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 solid pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse workplace with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in Horticulture or relevant experience in grounds maintenance.
The predicted salary is between 26644 - 28146 £ per year.
Permanent, full‑time. Salary: £26,644 to £28,146 per annum. Location: Maldon. Closing date: 14th June 2026.
Role Purpose
To provide a grounds maintenance service across the Maldon District 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 the 25 parks and open spaces in our district, including flagship sites Promenade Park in Maldon and Riverside Park in Burnham on Crouch.
- Organise own working methods within guidelines to ensure safe working and adherence to health and safety procedures.
- Provide weekend and bank holiday duties on a rota and out‑of‑hours cover for events and civil emergencies.
- Work “annualised hours” averaging 38 h a week across the year: 46 h per week during April‑September, 29 h per week during winter months.
- Undertake general gardening and grounds maintenance duties including:
- 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 & 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 of the following competency certificates 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
- 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
Equality & Diversity
Maldon District Council welcomes 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 the employment and career development of disabled people and has been accredited as a Disability Confident Employer.
Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 1) – Maldon District Council employer: Essex County Council
Maldon District Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With benefits such as the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous holiday entitlement, and flexible working arrangements, employees can enjoy a balanced work-life experience while contributing to the maintenance of beautiful parks and open spaces in the Maldon area. The council's commitment to equality and diversity ensures a welcoming environment for all, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 1) – Maldon District Council
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the parks and open spaces in the Maldon District. Familiarise yourself with the flagship sites like Promenade Park and Riverside Park. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or local community members involved in grounds maintenance. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to the community!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since the role involves operating machinery and performing grounds maintenance tasks, brush up on your skills. Practising these tasks can give you a leg up during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother application process. We’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need guidance!
We think you need these skills to ace Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 1) – Maldon District Council
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 beautiful 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 are qualified and ready to jump into action with 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 Council
✨Know Your Grounds
Familiarise yourself with the parks and open spaces in the Maldon District, especially flagship sites like Promenade Park and Riverside Park. Being able to discuss specific features or recent developments shows your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight any relevant qualifications or experience you have in horticulture or grounds maintenance. If you hold any competency certificates, make sure to mention them during the interview to demonstrate your capability and readiness for the job.
✨Health and Safety First
Understand the health and safety procedures relevant to grounds maintenance. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure safe working practices, especially when operating machinery or working in public spaces.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role requires weekend and bank holiday duties, be ready to express your willingness to work flexible hours. Share any previous experiences where you've successfully managed a varied work schedule to show you're adaptable.
