At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful parks and open spaces while working both independently and as part of a team.
- Company: Dover District Council, committed to delivering top-notch public services with a friendly culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy healthcare membership, generous leave, pension options, and discounts at local leisure centres.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a chance to work outdoors in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying a flexible and supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and a full driving licence for manual vehicles are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. From building new, affordable homes to exciting regeneration schemes. As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive.
The Role & Responsibilities:
- You will be required to lone work, or as part of a team to carry out all aspects of ground’s maintenance activities within the Dover district.
- You will ensure all tasks and duties are completed during each day to the agreed standards and carry out daily maintenance checks and maintain allocated equipment in a clean and usable condition, reporting any defects.
- Always act and operate any equipment in accordance with Health and Safety requirements, and in such a manner as to not risk injury to self, colleagues or members of the public.
- Be responsible for the council’s vehicle with regards to usage, defect reporting and compliance with legislation.
- Undertake any other duties, which may be reasonably required.
Key Tasks:
- Grass Cutting
- Strimming
- Weeding
- Pruning
- Planting
- Litter Picking
- Hedge Cutting
Candidates should have proven experience in grounds maintenance, be competent in using the appropriate power tools where required and be physically fit. Certificates in spraying (PA1 PA6), Horticulture and Ride on Mowers would be an advantage but not essential. A full driving licence for a manual geared vehicle is also essential for this role. As this role involves the use of vibration equipment, any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory medical clearance. We will ask you to complete a medical questionnaire which will be sent to our occupational health medical advisor and as a result of this you may be asked to undergo a medical. Due to the nature of the role, successful candidates will be required to complete a Basic DBS application as part of pre-employment checks.
What Can We Offer?
- Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Program
- Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
- Generous annual leave provision
- Discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre
- On-site parking (site dependant)
- Cycle 2 Work scheme
The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process. For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us.
What Next?
If you would like a further discussion about the post then please contact Dave Terry, Parks & Open Spaces Supervisor at dave.terry@dover.gov.uk or on 07801400275. Interviews to be held on TBC.
Parks and Open Spaces Operative in Dover employer: Dover District Council
Dover District Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can truly thrive. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer a range of benefits including healthcare membership, a local government pension scheme, and generous annual leave, all while promoting a culture of teamwork and passion for public service in the beautiful Dover district.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks and Open Spaces Operative in Dover
✨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 Dover District 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 Dover District 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 Dover District Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Parks and Open Spaces Operative in Dover
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 Dover District 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 Parks and Open Spaces Operative.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Dover District 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 Dover District Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dover District 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 Dover District Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
