Temporary Park Operative Antrim Road Belfast

Main purpose of job

To be responsible to the OSS Assistant Area Manager or other appropriate officer to drive and be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the allocated vehicle including, but not restricted to, van/trailer/tractor/ride on mower. To maintain the orderly condition of all locations, that is, sweeping, hoeing, raking, mowing, edging, grass cutting, hedge cutting and pruning and the removal of litter, rubbish and hazardous materials and to carry out other cultural operations, for example, the planting of trees, shrubs and plants. To assist, as required, with the inspection of playgrounds, play equipment and parks furniture and to undertake litter collection duties associated with these facilities to ensure they are maintained to set quality and safety standards.

Driving, use of equipment and associated duties

To drive and be responsible for any allocated vehicle and trailer (within the postholder’s driving licence category) and any authorised passengers. Also, to ensure that the vehicle is not overloaded and to ensure the proper and safe use of all ancillary equipment attached to allocated vehicle, eg gang mowers, rakes, trailer, fertiliser distributor etc. To adhere to drivers’ daily checks and accident/incident/vehicle defect procedures including the completion of all required documentation, including legal and tachograph compliance in an accurate and timely fashion. To be responsible for the basic maintenance of allocated vehicle and ancillary equipment and to keep the vehicle and equipment clean. To load, unload vehicles and move equipment and materials such as mowers, barrows, plants, soil, fertilisers, horticultural tools and sundries etc. To use allocated technology and equipment such as digital cameras, communication and information systems, as required to enhance the postholder’s ability to undertake their duties effectively and efficiently.

Gardening and horticultural duties

To maintain buildings which includes cleaning (sweeping, mopping and dusting), moving equipment and materials (tables, chairs etc). To maintain the orderly condition of all locations, that is, sweeping, hoeing, raking, mowing, edging, grass cutting, hedge cutting and pruning and the removal of litter, rubbish and hazardous materials. To maintain games facilities and areas including spiking, scarifying, top-dressing, fertilising and also marking of games areas and erection/dismantling of posts. To maintain fine turf and grass areas such as bowling greens and cricket squares including maintenance of appropriate stock levels of equipment and materials. To maintain all tools and equipment in a satisfactory condition including the cleaning of garden tools and basic cleaning and maintenance of lawnmowers.

General duties

To assist as required with the inspection of playgrounds, play equipment and parks furniture including the undertaking of some minor repairs. To undertake litter collection duties associated with these facilities to ensure they are maintained to set quality and safety standards. To provide OSS Assistant Area Manager with all relevant information required for the preparation of statements and reports of evidence, to attend public liability claim hearings which involve the council and to attend court as required. To report to management any accidents, incidents, defects, hazardous equipment, acts of vandalism and other park related incidents or complaints involving staff members or members of the public.

This job description has been written at a time of significant organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve. Therefore, the post-holder will be required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description but which are commensurate with the role.

Essential criteria

Qualifications and experience

Applicants must, as at the closing date, possess a full, current C1+E driving licence which enables them to drive vehicles, including vehicle and plant trailer, in Northern Ireland; and be able to demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples, at least one year’s relevant experience in each of the following areas: undertaking gardening and horticulture duties, for example, working with plants, including their care and treatment; grass cutting, hedge trimming, turfing and seed sowing, planting, sweeping, removal of litter and rubbish, using powered hand tools and equipment and ensuring that these tools and equipment are safe for use in accordance with health and safety regulations; and dealing with members of the public in a face-to-face environment. Please note that all eligible applicants must undergo and successfully pass a driving assessment which enables them to drive large vehicles associated with the Category C1+E licence as part of the selection process. Only those applicants who successfully pass the driving assessment, if required, will be invited to attend for interview for this post.

Special skills and attributes

Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of the following special skills and attributes:

• Communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Health and safety knowledge: an understanding of the health and safety responsibilities of the post to ensure the safety of employees and members of the public.
• Technical knowledge and skills: the ability to use horticultural tools and machinery with an understanding of horticultural techniques and plant types.
• Customer care skills: the ability to deal with the public in a tactful and sensitive manner.
• Initiative and team working skills: the ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.
• Equality of opportunity: A personal commitment to the promotion of equal opportunities and good relations and an awareness of the need to create a good impression to enhance and protect the image of the council.

Shortlisting criteria

In addition to the above licence and experience, Belfast City Council reserves the right to shortlist only those candidates who, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms: in the first instance, have a full, valid Driver Qualification Card (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)). (Please note if this criterion is not applied, the successful candidate will be expected to obtain the relevant CPC qualification within three months of commencing employment in the role); and in the second instance, are able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least two years’ relevant experience, in the three above noted areas.

Other Information:

Start Date: 12 August 26
Closing Date: 11 August 26
Hours of Work: 37 per week
Rate of Pay: £14.35 per hour plus accrued holiday pay
Location: Antrim Road Belfast

If you would like to apply for this role, please send us your updated CV via the link provided and one of the team will be in touch with you. Or if you would like to discuss this position, please contact Task Recruitment to speak to one of our consultants. The client reserves the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should they receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible. We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.