At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and improve Leicester's beautiful parks and open spaces.
- Company: Be part of a dedicated council team enhancing community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Casual hours with potential for weekend work; driving licence required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture or grounds maintenance is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Be a part of our Parks and Open Spaces team to make improvements to the landscape of the city. Leicester is covered by a wealth of soft and hard open spaces that includes a range of parks, gardens, country parks, nature areas, 150,000 individual trees and 107 hectares of woodlands, canal, and riverside, 150 play and outdoor gym facilities, sports facilities, highways, and housing green spaces totalling 1,250 hectares. It is widely recognised that quality open spaces contribute to residents’ quality of life and improve physical and mental health wellbeing, with parks in Leicester attracting around 9m visitors per annum.
Join our specialist teams within Parks and Open Spaces to undertake high quality grounds maintenance work to maintain and further improve parks and open spaces and all other green infrastructure within the city of Leicester. You’ll be based at one of our grounds maintenance depots. These are casual posts working Monday to Friday. You’ll be available to start the working day at 7:30am and where required work weekends and bank holidays to provide additional cover. You’ll be able to work outside in all weathers, anywhere in the city and wear PPE where appropriate.
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll work under the guidance of the Local Area Manager and Team Leader, to make Leicester’s green infrastructure free of barriers to access, by helping to maintain its horticultural features as well as hard landscape features including buildings.
- This includes preparing and applying chemicals, keeping sites clean and tidy, and maintaining sports features such as artificial surfaces.
- You’ll operate and maintain hand and mechanical specialist equipment in accordance with health and safety guidelines.
- You’ll be confident in providing advice to people using our facilities to ensure a high standard of customer service is achieved.
What you’ll need
- Ideally with some previous experience in either horticulture or groundsmanship or similar, you'll understand COSHH regulations and have knowledge of health & safety issues relating to area of work and HASWA.
- You'll have the ability to carry out manual handling and lifting heavy equipment and materials.
- You’ll be able to work without close supervision, whilst using your own initiative as well as working well in a team environment.
- A full driving licence is essential as you will be required to carry out driving duties.
What we can offer you
As well as the satisfaction of helping to improve thousands of lives across Leicester, you can look forward to a work environment that encourages a healthy work/life balance. You’ll enjoy generous annual leave, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the option of flexible working. We’ll also give you the chance to develop your skills and expertise with a variety of training and development opportunities. In addition, you can choose from several flexible benefits, including discounts on city buses and trains.
We’re committed to recruiting a diverse and highly‑talented workforce as we continue to build a council that is fitting and representative of our great city. That’s why we’ve designed our recruitment process to put you at your ease, make you feel welcome and bring the best out of you. We’ll do all we can to make our recruitment process as fair as possible.
To help you with your application, take a look at the ‘our approach to recruitment’ page. This is an open advert therefore we will complete the short‑listing soon after receiving your application. If short‑listed, you'll be called for an assessment and/or interview thereafter.
Casual Public Spaces Maintenance Operatives in Leicester employer: Leicester Bus Partnership
Join our dedicated Parks and Open Spaces team in Leicester, where you will play a vital role in enhancing the city's green infrastructure and improving the quality of life for its residents. We offer a supportive work environment that prioritises work/life balance, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to the wellbeing of the community. With flexible benefits and a commitment to diversity, we strive to create an inclusive workplace that values every employee's contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Public Spaces Maintenance Operatives in Leicester
✨Get Involved with Local Gardening Groups
Join local horticulture clubs or community gardens. It's a fantastic way to meet people in the industry, learn about available part-time opportunities, and get tips on what local businesses like Leicester Bus Partnership are looking for.
✨Attend Horticulture Fairs and Events
Keep an eye out for gardening fairs, farmers’ markets, or plant festivals in your area. Not only can you learn a lot, but these events often have job boards or local employers looking to hire part-time help.
✨Leverage Social Media for Opportunities
Follow local horticulture accounts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. There are often postings about part-time jobs that might not make it to traditional job boards, plus you can connect with other enthusiasts who might have the inside scoop on openings at places like Leicester Bus Partnership.
✨Tap into Your University’s Resources
If you're a student, your university might have links with local horticulture firms. Check out your career services; they might list part-time opportunities with companies like Leicester Bus Partnership that are specifically looking for students eager to gain experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Public Spaces Maintenance Operatives in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:When applying for a part-time job in horticulture at Leicester Bus Partnership, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with plants, gardening, or landscape maintenance. If you've got a knack for nurturing plants or knowledge about different species, don’t keep it a secret—let it shine in your CV!
Include Certifications and Courses:If you've completed any horticulture-related certifications or courses, be sure to list them in your application. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you're serious about your passion for plants. If you’ve got any coursework on plant biology or sustainable practices, include that too!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Leicester Bus Partnership:In your cover letter, make sure to express why you want to work specifically with Leicester Bus Partnership. Are they known for their beautiful gardens or innovative horticultural practices? Mention these points and how they resonate with your own interests and experiences—this shows genuine enthusiasm and helps you stand out.
Flexibility Matters:Since you're aiming for a part-time role, emphasise your availability in your application. Whether you can work weekends, evenings, or even during peak seasons, make it clear! Flexibility can be a huge plus, so highlight how you can fit into the team at Leicester Bus Partnership and support their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicester Bus Partnership
✨Know Your Plants
As we're diving into horticulture, it’s crucial to brush up on your plant knowledge. Be ready to discuss different species, their care requirements, and maybe even tackle some plant identification questions. Having a few examples of your past gardening experiences or plant projects can really show your passion and expertise!
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since this is a part-time gig, your practical skills might be just as important as your theoretical knowledge. Think about any previous jobs, volunteer work, or personal projects related to gardening or landscaping. Highlight those experiences in your answers – showing what you've physically done can leave a strong impression.
✨Seasonal Awareness is Key
In horticulture, understanding the seasons and how they affect plant behaviour is essential. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach gardening tasks at different times of the year, and share your approach to seasonal planting or maintenance strategies – it'll show your practical understanding of the field!
✨Bring Your Tools (and Portfolio!)
If you have a portfolio showcasing your previous work, such as photos of gardens you've designed or maintained, definitely bring it along. For a part-time role, sharing your creative ideas and how you use tools for different tasks can set you apart. It's about showing how you can bring value to Leicester Bus Partnership with your unique skills and passion!
