At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain parks and green spaces, ensuring they look their best for the community.
- Company: Join a stable public sector organisation dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and career progression.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and a full driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 26340 £ per year.
Our public sector client is seeking an experienced and motivated Parks Operative – Grounds Maintenance to join their Operations team. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a well-structured organisation delivering essential front-line services to the community. This will be an initial 3-6 month contract with a great likelihood of extension.
The Role
- Undertake work of grounds maintenance and horticultural nature throughout the Parks Service including:
- Playing fields (artificial and grass)
- Towns and villages seasonal planting
- Play parks
- Parks and open spaces
- Golf courses
- Roundabouts & grass management
- Cemeteries & crematorium
- Allotments
- Operate and maintain vehicles, tools and equipment required to carry out any of the duties pertaining to the post, ensuring daily safety checks are completed (e.g. JCB, forklift, mini digger, multi-lift lorry, tractor and tractor-mounted equipment such as flail mowers, gang mowers, hydro mowers, rotary cutters and loaders).
- Carry out routine maintenance activities including leaf collection, hedge cutting, planting, sweeping, spraying, grass cutting, watering, or any other grounds or cemetery maintenance activities required in the effective delivery of the service.
- Carry out maintenance activities within Council’s pitches and synthetic sports ground facilities.
- To undertake required horticultural operations such as planting, pruning, seeding, turf laying and the application of fertilisers and herbicides as required.
- Undertake general cleaning/maintenance duties including cleaning of vehicles/plant equipment and PPE, litter picking, emptying litterbins, sweeping of paths and roadways, gritting, snow clearance and ensuring the same are clear of hazards, broken glass and debris etc.
- Use of power tools and equipment and routine maintenance of same including daily checks on oil, water, fuel, tyres to ensure that plant and equipment are kept clean and sound operational condition.
About You
- Hold a full current driving licence and be willing to achieve C1+E class within 9 months of taking up the post (funded course) OR hold a provisional driving licence and be willing to achieve a full current driving licence and the CI+E class within 9 months of taking up the post (CI+E funded course).
- Hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and Qualification card.
- Hold an NVQ Level 1 in Amenity Horticulture or be willing to achieve within an agreed timeframe.
- Working knowledge of grass cutting and grounds maintenance techniques.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations.
- Hold a full current driving licence to include Class C1 + E to enable postholder to drive a vehicle and trailer combination.
- A recognised qualification of competence for professional grass cutting equipment.
- Hold PA1 qualification for the safe use of pesticides.
- Hold PA6A qualification for spraying pesticides using a hand-held applicator.
- Hold a qualification in Road Management/Traffic Control.
- NPTC in use of Chainsaws.
- A minimum of 6 months experience of horticultural or grounds maintenance work including planting, bedding and flowerbed maintenance.
- A minimum of 3 months experience dealing with queries from members of the public.
Why Apply?
- Stable public sector employment.
- Competitive hourly rate plus allowance.
- Opportunities for training, development, and career progression.
- Be part of a supportive team delivering valued services to the community.
Parks Operative - Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector) in Newtownabbey employer: VanRath Search & Selection
Join our dedicated team as a Parks Operative in the public sector, where you will play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing community spaces. We offer stable employment with competitive pay, comprehensive training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values your contributions to the community. This position not only allows for personal growth but also provides the satisfaction of delivering essential services that improve the quality of life for residents.
Contact Details:
VanRath Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks Operative - Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector) in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to grounds maintenance. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves hands-on work, brush up on your skills with tools and equipment. Practising common tasks can give you the confidence to impress during any practical tests.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Parks Operative - Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector) in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in grounds maintenance and horticulture. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your past work!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working in parks maintenance and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it friendly and professional!
Show Off Your Qualifications:List all your relevant qualifications clearly, especially those related to horticulture and safety regulations. If you’re working towards any qualifications, let us know – we love seeing ambition!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at VanRath Search & Selection
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your knowledge of horticultural practices and grounds maintenance techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with tasks like planting, pruning, and using power tools. Showing that you understand the specifics of the role will impress the interviewers.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with Health and Safety Regulations relevant to grounds maintenance. Be prepared to talk about how you ensure safety while operating machinery and handling chemicals. This shows that you take responsibility seriously and prioritise safety in your work.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Skills
Since you'll be dealing with the public, think of examples where you've successfully handled queries or complaints. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to engage positively with the community can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Get Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that may require you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, especially in relation to grounds maintenance tasks.
