At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive and maintain vehicles while caring for public parks and gardens.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
- Benefits: Earn £15.29 per hour with flexible hours and outdoor work.
- Other info: Great opportunity for teamwork and personal growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Must have a Category C1+E driving license and Driver CPC card.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Antrim or Newtownabbey
Pay Rate: £15.29 per hour
Hours: Monday- Friday 8-4:30pm
Your role: Working as part of the Parks Service your duties will involve watering bedding plants and hanging baskets in public spaces across the borough in the summer months. You will be based out of Parks North (Antrim) or Parks South (Newtownabbey). A valid Category C1+E driving license & Driver CPC card are required for this short-term role.
Your responsibilities:
- Operate and maintain vehicles, tools and equipment required to carry out any of the duties pertaining to the post, ensuring daily safety checks are completed.
- To undertake required horticultural operations such as planting, pruning, seeding, turf laying and the application of fertilisers and herbicides as required in addition to daily watering duties.
- Contribute to effective team working, service delivery; deal with members of the public in a polite and courteous manner at any assigned Council location and record and report details of all complaints to the line manager.
- Complete accurate works records, on a daily basis, in line with Council's policies and procedures including vehicle/plant/equipment daily start up procedures, defect sheets and daily worksheets. Report any and all defects to line manager and/or supervisor.
- Conduct visual checks when completing on Council property, taking appropriate action and reporting faults or issues to the relevant Team Leader/Assistant Team Leader.
- Provide support for Council events and other appropriate activities.
- Where required, hold keys to an allocated building, ensuring security of same and public access where appropriate.
- In the event of adverse weather undertake such alternative tasks as may be required.
- Undertake any other duties within the scope of the post as requested by the Team Leader or Parks and Cemeteries Supervisor.
- Take responsibility for your own Health and Safety and ensure all Health and Safety requirements are adhered to as per Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council's Health and Safety Policy.
- To be available from time to time to carry out duties outside of normal working hours and in addition to basic contracted hours. Such additional hours to be remunerated in line with the Council's policies at that time.
- To be available to work flexibly in other services during emergencies.
You will have:
- Category C1+E driving license & Driver CPC card
- Experience of working within a small team
- Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations
- As the post involves significant physical and manual handling elements, the post holder must be of a satisfactory level of general fitness
- Ability to work in an outdoor environment in all types of weather
To apply for this role, please apply with your CV today.
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
Driving Operative employer: Blue Arrow
Contact Detail:
Blue Arrow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Driving Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and their Parks Service. Understanding their values and mission can help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the application process and what it’s really like to work as a Driving Operative in their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the practical side of things! Since this role involves operating vehicles and tools, be ready to discuss your experience and demonstrate your skills. Practising common scenarios can give you an edge during any assessments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Driving Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Driving Skills: Make sure to highlight your Category C1+E driving license and Driver CPC card in your CV. We want to see that you’ve got the qualifications to operate the vehicles safely and efficiently.
Team Player Vibes: Since this role involves working closely with others, don’t forget to mention any experience you have in team settings. We love seeing how you contribute to a positive team environment!
Health and Safety Know-How: Familiarity with Health and Safety regulations is key for us. Include any relevant experience or training you have in this area to show you’re ready to keep yourself and others safe on the job.
Flexibility is Key: This role may require you to work outside of normal hours or in different services during emergencies. Make sure to express your willingness to be flexible in your application – it’s a big plus for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Arrow
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the job role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities like operating vehicles and maintaining equipment. Brush up on horticultural operations too, as they'll likely ask about your experience with tasks like planting and watering.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with others, so be ready to discuss your teamwork skills. Think of examples where you've contributed to a team or dealt with the public in a friendly manner. Highlighting your ability to work well with others will definitely impress them.
✨Safety First!
Since health and safety is a big part of this job, be prepared to talk about your knowledge of health and safety regulations. You might want to mention any previous experiences where you ensured safety protocols were followed, especially when working outdoors.
✨Flexibility is Key
The job requires flexibility, so be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to work outside normal hours. Share any past experiences where you adapted to changing circumstances or took on extra duties, as this shows you're a reliable candidate.