At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maintain Calderdale's beautiful parks and green spaces.
- Company: Join Calderdale Council, committed to a greener community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, full training, and essential PPE provided.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and experience in grounds maintenance required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
We are recruiting for a Senior Operative to join the Green Spaces service working across Calderdale.
The Green Spaces and Street Scene Service is responsible for maintaining the beautiful borough of Calderdale. This includes looking after our parks and open spaces, play areas, highways, countryside & woodlands, and ensuring that the streets are kept clear of litter, and public litter bins are emptied.
Responsibilities
- Supervise a team of operatives that are responsible for keeping Calderdale green and maintained to a high standard.
- Oversee tasks such as grass cutting, planting and maintaining formal and informal flower and shrub beds, greenhouse horticultural tasks, hedge trimming, strimming, litter picking and emptying bins.
- Support the Team Leader and manage the workload of your team to ensure safe and efficient practices in line with service requirements.
- Provide on-site guidance as necessary to ensure the completion of tasks.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Full UK driving licence is essential (manual car).
- You must have held a Category B Licence for at least 2 years to drive a work vehicle.
- Experience in grounds maintenance and outdoor work, with competence in using a range of tools and equipment.
- Strong organisational and interpersonal skills with the ability to work outdoors.
- Flexible with the ability to work outside core hours including weekends and standby when required (enhanced pay).
We offer
- A full training and support package
- Use of a work vehicle as required
- Essential PPE (uniform, hi vis jacket, boots, gloves)
- All equipment required to carry out the role
- Generous pension scheme
- 29 days annual leave (increasing to 34 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus 8 statutory holidays
How to apply / Contact
For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Jack Turner on 07872 100148, email jack.turner@calderdale.gov.uk.
Closing Date: 28th September 2025
Interviews: 22nd October 2025
Vision and inclusion
As part of our Vision we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer a variety of flexible working / job share opportunities for both full and part time staff.
On 30 January 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency in a bold move to step up its action to tackle climate change. Calderdale Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and we are committed to providing an environment that is inclusive. We encourage applications from people who share our commitment to challenge inequality and promote diversity across Calderdale. We particularly welcome applications from communities that are currently under-represented in our organisation. All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.
For support on your application please read our Application Booklet or visit our Employment Hub.
Senior Operative (Green Spaces) in Halifax employer: Calderdale Council
Join Calderdale's Green Spaces service as a Senior Operative and be part of a dedicated team committed to maintaining the borough's natural beauty. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training, generous annual leave, and a supportive work culture that values inclusivity and diversity. Enjoy the unique advantage of working outdoors in a vibrant community while contributing to meaningful environmental initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operative (Green Spaces) in Halifax
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Calderdale Council.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Calderdale Council.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Calderdale Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operative (Green Spaces) in Halifax
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Calderdale Council.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Senior Operative (Green Spaces).
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Calderdale Council is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Calderdale Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Calderdale Council
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Calderdale Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
