Parks & Cemeteries Assistant Area Manager in Bangor

Directorate: Environmental Services, however, may be required to work in any Directorate of the Council.

Department: Parks and Cemeteries, however may be required to work in any Council Department.

Location: Throughout the Borough.

Reports to: Parks & Cemeteries Area Operations Manager.

Salary Scale: PO1 SCP 29 - 32.

Car User Status: Casual with occasional access to Council vehicle.

PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST

Responsible to the relevant line manager for ensuring the delivery of an efficient and effective Parks & Cemeteries Service and its associated functions in line with the Council's policies, strategies and long-term vision. Ensure the delivery of operations in accordance with the principles of performance management and the Council's policies concerning a total quality approach to ensure the required standards of service quality and customer focus are maintained at all times. Manage the Parks & Cemeteries staff under their control and co-ordinate, develop, monitor and plan work programmes with maximum efficiency, within agreed time and budget targets.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the operational management of the Service operations and compliance with legislation applicable to the post, associated functions (includes workforce, vehicles, plant, materials) and objectives are met through regular monitoring and reviewing set targets.
• Directly manage all allocated operational staff ensuring that the work schedule is prioritised effectively to ensure that high quality service delivery is maintained.
• Manage time keeping, time recording and responsibility for the accurate approval of information required for Employee Payments.
• Directly manage the use of external contractors to support the core operational service as and when required.
• Responsible, in conjunction with other appropriate managers, for the planning, development and management of quality standards, awards, new initiatives and the achievement and management of other appropriate management standards and accreditations.
• In compliance with Human Resources policies and legal requirements, supervise and motivate employees and actively manage and promote equality, health and safety, risk, staff development and training.
• Participate in recruitment and selection interviews for staff, and monitor employee absence and attendance records, conducting back to work interviews, absence review meetings in accordance with the Council absence policy when applicable.
• Record and document accidents/incidents at work, vehicle accidents, damage to property and other information in relation to employer and public liability insurance claims against the Council.
• Carry out practical risk assessments and reduce/eliminate risk as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and best practice including chemical use and driver vehicle checks etc. This includes maintaining and updating a risk register for the Parks and Cemeteries Service.
• Assist in the production of annual budgets and be responsible for the procurement of services, plant and materials including preparing specifications for tenders and quotations and recommending to Management after evaluation.
• Ensure the efficient use of allocated budget spend and ensure that procurement governance is followed.
• Investigate internal and external complaints and queries and work to achieve satisfactory outcomes for all parties including ensuring corrective action is carried out where necessary.
• Liaise effectively with other officers within the Council to identify and develop opportunities for partnership working to deliver a more efficient and effective service.
• Act as necessary to ensure that breaches of Council by-laws and anti-social behaviour are managed and to attend court as necessary.
• Act as a key holder for all sites, buildings, properties, and gated alleyways, within the postholder's areas of responsibility and ensure effective management of the same.
• Support the operation and implementation of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) and develop opportunities for contributions to LBAP targets.
• Deputise for the Manager as requested, within the post-holder's sphere of responsibility and provide cover for other Officers as necessary.
• Undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post.

Note: The post holder may be expected to work outside hours at weekends, evenings and public holidays as dictated by the needs of the service.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process.

QUALIFICATIONS

ESSENTIAL: Level 4 qualification in Management, Business, Horticulture, Environmental, Cemetery Management or similar with one year's experience as detailed below. OR Level 3 relevant qualification above with three years experience as detailed below.

DESIRABLE: Level 5 qualification in Management, Business, Environmental, Horticulture, Cemetery Management, or similar.

EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL: Applicants must be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have one year's (or three years if Level 3 qualification) experience in:

• Management of team and associated resources.
• Working within a Parks and/or Cemeteries environment or similar.
• Delivering successful outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Managing stakeholder expectations.
• Writing and presenting reports to management.
• Effective budgetary experience and identifying efficiency savings.

DESIRABLE: Five years supervisory experience in a Parks and Cemeteries environment. Delivering Health and Safety training and practical risk assessments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY

ESSENTIAL: A knowledge of horticulture, biodiversity and environment and the community impacts they achieve. An understanding of the main issues and developments impacting on service delivery within the service portfolio. Computer literacy including use of software systems such as MS Office. Excellent Communication and Leadership skills. Understanding of Health and Safety and delivering training and practical risk assessments.

DESIRABLE: Knowledge of vehicle and mobile plant maintenance.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL: Be prepared to work outside of normal working hours at weekends, evenings and public holidays as dictated by the needs of the service. A full current driving licence valid in the UK (minimum Category B) with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post. Appointment will be subject to completion of a medical questionnaire including a pre-employment Drugs and Alcohol Screening. A valid driving licence to include categories C1+E.

** The above alternative (access to a suitable form of transport) is a reasonable adjustment specifically for applicants with disabilities, who as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a valid driving licence. The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.