At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams in maintaining Plymouth's green spaces and natural assets.
- Company: Plymouth City Council, committed to high-quality environmental services.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Outdoor work with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in environmental services and strong supervisory skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Plymouth City Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Natural Environment Assistant Team Leader to support the delivery of high-quality frontline environmental services across the city. This is a key supervisory role within the Natural Environment Service, where you will assist in managing operational teams responsible for maintaining Plymouth’s green infrastructure, public spaces and natural assets. You will play an important role in leading staff, coordinating work programmes, and ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard. The role provides an excellent opportunity to step into a leadership position within a progressive, high-performing service.
You Will
- Support the day-to-day management and supervision of operational teams delivering natural environment and grounds maintenance services
- Plan, organise and schedule work programmes, ensuring tasks are completed on time and to required standards
- Undertake risk assessments and ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and safe working procedures
- Monitor team performance through site visits and ensure quality assurance of completed work
- Respond to public enquiries and complaints in a professional and timely manner
- Support staff management, including resolving routine HR issues and assisting with training and development
- Ensure vehicles, plant and equipment are maintained and available to meet operational needs
- Maintain accurate records and documentation, including operational, HR and asset management systems
You Will Also Demonstrate
- Provide cover for the Natural Environment Team Leader when required
- Promote a positive team culture focused on safety, wellbeing and continuous improvement
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a proactive and organised individual with strong supervisory skills and experience in environmental or grounds maintenance services.
Essential Qualifications & Knowledge
- Good understanding of natural environment, landscape or grounds maintenance services
- Knowledge of health and safety legislation, including COSHH
- Full UK driving licence (including towing)
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English
- Competence in using equipment such as strimmers, hedge cutters and mowers
- Experience using ICT systems, including Microsoft Office and digital asset management systems
Skills And Experience
- Experience supervising or supporting operational teams
- Ability to plan workloads and manage competing priorities
- Experience monitoring work quality and ensuring compliance with standards
- Strong communication skills and experience working in a customer-facing role
- Ability to carry out risk assessments and promote safe working practices
- Experience in landscape, horticultural or habitat management
Additional Information
- This is a frontline, mobile supervisory role working across Plymouth
- The role includes outdoor working and occasional physically demanding tasks
- You will be expected to cover operational responsibilities and respond flexibly to service needs
The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Standard Check. We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role. Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years. Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
How To Apply
If you’re passionate about the natural environment and ready to take the next step into a leadership role, we would love to hear from you. For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Nick Allison - Nick.Allison@plymouth.gov.uk
Closing Date: Monday 8 June 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 15 June 2026
Natural Environment Assistant Team Leader in Plymouth employer: PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
Plymouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive in their roles. As a Natural Environment Assistant Team Leader, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the city's green spaces. Join a progressive team dedicated to enhancing Plymouth's natural assets while enjoying a culture that prioritises safety, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Natural Environment Assistant Team Leader in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Plymouth City Council and their environmental initiatives. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to environmental services. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you've handled challenges in previous roles, especially in supervisory positions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Natural Environment Assistant Team Leader in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in environmental services and supervisory roles. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Natural Environment Assistant Team Leader position.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your knowledge of health and safety legislation and any relevant qualifications. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their competence in managing teams and ensuring compliance with standards.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of natural environment and grounds maintenance services. Familiarise yourself with relevant health and safety legislation, especially COSHH, as this will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully supervised teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you planned workloads, managed competing priorities, or resolved HR issues. This will demonstrate your capability for the supervisory role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in customer-facing situations. Prepare to discuss how you would handle public enquiries or complaints, ensuring you highlight your strong communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safety
Since this role involves risk assessments and promoting safe working practices, be prepared to discuss your approach to health and safety. Share any experiences where you ensured compliance with safety standards and how you fostered a culture of safety within your team.