At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful parks and open spaces while working outdoors in a vibrant community.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, dedicated to enhancing local environments and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a solid pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to inclusivity and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience in grounds maintenance.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in Horticulture or relevant experience in grounds maintenance required.
The predicted salary is between 26644 - 28146 £ per year.
Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 1), a full‑time position.
Role Purpose
To provide a grounds maintenance service across the Maldon District in order 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 our 25 parks and open spaces across our District, including the flagship sites of Promenade Park in Maldon & Riverside Park in Burnham on Crouch.
- Organise own working methods within guidelines to ensure safe working and adherence with health and safety procedures and instruction.
- Undertake weekend and bank holiday duties on a rota and provide out of hours cover for events and civil emergencies.
- The Parks & Countryside team works “annualised hours” averaging 38 hours a week across the year: 46 hours per week during April to September, 29 hours per week during the 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.
- Basic machinery operation and vehicle driving.
The Experience You Will Bring
- NVQ level 2 or equivalent in Horticulture, Amenity Management or similar, or reasonable experience in Grounds Maintenance functions and settings.
- OR Two or more competency certificates in the following (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 requirement to take 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
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. As a Disability Confident Employer we take various actions in order to successfully employ and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.
Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 1) in Maldon employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Maldon District Council offers a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty of our parks and open spaces. With a strong commitment to employee welfare, we provide generous benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and career development. Join us in making a positive impact in the community while enjoying a fulfilling career in a picturesque location.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 1) in Maldon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the parks and open spaces in your area! Familiarise yourself with the flagship sites like Promenade Park and Riverside Park. This will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or others in the field. Reach out on LinkedIn or local community groups. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Brush up on your skills with machinery and grounds maintenance tasks. Being hands-on and demonstrating your competence can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 1) in Maldon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Parks:When you're writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for maintaining parks and open spaces. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for nature and community spaces.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail any relevant qualifications or experience you have in grounds maintenance. If you've got those NVQ certificates or similar training, shout about them! We want to know how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This helps us understand your skills and experiences without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Grounds
Familiarise yourself with the parks and open spaces in the Maldon District, especially the flagship sites like Promenade Park and Riverside Park. Being able to discuss specific features or recent improvements shows your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with grounds maintenance and any relevant qualifications, such as your NVQ in Horticulture or any machinery operation certificates. Be ready to give examples of how you've successfully managed tasks like leaf clearance or strimming in previous roles.
✨Health and Safety First
Understand the health and safety procedures relevant to grounds maintenance. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safe working practices and how you take responsibility for your actions, especially when operating machinery or during weekend duties.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the role involves varying hours throughout the year, highlight your willingness to work weekends and bank holidays. Share any past experiences where you've adapted to changing schedules or taken on additional responsibilities during busy periods.
