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- Tasks: Manage allotment plots, oversee volunteers, and maintain community green spaces.
- Company: Join Cheltenham Borough Council, an award-winning organisation dedicated to community growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, a strong pension, and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, horticultural experience, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Apply by 4th May 2025; interviews on 15th May 2025.
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Join the Cheltenham Borough Council team as an Allotment and Public Realm Officer!
Location: Cheltenham, GL51 9JZ
Salary: £31,586 - £33,366 per annum
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 4th May 2025
Come and work for an award-winning organisation! We are an ambitious and forward-thinking council dedicated to making Cheltenham a great place to live and work. By supporting thriving communities and businesses while preserving the town’s unique character, we create opportunities for growth and innovation.
As an employer, we are committed to fairness, respect, and creating a stimulating environment where our people can thrive. With benefits like flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, a strong pension scheme, and comprehensive learning and development opportunities, we empower our team to reach their full potential. Together, we’re building a vibrant future for Cheltenham and its people.
The Role:
Join our team as an Allotment and Public Realm Officer, where you’ll manage allotment plot turnover, tenancy agreements, and rent collection while overseeing volunteer allotment wardens. You’ll also be responsible for inspecting and maintaining infrastructure such as paths, fences, gates, and street name plates, coordinating repairs, and facilitating sponsorship programmes for public spaces. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with local bodies, support sustainability efforts, and enhance the community's green spaces. If you’re organised, passionate about the environment, and eager to make a real impact, then this may be the role for you!
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain adequate turnover of allotment plots to ensure unworked plots are freed up to people on the waiting list
- Issue tenancy agreements and inductions to new tenants
- Manage volunteer allotment wardens
- Make sure allotment rent is paid by all tenants
- Maintain site infrastructure so that it is safe by undertaking inspections and organising repairs: such as paths, fences, gates, locks, taps, sheds
- Raise invoices and purchase orders
- Monitor and respond to email enquiries on the Council’s Allotment and Townscape inbox
- Organise / undertake cleaning and repairs of green space and public realm infrastructure
- Employ contractors to undertake repairs and installations
You:
- GCSE English / Maths
- Diploma / NVQ / City and Guilds qualification in horticulture/landscape administration or supervision
- Health and Safety / Risks Assessment / Safe Systems of Work
- Some horticultural / allotment growing experience
- Experience of management of contractors
- Use of ICT systems and software
- Experience of working with volunteers
- Communicates and negotiates effectively at all levels (excellent verbal and written skills)
Benefits:
- An excellent pension scheme. You will be eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- A generous holiday entitlement of 26 days rising to 31 days after five years
- A flexible and agile working environment. We aim to provide opportunities to work from home or elsewhere and offer flexibility in working hours
- A comprehensive programme of learning and development
- Two days paid time off for volunteering
- Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes
- An employee counselling service
- Free eye tests (for some posts) and contribution towards the cost of glasses
- A cycle to work scheme
- Low-cost town centre parking for some jobs, depending on work location
- A commitment to employee wellbeing
Interviews will be held in-person on Thursday 15th May, 2025. If you’re ready to make a positive impact and help our community thrive, apply now to become an Allotment and Public Realm Officer with Cheltenham Borough Council.
Allotment and Public Realm Officer employer: Cheltenham Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Cheltenham Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Allotment and Public Realm Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cheltenham's community initiatives and sustainability projects. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your passion for making a difference during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Cheltenham Borough Council. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in managing volunteers and contractors. Highlighting these experiences will help you stand out as a candidate who can effectively handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on local environmental issues and allotment management practices. Being knowledgeable about current trends and challenges in these areas will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Allotment and Public Realm Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Allotment and Public Realm Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any experience you have in horticulture, managing volunteers, or working with community projects. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to fulfil the role's requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for community work and the environment. Explain why you want to work for Cheltenham Borough Council and how you can contribute to their goals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheltenham Borough Council
✨Show Your Passion for Community Work
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for making a difference in the community during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to local projects or initiatives in the past, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss your horticultural or allotment growing experience in detail. Be prepared to explain how your previous roles have equipped you with the skills needed to manage allotment plots and work with volunteers effectively.
✨Prepare for Questions on Infrastructure Management
Since the role involves maintaining site infrastructure, be ready to answer questions about your experience with inspections and repairs. Think of examples where you've successfully managed similar tasks and how you ensured safety and compliance.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is key for this position. Prepare to discuss how you've communicated with various stakeholders in the past, including volunteers and contractors. Highlight any experiences where your negotiation skills led to positive outcomes.
