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- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and enhance public spaces in Biggleswade.
- Company: Be part of the Town Council, dedicated to improving community environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company pension, and on-site parking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your town while working outdoors and engaging with the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture or grounds maintenance is essential; training opportunities available.
- Other info: Full-time role with flexible hours; perfect for those who love nature and teamwork.
*Job Title:* *Public Realm Operative*
If you want to know about the requirements for this role, read on for all the relevant information.
*Post No: *
*Team: Public Realm Team*
*Responsible to: Public Realm Manager*
*Number of direct reports: 0*
*Budgetary responsibility: None*
*Salary Range: (SCP 6-11) £25,989 – £28,142*
*Contract Type: Permanent*
*Hours (e.g., full or part time): Full time*
*Location: The Town Council Depot, Unit 11 Eldon Way, Biggleswade, SG18 8NH*
*Name: *
Overall Purpose
1. To maintain and enhance the Public Realm of the Town.
2. To undertake a range of maintenance and cleansing activities to Public Open Spaces, horticultural features, highway verges, car parks, formal parks, public toilets, sporting facilities, play areas and other public realm areas including streets and rights of way.
3. In carrying out regular duties, the post holder should consider the impact of the duty on the current and future make up and overall effect on the town and wider town area. The impact and effect can be determined by understanding the Neighbourhood Plan, Corporate Plan, and Place Shaping strategies. Additionally, the post holder should be empowered to offer suggestions for improvement and change where considered beneficial to the Council and/or the environment.
*Key outcomes and accountabilities*
1. To work flexibly within the Public Realm Team to ensure service standards are achieved. Each Operative will be expected to exhibit a reasonable degree of self-management to ensure tasks are completed efficiently, effectively and safely, advising and supporting colleagues as necessary.
2. To be responsible for a range of skilled and unskilled tasks involved in the maintenance of Public Realm features. Each Operative will have “core team tasks” but be expected to carry out other work within their capability or to support others and to undertake training as necessary.
3. To have an “eyes open” approach around the Town and report highway issues such as uneven paving, damaged traffic bollards and littered areas or fly tipping to the Public Realm Manager or Central Bedfordshire Council.
4. To competently undertake a variety of horticultural and grounds maintenance activities including grass mowing, planting, leaf clearance, strimming, litter picking, weeding, hedge cutting and minor tree works through the proper use of manual, chemical and mechanical methods.
5. To undertake detailed cleaning of litter or dog fouling in public areas to build on the statutory role of the Council and to raise local standards.
6. Driving, operating and maintaining the full range of vehicles, plant and equipment provided for the service, which you are qualified or trained to use, in a safe and efficient manner.
7. To support environmental or community initiatives by the Council or its partners, such as floral displays.
8. Safe application of pesticides/herbicides where qualified.
9. To assist and encourage individuals and voluntary/ community groups in protecting and enhancing the local environment and heritage. To support voluntary Clean Teams within the Town.
10. Communicate & liaise with the public, partners, stakeholders and other staff in a positive way.
11. To maintain all relevant work records and documentation to ensure compliance with procedures, policy and safety standards.
12. To provide support for the operation of any of the Council’s other services or facilities, as necessary.
13. To support outdoor events promoted by the Council or one of its partners.
14. To promote the principles of customer care, equality, quality management and good health and safety standards.
15. To undertake other tasks allocated by the Council which are within the competence and capability of the post holder.
16. In carrying out regular duties, the post holder should consider the impact of the duty on the current and future make up and overall effect on the town and wider town area. The impact and effect can be determined by understanding the Neighbourhood Plan, Corporate Plan, and Place Shaping strategies. Additionally, the post holder should be empowered to offer suggestions for improvement and change where considered beneficial to the Council and/or the environment.
*ATTRIBUTES*
*ESSENTIAL/*
*DESIRABLE*
*REQUIREMENT*
*METHOD OF ASSESSMENT*
*QUALIFICATIONS*
Desirable
City & Guilds or the equivalent NVQ2.
