At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain parks and gardens, cut grass, and care for sports grounds in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, dedicated to improving local communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and great perks like discounts and wellness support.
- Other info: Seasonal roles available with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, make a difference, and gain valuable skills while being part of a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence and experience with heavy/light plant preferred; teamwork and communication skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Hours: 36/37 Hours a week - Seasonal Hours
April to August: 36 hours over 4 days, Monday to Friday
September: 37 hours over 4.5 days, or 37 hours Monday to Friday (Cemeteries Team)
Some weekend working if required at enhanced overtime rates.
Contract: 6 months Fixed Term Contracts
Location: Kutton Lane Depot, Newcastle-under-Lyme
About the job:
If you enjoy working outdoors in all weathers and have a passion for grounds maintenance in relation to grass cutting, shrub bed maintenance, hedge cutting, weeding and sports ground care, and are willing to be flexible with other seasonal tasks, you will be of particular interest for this varied hands-on role.
If you’re a team player, physically fit, enthusiastic and positive, and enjoy varied work outdoors all year round as an active member of a team, this role could be for you.
6 posts are available - We’ll provide a full induction, ongoing training and all your PPE.
This team cuts grass and hedges, maintains shrub beds, clears litter, sweeps streets, plants up key civic areas, manages parks, empties street bins and does a range of environmental land management work on Council land.
The seasonal fixed term contract posts will be positions in one of three teams undertaking grounds maintenance:
- Ride on Mower Team
- Parks and Gardens
- Cemeteries
Requirements:
- You’ll have a full driving license, preferably minimum category C1 and have previous experience of using heavy and light plant.
- You will also have sound health and safety knowledge.
- Ideally, you’ll also have a good knowledge of the Borough and general labouring experience.
- You’ll be able to communicate confidently and well with managers, other team members and the public.
Why work for us?
Newcastle-under-Lyme is a borough with big ambitions. We’ve already started our transformation; however, we still need to find better ways of doing things because we are determined to do the very best we can for our communities.
If our vision is to be the best, then we need the best people working for us. Our people are at the heart of what we do and have the freedom to innovate, grow and develop. We recruit people who share our vision and values; people who have the drive to deliver our ambitious Council plan.
Our People Offer:
- Access to the local government pension scheme
- Minimum 24 days annual leave plus 5 extra days after 5 years’ service
- Flexible working options and family friendly policies
- Local and national high street discounts
- Free car parking
- Wellbeing support including £12.50 per month Jubilee2 membership
- Green travel scheme including cycle to work and electric car salary sacrifice
- Free employee 24 hour assistance and counselling services
- Flu vaccination service and health checks
- Development and training opportunities
Should we receive a large number of applications, then this post could close sooner than the date stated. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.
While we value diverse backgrounds and experiences, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must be able to prove they have the Right to Work in the U.K.
We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions.
If you would like us to do anything differently during the interview or assessment process please contact our People team (humanresources@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk).
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is committed to the employment and career development of disabled people, armed forces and care leavers. As such we offer an interview guarantee scheme where you meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Need help completing the online application form? Our application form has recently been updated to make it easier to apply. Please be aware that you are not able to save your application part way through so please ensure you have all information to hand.
Make a note of the details of the post you are applying for. Read through the job description and person specification. Review our values and behaviours. Ensure that you have relevant job application information to hand i.e. employment details, qualifications and training, professional memberships (if applicable) and the details of two referees.
If you have a CV you can cut and paste information easily into the form. The supporting information section of the application is your opportunity to share with us your key achievements and highlight any relevant experience.
We’d suggest typing your supporting information firstly to a Word document and then copy and paste to the supporting information section of the online application. This way you won’t lose valuable information if the page times out.
At the end of the form you can choose to save a copy of your application; we advise doing this. If you are interested in more than one role, you will need to submit a separate form for each job.
Streetscene Operative - Parks, Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and community impact. With competitive benefits including a local government pension scheme, flexible working options, and extensive training opportunities, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the beautification and maintenance of our historic borough. Join us in making a positive difference in the environment and enjoy a fulfilling outdoor role with a dedicated team.
Contact Details:
Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Streetscene Operative - Parks, Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
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 Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Streetscene Operative - Parks, Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance in Newcastle upon Tyne
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 Newcastle Under Lyme Borough 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 Streetscene Operative - Parks, Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Newcastle Under Lyme Borough 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.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle Under Lyme Borough 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 Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
