At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful parks and open spaces through various horticultural activities.
- Company: Join Lichfield District Council, a key employer in a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on your local community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and good interpersonal skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25584 - 25584 £ per year.
Lichfield District Council is looking for a Grounds Maintenance Operative who can undertake a wide range of maintenance activities within Parks and Open Spaces. The work generally includes a variety of horticultural and groundsman tasks such as:
- Grass cutting
- Strimming
- Floral displays
- Tree & shrub planting
- Weed control
- Hedge cutting
- Sports pitch and fine turf maintenance
You should be self-motivated with the ability to act on your own initiative or work as part of a team. Good interpersonal skills for dealing with the public and a commitment to customer care are essential. You should also be capable of achieving set targets to meet service demands.
Good literacy and numeracy skills are needed as there is a requirement to record and report statistical information, keep records of completed works, complete HAVS books, chemical records, and vehicle and equipment daily checks. There will be a requirement to carry out routine operator maintenance of a range of grounds maintenance plant and equipment, as well as complying with all health and safety regulations and following risk assessments related to the work you are carrying out.
Experience in undertaking grounds maintenance activities such as grass cutting, strimming, hedge cutting, and sports pitch maintenance is required. You will be required to work outdoors in all weathers covering a whole range of horticultural tasks throughout the seasons. A good knowledge along with experience of using a wide range of grounds maintenance plant and equipment such as ride-on mowers, pedestrian mowers, tractors, fine turf equipment, strimmers, hedge cutters, etc., is required, as well as experience of using a wide range of hand tools.
The successful candidate should hold a current full UK Driving Licence with a minimum of category B+E, F, K and no more than six penalty points. It would be beneficial but not essential if the applicant holds a Land Based or Horticulture qualification and a NPTC PA1, PA6a or equivalent Chemical application licence.
At Lichfield District Council, we are committed to creating a positive environment and culture that promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, religious or spiritual belief, and those with caring responsibilities. All applicants are selected based on experience, knowledge, and skills which are identified in the person specification.
If you need any support with completing your application, or any part of the recruitment process, please contact hr@lichfielddc.gov.uk so that we can discuss reasonable adjustments. We reserve the right to carry out a Basic DBS as part of the Baseline Personnel Security Standard with relevant checks depending on the requirements of the role within the Council and in line with relevant legislation after your appointment.
Grounds Maintenance Operative in Chasetown employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative in Chasetown
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like WMJobs.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like WMJobs.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at WMJobs; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative in Chasetown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at WMJobs.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Grounds Maintenance Operative.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what WMJobs is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at WMJobs a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at WMJobs might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.