Grounds Maintenance Operative (Gardener)
Location: Any Neighbourhood Services Depot
Contract: Full-time
About the Role
We're looking for a motivated and hardworking Neighbourhood Services Operative (Gardener) to join our Neighbourhood Services team.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with horticultural experience who enjoys working outdoors and takes pride in maintaining parks, sports pitches and public open spaces to a high standard. You'll play a key role in enhancing the local environment, ensuring our green spaces remain safe, attractive and welcoming for residents and visitors.
This is a varied role where no two days are the same. In addition to horticultural duties, you'll have the opportunity to support other Neighbourhood Services teams when operational priorities require.
Key Responsibilities
* Carry out a wide range of horticultural and grounds maintenance duties across the County Borough.
* Maintain parks, gardens and public open spaces to a consistently high standard.
* Operate pedestrian and ride-on mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, leaf blowers and other horticultural equipment.
* Carry out grass cutting, lawn maintenance, turf repairs and sports pitch marking.
* Undertake planting, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, soil cultivation and seasonal bedding displays.
* Assist with landscaping and environmental improvement projects.
* Empty litter bins and keep parks and open spaces clean and tidy.
* Support the Arboriculture team when required.
* Carry out basic vehicle and equipment checks, reporting defects where necessary.
* Drive council vehicles and tow trailers where appropriately licensed.
* Follow all Health & Safety procedures and maintain tools, machinery and work areas in a safe condition.
* Work flexibly across Neighbourhood Services, supporting Waste, Highways, Street Cleansing or Cemeteries where required.
About You
We're looking for someone who has:
* Experience in grounds maintenance, gardening or horticultural work.
* Experience operating grounds maintenance machinery and hand tools safely.
* Good knowledge of horticultural practices and lawn maintenance.
* A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Good organisational skills and a strong work ethic.
* A commitment to delivering excellent public services and maintaining high-quality green spaces.
* A good understanding of Health & Safety procedures.
* A full UK driving licence (desirable; towing entitlement advantageous).
What You'll Be Working Towards
* Supporting the Parks Team in maintaining and improving public parks and green spaces.
* Contributing towards achieving and maintaining Green Flag Award standards.
* Helping ensure the borough's parks, gardens and recreational areas remain safe, clean and attractive.
* Providing flexible support across Neighbourhood Services to help meet operational priorities.
If you're passionate about horticulture, enjoy working outdoors and want to make a positive difference to your local community, we'd love to hear from you