At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive and maintain vehicles while delivering essential grounds maintenance services.
- Company: Join a stable public sector organisation dedicated to community service.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 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 gaining valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence or willingness to obtain C1+E; NVQ Level 1 in Amenity Horticulture preferred.
Our public sector client is seeking an experienced and motivated Parks Operative Driver - C1+E to join their Operations team. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a well-structured organisation delivering essential frontline services to the community. This will be an initial 3-6 month contract with great likelihood of extension.
The Role
- Undertake work of a grounds maintenance and horticultural nature throughout the Parks Service to include the following:
- Playing Fields (artificial and grass)
- Towns and villages seasonal planting
- Play Parks
- Parks and Open Spaces
- Bowling Greens
- Woodlands
- 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 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
Essential criteria include:
- 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 C1 + E class within 9 months of taking up the post (C1 + E funded course)
- AND 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
Desirable:
- 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.
For further information on this vacancy, or any other Public Sector job in Newtownabbey or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Chris Haddock in the strictest confidence.
Parks Operative Driver - C1+E (Public Sector) in Belfast employer: VANRATH
Join a stable public sector organisation that values its employees and the community they serve. As a Parks Operative Driver, you will benefit from competitive pay, comprehensive training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth. This role not only allows you to contribute to the beautification and maintenance of local parks and open spaces but also offers the chance to develop your skills in a meaningful and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks Operative Driver - C1+E (Public Sector) in Belfast
✨Get Hands-On in Local Gardens
Dive into volunteer work at local gardens or community farms. This not only gives you practical experience but also helps you build connections in the horticulture community. You'd be surprised at how many temporary roles pop up through local networks!
✨Visit Local Plant Shows or Horticultural Events
Check out seasonal plant shows or horticultural fairs in your area. These events are fantastic for networking and learning about temporary positions that may not be advertised online. Chat with vendors and attendees — you never know who might know of a gig at places like VANRATH!
✨Tap into the Agriculture Community
Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to horticulture. Engaging in discussions or asking about temp roles can lead to insider tips and opportunities. Plus, it showcases your passion for the field, which is always a bonus!
✨Make Your Intentions Clear on Your CV
In your CV, highlight your availability for temporary positions and any hands-on experience you have. Tailor your approach to companies like VANRATH, making sure they know you're keen and ready to jump in as soon as they need someone. And don't forget to apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Parks Operative Driver - C1+E (Public Sector) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Horticultural Knowledge:Make sure to showcase any relevant horticulture experience you have. Mention specific plants, gardening techniques, or landscaping projects you've worked on. If you have any certificates in horticulture or botany, include those too – they'll definitely catch our eye!
Show You're Flexible and Ready to Learn:Since this is a temporary role, we want to know you're adaptable and eager to soak up new experiences. In your cover letter, express your willingness to learn and take on different tasks that may come up. Share any previous temporary roles and what you gained from them!
Include Practical Experience:In horticulture, hands-on experience matters a lot. If you’ve volunteered at a community garden or helped maintain private gardens, mention these gigs! Tailor your CV to include any practical work that demonstrates your skills in plant care, garden layout design, or pest management.
Use Clear, Concise Language:When applying for a temporary role, keep your application straightforward. Avoid jargon and focus on the essential skills you bring to the table. We want to understand your experience quickly, so make every word count. Remember, we love clear communication at VANRATH!
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Get to Grips with Plant Knowledge
In the world of horticulture, having a solid grasp of plant types, care techniques, and pest management is essential. Brush up on your understanding of the plants relevant to VANRATH—it might just impress them if you can chat about local species or seasonal challenges!
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Since you’re applying for a temporary role, they’ll want to see that you’re ready to hit the ground running. Be prepared to discuss any hands-on experience you have with gardening tools, techniques, and maintenance tasks. If you've got a portfolio of your gardening projects or any past experiences, don't hesitate to share!
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Much of horticulture works in teams, especially during busy seasons. Anticipate questions about your experience working collaboratively. Think of examples of how you’ve contributed to team efforts in past gardening projects or seasonal work—showing your team spirit is key!
✨Express Your Flexibility and Learning Mindset
Given that this is a temporary position, make sure you convey your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Employers like VANRATH will appreciate your willingness to tackle various tasks, from planting to weeding, and how you can fit in wherever needed!
