values, so you can chat about them during your interview. It shows you're genuinely interested and helps you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your driving skills and get familiar with the vehicles and equipment you'll be using. Being confident behind the wheel will help you impress during any practical assessments.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge! Knowing your plants and maintenance techniques will not only help in interviews but also show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We want to see your application, and it’s the best way to ensure you’re considered for these exciting roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Parks Operative (Driver) in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in grounds maintenance or driving. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to fit the Parks Operative role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we need and how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apple Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on grounds maintenance techniques and health and safety requirements. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Parks Operative, like grass cutting and hedge trimming, so you can confidently discuss your relevant experience.
✨Show Off Your Driving Skills
Since this role requires a full driving licence, be prepared to talk about your driving experience. If you have any special qualifications like C1E entitlement or a Driver CPC card, mention them! It shows you're serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
This job involves interacting with the public, so practice how you'll engage with them during the interview. Think of examples where you've dealt with queries or provided excellent customer service, as this will demonstrate your ability to represent the Parks Service positively.
✨Be Ready for the Outdoors
The role is physically demanding and outdoors in all weather, so be prepared to discuss your flexibility and positive attitude towards working in various conditions. Share any past experiences that highlight your resilience and commitment to outdoor work.
