At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain parks and public 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 paid leave, and receive funded training.
- Other info: Flexible hours with an early finish on Fridays and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, gain valuable experience, and contribute to your community.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence or provisional, team player, and customer service skills.
The predicted salary is between 28400 - 28400 £ 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 julie.skelly@applerecruitment.com as soon as possible. Please note that only applicants who meet the essential criteria will be considered.
Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Parks Operative (Driver) employer: Apple Recruitment
Join a large public sector organisation as a Parks Operative (Driver) in the beautiful Ballyearl/Antrim area, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values teamwork and community engagement. With full-time hours, funded training opportunities, and the chance to work outdoors across various parks and facilities, this role offers meaningful employment that contributes to the enhancement of local public spaces. Experience a rewarding career with weekly pay and paid annual leave while making a positive impact in your community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks Operative (Driver)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research the Parks Service team and their projects. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you, which could give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves driving and grounds maintenance, practice your skills beforehand. Being confident in your abilities will make a great impression during any hands-on evaluations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Parks Operative (Driver)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in grounds maintenance or horticulture. 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 reflect the key responsibilities and essential criteria mentioned in the job description. This helps us see that you’re a perfect fit for the Parks Operative role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it 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 through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, and ensures your application gets to us without any hiccups!
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 driving, be prepared to talk about your driving experience. If you have a full current driving licence or are working towards C1E entitlement, mention it! Highlight any previous roles where you operated vehicles or machinery safely.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
This job involves interacting with the public, so practice how you'll engage professionally with them. Think of examples where you've dealt with queries or provided excellent customer service, and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Be Ready for the Outdoors
The role requires working outdoors in all weather conditions, so express your willingness and enthusiasm for this. Share any past experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle physically demanding tasks and your flexible approach to work.