CV
Desirable
To hold a First Aid Certificate & have had Fire Warden Training.
CV
Desirable
NPTC in Pesticide Application.
CV
Desirable
Chapter 8 training, Safe Working on the Highways.
CV
Desirable
Certificate in chainsaw operation.
CV
Desirable
PA1/PA6.
CV
*EXPERIENCE/*
*KNOWLEDGE*
Essential
Experience in horticulture, grounds maintenance or street cleansing with a good knowledge of operational techniques.
CV and Interview
Desirable
Experience in the operation of mechanical sweepers.
CV and Interview
Desirable
Experience/qualifications in operating pedestrian and ride on mowers and other grounds maintenance plant and equipment.
CV and Interview
Desirable
Experience of working on or near the highway.
CV and Interview
Desirable
Experience of working on own initiative and prioritising work with minimum supervision.
CV and Interview
Desirable
Experience in the basic operators’ maintenance of plant and equipment.
CV and Interview
Desirable
Experience in the partnership working within the public or voluntary sector.
CV and Interview
Desirable
A knowledge of grounds maintenance, horticulture and street cleansing operations.
CV and Interview
Desirable
An understanding of health and safety legislation and good practice in respect of Public Realm services.
CV and Interview
*ABILITY/SKILLS*
Essential
Ability to interpret and act on written instructions.
CV and Interview
Desirable
Good written and verbal communication skills.
CV and Interview
Desirable
Ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team.
CV and Interview
Essential
Ability to organise own workload with minimum supervision.
CV and Interview
Essential
Ability to work flexibly to maintain deadlines.
CV and Interview
*OTHER*
Essential
Commitment to customer care, equal opportunity in
employment and service delivery and to good safety standards.
CV and Interview
Essential
Dedication to the raising of standards in the Public Realm.
Interview
Essential
Willingness to work outside normal hours and to undertake training.
Interview
Desirable
Current Driving Licence, including Category C.
CV and Interview
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: ÂŁ25,989.00-ÂŁ28,142.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
* Overtime
Application question(s):
* Can you drive a manual vehicle?
* Are you related to any of Biggleswade\’s Town Councillors?
Work Location: In person
Public Realm Operative employer: Biggleswade Town Council
Contact Detail:
Biggleswade Town Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Realm Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Neighbourhood Plan and Corporate Plan of Biggleswade. Understanding these documents will help you demonstrate your knowledge of local initiatives and how they relate to the role during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience in horticulture or grounds maintenance, even if it's through volunteering. This practical knowledge will not only enhance your CV but also give you real-life examples to discuss in your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the Public Realm Team. They can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to customer care and community engagement. Think of specific examples where you've positively impacted your community, as this aligns with the values of the Town Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Realm Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in horticulture, grounds maintenance, or street cleansing. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge related to the Public Realm Operative role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role. Mention any relevant qualifications, such as First Aid or Pesticide Application certifications.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to work independently and manage your workload effectively. Highlight any experience you have with mechanical equipment or working on highways, as these are desirable attributes for the position.
Prepare for Interview Questions: Anticipate questions related to customer care, teamwork, and health and safety practices. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios in public realm maintenance and your commitment to improving local standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Biggleswade Town Council
✨Know Your Public Realm
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Public Realm Operative. Understand the importance of maintaining public spaces and how your role contributes to the community's well-being. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you can enhance the public realm.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Highlight your experience in horticulture, grounds maintenance, or street cleansing during the interview. Be prepared to share specific tasks you've undertaken and how they relate to the job description, especially any relevant qualifications or training you've received.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves liaising with the public and other stakeholders, demonstrate your good written and verbal communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you would handle interactions with the community and report issues effectively.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Initiative
The role requires a degree of self-management and flexibility. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully worked independently or as part of a team, prioritising tasks and adapting to changing circumstances.