At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-quality grounds maintenance and provide administrative support to the Parks Service.
- Company: Join Maldon District Council, where quality of life matters.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team committed to community welfare and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in relevant fields or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
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, 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. To demonstrate our commitment, we have been accredited as a Disability Confident Employer.
Parks & Countryside Support Officer, Maldon employer: Essex County Council
Maldon District Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a commitment to a supportive work culture, competitive benefits including flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlement, and a focus on community impact, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment as a Parks & Countryside Support Officer. Join a dedicated team where your contributions directly enhance the quality of life for residents in the beautiful Maldon District.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks & Countryside Support Officer, Maldon
✨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 Essex County Council.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
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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 Essex County Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Parks & Countryside Support Officer, Maldon
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 Essex County 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 & Countryside Support Officer, Maldon.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Essex County 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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County 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 Essex County Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
