At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain parks and open spaces while driving and operating machinery.
- Company: Join a large public sector organisation dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Earn £13.69 per hour, enjoy paid leave, and receive funded training.
- Other info: Full-time hours with an early finish on Fridays and diverse outdoor locations.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, gain valuable experience, and contribute to your community.
- Qualifications: C1E driving licence and willingness to obtain CPC and NVQ qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 13.69 - 13.69 £ per hour.
Location: Ballyearl Newtownabbey and/or 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
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 to include C1E entitlement.
- 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.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake physically demanding duties.
- 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 using the link as soon as possible. Please note that only applicants who meet the essential criteria will be considered.
Parks Operative (Driver) C1E License in Newtownabbey employer: Apple Recruitment
Join a dedicated team within a large public sector organisation that values its employees and offers a supportive work culture. As a Parks Operative (Driver), you will enjoy full-time hours, funded training opportunities, and the chance to work in beautiful outdoor settings while contributing to the community. With competitive pay and a focus on employee growth, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks Operative (Driver) C1E License in Newtownabbey
✨Get Hands-On in Local Gardens
Dive into volunteer work at local gardens or community farms. This not only gives you practical experience but also helps you build connections in the horticulture community. You'd be surprised at how many temporary roles pop up through local networks!
✨Visit Local Plant Shows or Horticultural Events
Check out seasonal plant shows or horticultural fairs in your area. These events are fantastic for networking and learning about temporary positions that may not be advertised online. Chat with vendors and attendees — you never know who might know of a gig at places like Apple Recruitment!
✨Tap into the Agriculture Community
Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to horticulture. Engaging in discussions or asking about temp roles can lead to insider tips and opportunities. Plus, it showcases your passion for the field, which is always a bonus!
✨Make Your Intentions Clear on Your CV
In your CV, highlight your availability for temporary positions and any hands-on experience you have. Tailor your approach to companies like Apple Recruitment, making sure they know you're keen and ready to jump in as soon as they need someone. And don't forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Parks Operative (Driver) C1E License in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Horticultural Knowledge:Make sure to showcase any relevant horticulture experience you have. Mention specific plants, gardening techniques, or landscaping projects you've worked on. If you have any certificates in horticulture or botany, include those too – they'll definitely catch our eye!
Show You're Flexible and Ready to Learn:Since this is a temporary role, we want to know you're adaptable and eager to soak up new experiences. In your cover letter, express your willingness to learn and take on different tasks that may come up. Share any previous temporary roles and what you gained from them!
Include Practical Experience:In horticulture, hands-on experience matters a lot. If you’ve volunteered at a community garden or helped maintain private gardens, mention these gigs! Tailor your CV to include any practical work that demonstrates your skills in plant care, garden layout design, or pest management.
Use Clear, Concise Language:When applying for a temporary role, keep your application straightforward. Avoid jargon and focus on the essential skills you bring to the table. We want to understand your experience quickly, so make every word count. Remember, we love clear communication at Apple Recruitment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apple Recruitment
✨Get to Grips with Plant Knowledge
In the world of horticulture, having a solid grasp of plant types, care techniques, and pest management is essential. Brush up on your understanding of the plants relevant to Apple Recruitment—it might just impress them if you can chat about local species or seasonal challenges!
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Since you’re applying for a temporary role, they’ll want to see that you’re ready to hit the ground running. Be prepared to discuss any hands-on experience you have with gardening tools, techniques, and maintenance tasks. If you've got a portfolio of your gardening projects or any past experiences, don't hesitate to share!
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Much of horticulture works in teams, especially during busy seasons. Anticipate questions about your experience working collaboratively. Think of examples of how you’ve contributed to team efforts in past gardening projects or seasonal work—showing your team spirit is key!
✨Express Your Flexibility and Learning Mindset
Given that this is a temporary position, make sure you convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Employers like Apple Recruitment will appreciate your willingness to tackle various tasks, from planting to weeding, and how you can fit in wherever needed!
