At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain the city's greenspaces and ensure a clean environment.
- Company: Stoke-on-Trent City Council, dedicated to improving local services and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and encourages all backgrounds to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Must hold herbicide/pesticide application qualifications and a valid driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 26403 - 28598 £ per year.
Directorate: Housing, Regeneration and Operations
Section: Streetcare and Greenspace
Location: Weighbridge Site Lodge
Grade: Level 5
Salary: £26,403 - £28,598 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
This role requires you to hold the qualification in the application of herbicides/pesticides to level PA1, PA2 and PA6.
This is a fixed term role for 6 months.
About us: We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job; it's about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.
The Role: To assist the cleansing team to deliver a high quality, efficient and effective City cleansing service with associated functions in accordance with instructions and agreed procedures. To collect and remove litter, detritus, fly tipping, dog fouling, leaves, weeds and any other wastes as instructed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Safely drive the allocated vehicle following all transport legislation and safe working practices.
- Carry out the full range of ground maintenance and cleansing duties when not driving.
- Complete daily vehicle checks and routine maintenance, ensuring the vehicle is kept clean and in good condition.
- Maintain accurate daily log sheets.
- Safely calibrate and apply herbicides, completing all required paperwork in line with the Food and Environmental Protection Act 1985.
About You:
- Hold a qualification in the application of herbicides/pesticides to level PA1, PA2 and PA6.
- Hold a full valid driving licence.
- Be able to communicate to members of the public.
- Enthusiastic and committed to the work.
- Experience of delivering services to the highest quality.
- Work as a team member.
- Ability to work on your own initiative with little supervision.
- Experience in using a range of hand tools, horticultural equipment and light plant.
- Be willing to undertake any relevant training the role requires.
What we offer:
- A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent.
- Hybrid and flexible working options.
- An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme.
- Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes.
Pre-Employment Checks: Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:
- Right to Work in the UK.
- Proof of address.
- Satisfactory references.
- Occupational Health Clearance.
- Evidence Of Professional Qualifications Or Registrations.
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role).
Please note that if an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy their application will receive priority. If this happens you will be advised accordingly.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.
Weedkilling Operative 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 Weedkilling Operative
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms
Don’t be shy about visiting local farms and agricultural businesses — many of them often need extra hands, especially during busy seasons. Take a trip to farmers' markets, community gardens, and agricultural fairs; you’ll make connections and might hear about temporary roles before they’re advertised.
✨Join Agricultural Community Groups
Get involved in local farming networks or online communities dedicated to agriculture. These platforms often share job openings, volunteer opportunities, and events. Plus, building relationships in these circles can lead to recommendations and insider information about temporary gigs.
✨Seasonal Hiring Peaks – Be Prepared
Keep an eye on the seasonal hiring windows; many farms look for temporary workers during harvest time. Be proactive! Reach out to farms directly before peak season and express your interest in helping during those busy periods. It's all about timing!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Our Website
When you find a role you like, make sure to apply through our website! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, such as volunteering or coursework related to agriculture, which can make you stand out in your application for temporary positions with companies like WMJobs.
We think you need these skills to ace Weedkilling Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Plants:In agriculture, it’s all about hands-on experience, right? Make sure your CV showcases any relevant work you've done with crops, livestock, or even through volunteering. If you’ve held a position that involved tilling the soil or caring for plants, mention specifics so we can see your skills in action!
Highlight Your Physical Stamina:Temporary roles in agriculture can be physically demanding. Don't hesitate to mention any relevant physical capabilities or previous tough gigs you’ve tackled. This gives us confidence that you’re up for the challenges the job might throw at you!
Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at WMJobs, it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!
Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
✨Understand Seasonal Dynamics
Temporary roles in agriculture often revolve around peak seasons, so brush up on how the seasonal cycles affect agricultural work. Familiarise yourself with the planting and harvesting schedules for different crops. This shows that you're not just looking for a job; you understand the industry's rhythm!
✨Flex Your Adaptability
Temporary roles require a bit of flexibility as the tasks can change rapidly. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you had to pivot quickly, whether it was dealing with sudden weather changes or shifting priorities. Employers love seeing that we can adapt and tackle unexpected challenges!
✨Mindful of Safety Regulations
In agriculture, health and safety are paramount. Brush up on relevant safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a safe work environment in previous positions. Demonstrating your knowledge of these practices will show your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.
