Grounds and Cemetery Maintenance Apprentice – (Hertford Town Council)

Hertford Cemetery, situated on North Road, is a peaceful space with great historical interest. Its natural environment attracts all types of wildlife and is an important nature conservation resource, with beautifully kept lawns and mature trees.

MAIN DUTIES

• Work with other officers, contractors and other bodies to provide high‑quality grounds maintenance and bereavement service.
• Keep all Council sites in excellent condition and maintain the cemetery as an attractive, peaceful and well‑run facility.
• Assist with the seasonal and ongoing work of the allotment sites, the operational running of the cemetery and closed churchyards, and public amenities such as the Pinehurst play area.
• Assist with obtaining quotations for repairs and maintenance, ensuring best value for the Council.

Hertford Cemetery and Closed Churchyards

• Liaise with Officers, ministers and bereaved families to ensure smooth running of funeral services.
• Monitor gravedigging and filling and level graves following interment by contractors.
• Maintain cemetery grounds, closed churchyards and other areas as required – grass cutting, soil cultivation, planting of trees and shrubs, turfing, hedge cutting, pruning and use of light machinery.

Town Sites / Amenities

• Support maintenance of the play area by conducting routine inspections and assisting with minor repairs to ensure safety and cleanliness.
• Assist with other grounds maintenance work in the town, including supporting biodiversity initiatives.
• Assist with other tasks as required, such as preparing for community events or helping with small projects across the town.

Allotments

• Liaise with other Officers on the administration of the allotments, including maintaining an accurate register of plot holders from applications for and giving up of plots.
• Provide a friendly and professional service to plot holders, recording and acting on complaints and following up within a specified time period.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALITIES

• Interest in horticulture, landscaping, or outdoor work.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Basic knowledge of Health and Safety issues.
• Computer literate.
• Mathematically competent.
• Able to communicate sensitively, politely and clearly with members of the public and staff.
• Must be able to courteously and effectively work with staff, funeral directors, contractors on site.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Ability to carry out the physical requirements of the role.
• Attention to detail and pride in work quality.
• Able to prioritise tasks.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently when required.
• Good team player with a positive attitude.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Driving not essential (although preferable).
• GCSEs in maths and English desired but not essential.

POSSIBLE PROGRESSION

A permanent role may be available for the right candidate – Landscape gardener training.

TRAINING

Full training to be provided by the employer and KEITS at the place of employment. The applicant will be working towards a Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Operative Apprenticeship. A learner will be allocated an industry‑specific training consultant who will provide both remote and on‑site visits throughout the apprenticeship. The apprentice will work towards an End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of the apprenticeship.

Additionally, the apprentice must achieve a Level 3 award in Emergency First Aid at Work and a Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance or Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides before undertaking the End Point Assessment.

Things to consider

KEITS Training Services Ltd reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the listed closing date should the need arise.