Park & Grounds Maintenance Operative

Islington council is looking to recruit a talented and energetic person to work in the Grounds Maintenance Service Park Keepers Team. The role will require outdoor work in all weathers with occasional heavy lifting, for example moving and lifting bags of green waste or wet leaves.

The successful candidate will need the ability to deliver Grounds Maintenance Services to high standards and you will need to demonstrate communication skills and the ability to use your own initiative and deliver Islington’s Council CARE values. You will be required to take accountability and be responsible for submitting completed works reports using supplied smart phone and app software. You will assist the Area Supervisor in providing an effective and efficient service.

You will need to have:

• Experience desirable but not essential in the maintenance of parks or housing estates.
• Proven working knowledge and application of horticultural skills.
• Ability to use various horticultural power tools.
• To undertake regular training as required.

Working for the team, service and our organisation, Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council, our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers, we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.

We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive. To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our staff benefits include:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week.
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
• Excellent local government pension scheme.
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address.
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable).
• Satisfactory references.
• Occupational Health clearance.
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations.
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable).

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.