At a Glance
- Tasks: Excavate graves and maintain beautiful cemetery grounds while assisting the public.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a unique organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a stable 37-hour work week with weekends off and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in your community while working outdoors and using machinery.
- Qualifications: Must be physically fit, hold an Excavator ticket, and have a full driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
37 hours per week, Monday - Friday but will be required to work some weekends.
Location: 3 cemeteries: Milton, Kingston and Highland Rd.
Your new role:
As part of the Grounds Maintenance operations team, you will be responsible for excavating graves and general maintenance for the day to day upkeep of the three Portsmouth cemeteries and other areas. Using excavators, dumper trucks and other related burial equipment, you will be responsible for locating, marking and excavating graves in accordance with the cemetery map and code of safe working practice. A mechanical excavator will be used although digging by hand may also be required. In addition, you will assist members of the public regarding locations of plots/graves and undertakers and masons in location and preparation of funerals. The role also includes maintenance of the surrounding area and of shrub beds within the cemetery, general litter picking and sweeping paths. You will ensure all machinery is stored safely and maintained whilst complying with regulations when using chemicals and substances. You will also be responsible for unlocking the cemetery gates and any other building on the site.
Working as part of a team, the Parks Cemetery Grave Digger will also undertake a range of other grounds maintenance duties within Portsmouth parks and open spaces. These may include grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting of flowers and shrubs and pruning of hedges and tree base epicormic growth as well as litter and bin emptying duties.
Who is the person summary:
You will be physically fit as you will be climbing in and out of machinery, operating and maintaining machinery and may be required to do some manual digging. You will hold an Excavator ticket and ideally have an ICCM City and Guilds Safe Use of Cemetery Excavator, Cemetery Dumper and ICCM City and Guilds H & S Burial Process or equivalent. A full driving licence is essential as well as the ability to show dignity and compassion when dealing with bereaved families. With knowledge and experience in the use of large and small horticultural/agricultural machinery, you will be able to use your own initiative to ascertain what equipment/resources are needed to complete each task. With the ability to maintain and adjust machinery, you will be self-motivated, flexible with the ability to work on your own or as part of a team following instructions from supervisors.
About Portsmouth City Council:
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focused. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
Additional Information:
Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Our recruitment process:
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work/personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful. We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council.
Parks Cemetery Grave Digger Operator (General Operative) in London employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises respect, integrity, and inclusivity, creating a supportive work environment for its employees. With a commitment to employee growth and development, staff are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to the community through meaningful work in maintaining the city's cemeteries and parks. The role of Parks Cemetery Grave Digger Operator offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in people's lives while enjoying a collaborative team culture and the chance to work in beautiful outdoor settings across Portsmouth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks Cemetery Grave Digger Operator (General Operative) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Portsmouth City Council and their values. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When discussing your experience, highlight your knowledge of machinery and grounds maintenance. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully operated equipment or handled similar tasks in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for practical questions! Since this role involves physical work, be ready to discuss how you handle manual tasks and maintain equipment. Think about times when you've had to adapt to challenges on the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Portsmouth City Council careers portal. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Parks Cemetery Grave Digger Operator (General Operative) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read the job profile thoroughly. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for, and it’ll help you tailor your personal statement to show us why you’re the perfect fit.
Show Us Your Experience:When writing your personal statement, don’t just list your qualifications. Use specific examples from your past work or personal experiences that demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the 'Who is the Person' section. We want to see what you can bring to the team!
Be Detailed and Specific:A vague application won’t cut it! Make sure to provide detailed descriptions of your skills and experiences. The more specific you are, the better we can understand how you’ll contribute to our team at Portsmouth City Council.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers portal! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the recruitment process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Machinery
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the excavators and dumper trucks you'll be using. Be ready to discuss your experience with these machines, including any maintenance you've performed. This shows you're not just familiar with the equipment but also responsible in its upkeep.
✨Demonstrate Compassion
Since you'll be dealing with bereaved families, it's crucial to convey your ability to handle sensitive situations with dignity and compassion. Think of examples from your past where you've shown empathy, whether in a work setting or personal life, and be prepared to share them.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
This role involves working as part of a team, so be ready to talk about your experiences collaborating with others. Share specific instances where you contributed to a team project or helped a colleague, showcasing your ability to follow instructions and support your teammates.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and initiative. Think about scenarios where you had to decide what equipment was needed for a task or how you handled unexpected challenges. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers.
