At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain parks and open spaces, ensuring they look their best for the community.
- Company: Join a stable public sector organisation dedicated to serving the community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, and career progression in a supportive team.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with potential for contract extension and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors and gaining valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Driving licence and willingness to learn horticultural skills; experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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 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:
- 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 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.
- 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 - Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector) in Belfast employer: VANRATH
Join a dedicated public sector team as a Parks Operative - Grounds Maintenance, where you will play a vital role in enhancing community spaces across Newtownabbey and Northern Ireland. Enjoy stable employment with competitive pay, comprehensive training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values your contributions to the community's well-being. This position not only offers a chance for personal growth but also allows you to make a meaningful impact through essential frontline services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parks Operative - Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector) in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and recent projects. When you walk into that interview, you want to show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and let you showcase your skills in grounds maintenance without the pressure of the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress for success! Even though it’s a practical job, showing up looking tidy and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you respect the opportunity and are ready to roll up your sleeves.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot them a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows you’re keen on the role. Plus, it’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Parks Operative - Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector) in Belfast
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 role, 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 parks and community services. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Qualifications:If you’ve got any qualifications like NVQ Level 1 in Amenity Horticulture or PA1/PA6A certifications, make sure they’re front and centre. We love seeing candidates who are committed to their professional development!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Know Your Grounds Maintenance Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of grounds maintenance techniques and horticulture. Be ready to discuss your experience with grass cutting, planting, and any relevant qualifications like NVQ Level 1 in Amenity Horticulture. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also knowledgeable about it.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with Health and Safety Regulations related to grounds maintenance. Be prepared to talk about how you ensure safety when operating tools and equipment. Mention any specific safety training you've had, as this will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
This role is all about being part of a supportive team. Think of examples from your past work where you collaborated effectively with others or helped resolve issues for the community. Highlighting your teamwork skills will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team's current projects or how they measure success in their operations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.
