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)
- 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 - Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector) in Newtownabbey 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 the benefits of stable employment, competitive pay, and ample opportunities for training and career progression within a supportive work culture that values your contributions to the community's well-being.
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 and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the public sector client. Understanding their mission and how they serve the community can help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to grounds maintenance and horticulture. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress for success! Even though this is a hands-on job, showing up looking neat and professional can make a great first impression. It shows that you respect the opportunity and are serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It not only shows your appreciation but also keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job!
We think you need these skills to ace Parks Operative - Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector) in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in grounds maintenance and horticulture. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications and experiences!
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors:Let us know why you love working in parks and outdoor spaces! Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your enthusiasm for maintaining green areas and serving the community.
Highlight Safety Awareness:Since health and safety is crucial in this role, be sure to mention your knowledge of safety regulations and any relevant certifications. We appreciate candidates who prioritise safety while getting the job done!
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, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at VANRATH
✨Know Your Grounds Maintenance
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 checks you perform daily, as this demonstrates your commitment to a safe working environment.
✨Show Off Your Skills
If you have experience with specific equipment like JCBs or mini diggers, make sure to highlight that during the interview. Discuss any relevant qualifications, such as PA1 and PA6A for pesticide use, as these can set you apart from other candidates. Practical skills are key in this role!
✨Be Community-Focused
Since this role involves delivering services to the community, be ready to share examples of how you've interacted positively with the public in previous jobs. Show that you understand the importance of community service and how you can contribute to making the parks a better place for everyone.
