Parks & Countryside Support Officer – Maldon District Council in Essex

Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Parks and Countryside Support Officer, a full-time position offering hybrid working with an expectation of attending the Parks depot 1 day per week.

Role Purpose

• To support provision of a high-quality grounds' maintenance service across the Maldon District, ensuring parks, open spaces, and associated assets are well‑maintained.
• To provide high‑quality administrative support to the Parks Service.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, council policies, and procedures for the Parks Service.
• Ensure accurate record‑keeping, reporting, and data management to support operational efficiency.
• To support the management of the Arboricultural Service Level Agreement and to undertake day‑to‑day decisions regarding this area of the service, referring more complex cases to the Principle Parks Team Leader.
• Ensure that enquiries, complaints, and service requests are handled promptly, consistently, and professionally.
• Effectively manage workloads, supporting the team in meeting deadlines and service standards.
• Be a role model for the service, demonstrating authenticity, integrity, resilience, and compassion, focusing on communication, personal development, and wellbeing.

Accountabilities – Service Delivery

• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records, databases, and documentation to support operational delivery and reporting requirements.
• Support the efficient planning and coordination of parks services, including supporting scheduling of work and monitoring of service delivery.
• Provide general administrative support to the Parks Services, including preparation of reports, performance data, budget management and routine correspondence.
• Maintain compliance with relevant legislation and follow council procedures and standards.
• Respond to enquiries, complaints, and service issues effectively and promptly, providing professional and sensitive support to customers, stakeholders, and contractors.
• Assist in coordinating workloads, resources, and operational tasks across the service to ensure efficient and effective delivery.
• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, contractors, and other partners to maintain high service standards and positive relationships.
• Demonstrate integrity, resilience, and compassion in all duties, upholding professional behaviours and promoting a safe and respectful working environment.

The Experience You Will Bring

• NVQ Level 3 in Arboriculture, Horticulture, Amenity Management, or equivalent experience in grounds maintenance.
• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) relevant to grounds maintenance or parks management.
• Relevant training or practical experience in office administration, record management, customer support or service coordination.
• IT proficiency, including competence with Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Willingness to undertake relevant professional training or qualifications as required for the role.
• Understanding of grounds maintenance, arboricultural and horticultural practices.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation, public health standards, and health & safety requirements.
• Experience in horticultural or grounds maintenance environment.
• Experience in leading or acting as lead officer within a team.
• Effective communication skills to interact with colleagues, contractors, and the public.
• Sound organisational skills.
• Ability to identify risks, solve problems, and implement improvements.

Benefits

• The 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

Maldon District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Disclosure and Barring checks will be undertaken according to the responsibilities of the role. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures and experience. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, sex, disability or marital status. Maldon District Council is committed to the employment and career development of disabled people. To demonstrate our commitment, we have been accredited as a Disability Confident Employer.