At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop and manage parks and open spaces in Preston.
- Company: Preston City Council, dedicated to enhancing community spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexi time, 30+ days leave, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and knowledge of horticulture preferred.
The predicted salary is between 33699 - 35412 £ per year.
Overview
Permanent, 37 hours per week
Grade 8, £33,699 - £35,412 per annum
Environment and Communities Directorate – Neighbourhood Services.
Preston City Council’s Parks are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our development team at Argyll Road, Preston.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Head of Parks Development in the management and development of parks and open spaces across the city, including working with team members and other departments, on allotments, park assets, buildings and infrastructure, woodlands, highway verges and development areas.
- Deliver various strategies including the Parks and Open Spaces strategy, tree strategy and related plans and policies, including the preparation and implementation of Green Flag applications and management plans.
- Play a key role in the development, promotion and marketing of park services facilities, including the procurement of additional financial resources and the delivery and management of projects and contracts working alongside Landscape architects.
- A sound working knowledge of horticultural and landscape management and contract procedures would be an advantage in this role.
- Occasional evening/weekend working to provide a support service for Friends Groups and community organisations and partners, and to attend committee/working parties/events as required.
- Contribute to working both independently and in a team; strong written communication and financial skills are important aspects of the role.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Good written communication and financial skills; ability to work well unsupervised or in a team.
- Experience or knowledge in horticultural and landscape management and contract procedures (advantage).
Benefits
- Flexi time
- Minimum of 30 days’ annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
- Family-friendly policies
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- AVCs, life assurance scheme, payment of professional fees
- Casual car user allowance
- Discounted parking, bus and rail fares
- Cycle to work scheme
International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship.
Ref: EPNS01016
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 26 October 2025
Please apply online here
Parks Development Officer - Preston City Council employer: Preston City Council
Preston City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as flexi time, a minimum of 30 days' annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the enhancement of the city's parks and open spaces.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks Development Officer - Preston City Council
✨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 Preston City 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 Preston City 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 Preston City Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Parks Development Officer - Preston City Council
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 Preston City 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 Parks Development Officer - Preston City Council.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Preston City 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 Preston City Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Preston City 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 Preston City Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
