Natural Environment Senior Landscape Operative - Allotments in Plymouth

We are seeking a committed and hands-on Nature Recovery Senior Landscape Operative (Allotments) to maintain and enhance our network of allotment sites across the city. In addition to responsibility for the conscientious completion of a range of site maintenance and improvement tasks, you will also be expected to be proactive in reporting and dealing with any site issues, and to take an interest in developing existing sites in order they become more biodiverse and sustainable. This role is an ideal opportunity for someone with an enthusiasm for community food growing to facilitate this activity across the city. This role plays a key part in maintaining safe, welcoming, and environmentally responsible green spaces that enable residents to grow food, connect with nature, and improve their physical and mental health. You will work across multiple sites as part of a small, dedicated team, with the support of senior staff who are keen to develop the allotment network. Developing community links and maintaining good relationships with single tenants and organised groups is vital, and you will be expected to take the lead in this activity, reporting concerns to your Team Leader, but equally engaging with community groups and facilitating their activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain allotment sites in line with sustainable land-management principles
• Lead, direct and support the Nature Recovery Landscape Operative (Allotments) with work in the following areas:
• Carrying out grounds maintenance including grass cutting, strimming, pruning, and plot clearance
• Preparing plots for new tenants, promoting soil health and reuse of materials where possible
• Repairing and maintaining paths, fences, gates, raised beds, communal structures, and water points
• Supporting biodiversity initiatives such as wildlife habitats, composting areas, and pollinator-friendly spaces
• Applying health and safety best practice while working outdoors
• Using tools, machinery, and vehicles efficiently and responsibly
• Reducing waste through reuse, recycling, and environmentally conscious disposal
• Working positively with colleagues, tenants, allotment associations, and community groups
• Reporting site issues and contributing ideas for improving sustainability and site resilience
• You will also be expected to work with managers as we roll out our digital asset management system (Alloy) that will allow us to maintain and improve allotment sites more efficiently.
• Note that this role involves working alongside the Nature Recovery Operative (Allotments) and you will be expected to share all aspects of the physical work involved in maintaining and improving allotment sites.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Experience in grounds maintenance, land management, food growing, landscaping, or similar outdoor work
• Knowledge of horticulture, food growing, composting, or soil management
• Ability to carry out physically demanding work in all weather conditions
• Practical skills using hand tools and powered equipment
• Understanding of safe working practices and environmental responsibility
• Ability to work independently across multiple sites
• Good communication skills and a respectful, community-focused approach
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable (but Not Essential)

• Experience working on allotments, parks, or community green spaces
• Interest in climate resilience, biodiversity, or sustainable land use
• Relevant qualifications (e.g. strimming, first aid, pesticide use, chainsaw)

What We Offer

• Meaningful outdoor work supporting sustainability and local food growing
• A role that directly contributes to biodiversity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing
• Supportive team environment with opportunities to develop green skills
• The chance to help shape greener, healthier spaces for future generations
• The opportunity to share your ideas and work in a wider motivated team who are actively carrying out nature recovery work, and who understand the value of food growing to this work.

The Disclosure & Barring Service Check requirement for this post is: Basic 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.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Nigel Cotterill, Natural Environment Principal - Nigel.Cotterill@plymouth.gov.uk

Closing date: Sunday 2nd August 2026

Interviews w/b 17th August