At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful parks and open spaces while working outdoors in a vibrant community.
- Company: Join Maldon District Council, dedicated to enhancing local environments.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse workplace with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in Horticulture or relevant grounds maintenance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 26644 - 28146 £ per year.
Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 1), a full‑time position.
Role Purpose
To provide a grounds maintenance service across Maldon District in order to maintain the Council’s parks and open spaces to a high standard.
Accountabilities – Service Delivery
- Work in partnership with others to achieve high standards of grounds maintenance across our 25 parks and open spaces in the District.
- Organise own working methods within guidelines to ensure safe working and adherence with health and safety procedures and instruction.
- Provide weekend and bank holiday duties on a rota and out‑of‑hours cover for events and civil emergencies.
- Work “annualised hours” averaging 38 hours a week across the year: 46 hours per week from April to September, reducing to 29 hours per week during winter months.
- Undertake general gardening and grounds maintenance duties which include:
- Leaf clearance; bin emptying; sweeping; litter picking.
- Strimming; rotary mowing; use of associated groundcare machinery and implements.
- Care of beds; basic glasshouse work.
- Basic maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
- Litter and bin collection.
- Basic machinery operation and vehicle driving.
Experience and Qualifications
- NVQ level 2 or equivalent in Horticulture, Amenity Management or similar, or reasonable experience in Grounds Maintenance functions and settings.
- Or two or more competency certificates in the following (or similar work‑appropriate training):
- Pesticide Spraying licence.
- Brushcutter/clearing saw licence.
- Chainsaw licence (C30/C31 equivalent).
- Ride on/pedestrian mower certificate.
- Amenity tractor with trailer/PTO mounted implements.
- Woodchipper.
Full UK driving licence and access to own transport for work purposes. Ability to operate machinery including grass cutting and light vehicles. Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety measures and responsibility for own actions.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Generous holiday entitlement.
- Flexible and agile working.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme.
- Discounted local gym membership.
- Free parking.
Equality and Diversity
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, culture and experience. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, sex, disability or marital status. Maldon District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups, including children, young people and adults. Maldon District Council is committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. We are a Disability Confident Employer and take actions to successfully employ and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.
Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 1) – Maldon District Council in Essex employer: Essex County Counci
Maldon District Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With benefits such as a Local Government Pension Scheme, generous holiday entitlement, and flexible working arrangements, employees can enjoy a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to the maintenance of the district's beautiful parks and open spaces. The council's commitment to equality and diversity ensures a welcoming atmosphere for all, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 1) – Maldon District Council in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the parks and open spaces in Maldon District. Familiarise yourself with the specific areas you’ll be working in, as this will help you stand out during interviews. Show your passion for maintaining these spaces and how you can contribute to their upkeep.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or others in the field. Reach out on LinkedIn or local community groups to chat about their experiences. This insider knowledge can give you a leg up and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since the role involves operating machinery and grounds maintenance tasks, brush up on your skills. If you can demonstrate your competence in these areas, it’ll make a great impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. We want to see your application, so make sure you highlight your relevant experience and qualifications clearly. Don’t forget to showcase your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 1) – Maldon District Council in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Parks & Countryside Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to maintaining our parks and open spaces!
Show Off Your Qualifications:If you've got an NVQ level 2 in Horticulture or any relevant certificates, make them stand out! We love seeing candidates who have the right qualifications and experience in grounds maintenance.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for parks and countryside shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Know Your Grounds
Familiarise yourself with the parks and open spaces in Maldon District. Research their specific features and any recent projects or improvements. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions about how you would maintain these areas.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your qualifications and experience in horticulture or grounds maintenance. Highlight any relevant certificates you hold, like pesticide spraying or chainsaw licences, and provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in previous roles.
✨Health and Safety First
Understand the health and safety regulations related to grounds maintenance. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safe working practices and how you would handle emergencies or incidents while on duty. This shows that you take responsibility seriously.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires weekend and bank holiday duties, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to work flexible hours. Emphasising your adaptability will demonstrate that you're a team player who can meet the demands of the job.
