Specialist Gardener in Shoreham-by-Sea

We are seeking a Specialist Gardener to join our established and supportive Parks and Open Spaces Shared Service team, working across Cannock Chase District and Stafford Borough Councils, to undertake a series of horticultural tasks including grass cutting, shrub bed maintenance, floral displays, sports pitch maintenance and hedge cutting. Working across a variety of locations, you will help deliver high-quality horticultural standards that contribute to the attractiveness, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability of our communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the ongoing development of our shared service, supporting managers and leaders across two neighbouring local authorities. You'll be at the heart of a varied and rewarding workload, helping to deliver high-quality services to our communities.

From the start you will receive a warm welcome through an induction which will give you the opportunity to go through your role and responsibilities, terms of employment, learn about some of our key policies and procedures as well as provide you with some practical information to make the transition into your new role as smooth and effective as possible.

We recognise that one approach does not fit all so we use a range of operational, developmental and statutory opportunities together with a combination of approaches and techniques to encourage and develop individual learning and growth. Employee Reviews are completed on a regular basis and coaching and mentoring is available to develop individual skills, knowledge and confidence. E-learning and 'on the job' training are used to support personal responsibility and a blended approach to learning.

When recruiting we shortlist using the information supplied on the application form only; personal information forms no part of the shortlisting process ensuring that decisions relating to recruitment are made on a purely objective basis relating to skills, ability and experience. Any tests conducted as part of the interview process are designed to be non-discriminatory and relate purely to the demands of the role. We are a Disability Confident Employer; we ensure that any disabled candidate meeting the essential criteria is guaranteed an interview. A local veteran making the first transition from military to civilian employment is also guaranteed an interview where the essential criteria are met.

We are committed to supporting our employees in maintaining their health and wellbeing and have developed a range of resources and benefits to help us do so. Our support for employees is accredited by national initiatives such as Mindful Employer (Stafford Borough Council) and Time to Change (Cannock Chase District Council).

You will be:

• Qualified to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Horticulture or willingness to obtain.
• Experienced in horticulture or fine turf maintenance with detailed knowledge of traditional horticultural techniques.
• Able to work outdoors in all-weather undertaking heavy labour and hold a driving licence minimum B, B+E, F and K.

Working for Cannock Chase District and Stafford Borough Councils gives you the opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying excellent terms and benefits, including:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• 23 days annual leave, rising to 26 days after 5 years continuous service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free car parking

We have a range of benefits which have been designed to make the council a positive, supportive and enjoyable place to work. These include:

• A friendly, supportive and positive working environment
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlements
• Flexible working, where applicable to the post
• Family friendly policies
• Employee health and wellbeing schemes such as cycle to work and healthcare schemes
• Positive working relationships with trade unions
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee support services
• Occupational sick pay scheme