Park Warden

Main purpose of job

To be responsible to Team Leader (Park Warden) for the efficient performance of the park warden service.  To carry out all activities in accordance with specified quality, quantity and time targets.

To enforce by-laws and dog control orders, litter code and alcohol by laws.

To work with stakeholders, user groups and others increasing their awareness and enjoyment of parks through events, guided tours, walks, talks and other activities.

To lock up such properties as necessary which will be listed for securing and to liaise with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) where such action is necessary to protect properties.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties

1.           To enforce council bye-laws, dog control orders, litter code and carry out alcohol enforcement.

2.           To undertake on behalf of the council the full range of duties in connection with the council’s powers in relation to anti-social behaviour; including:

–        Regular walkabouts or patrols in parks, cemeteries, allotments etc to identify problems and enforce relevant by-laws or legislation relating to antisocial behaviour.   This will include, but is not restricted to:

–        Drinking, littering, graffiti in parks and open spaces;

–        Dumping/fly tipping;

–        Dog fouling;

–        Investigation of complaints and gathering of evidence in accordance with Council policy and the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989;

–        Undertaking enforcement within parks and open spaces, at key events and at seasonal periods alongside partner agencies; and in particular the police;

–        Issuing of warning notices and fixed penalties as appropriate;

–        Attendance at court or other formal hearings to give evidence;

–        Participation in covert and non-covert operations as required.

3.     To patrol and clock in at designated sites and maintain orderly conduct of the public ensuring general safety; to give guidance and deal with any complaints in relation to the relevant sites.

4.      To prepare and compile reports in relation to all aspects of the post.

5.      To lift litter, waste, rubbish and hazardous materials such as glass bottles, dog fouling etc and ensure that all such materials are disposed of appropriately.

6.      To examine vandalised areas ensuring as much as possible that the vandalised area is made safe and to also furnish reports on observations and the actions taken.

7.      To update and maintain park opening signs removing any graffiti or other disfigurements, whilst also ensuring that the correct opening hours are displayed.   To carry out minor repairs on these signs if required, and to display stencils and temporary signage, on a range of issues as directed by Park Management.

8.      To undertake routine inspection of paths, parks furniture, lighting etc completing the necessary inspection records and reporting any faults / issues.

9.      To provide attendant duties at park buildings, playgrounds, pavilions, properties and open spaces.

10.    To carry out visual playground inspections, report any hazardous equipment or vandalism within these areas and make safe.

11.    To carry out daily vehicle and equipment inspections completing the required inspection documentation.

Essential criteria

Qualifications and experience

Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:

·        have a full, current driving licence which enables them to drive in Northern Ireland, or, have access to a form of transport which enables them to carry out the duties of the post in full[1]; and

·        be able to demonstrate by providing personal and specific examples on the application form, that they have at least one year’s relevant experience in each of the following three areas:

(a)   dealing effectively with members of the public in a face-to-face environment;

(b)   working within a security role, for example, opening/closing facilities, carrying out patrols, setting alarms, recording and reporting incidents and working with other statutory bodies, for example, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI); and

(c)   working in an enforcement or legislative role, for example, dog control orders, litter code and, or alcohol enforcement.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake and successfully complete a training programme which will enable the post holder to fully carry out their duties i.e. dog control enforcement and litter code, if they do not already hold this. The successful applicant will be required to complete this training and demonstrate competence within six months of taking up the post.

Special skills and attributes

Applicants must be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they possess the following special skills and attributes:

Customer care skills:

Good interpersonal skills with an awareness of the importance of customer care.
[1] Please be advised that this alternative is a ‘reasonable adjustment’ specifically for applicants with disabilities who, as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a full, current driving licence.  However please also be advised that, given the business need for the post holder to drive council-owned  vans on a daily basis in order to fulfil the duties of the post then the ‘reasonableness’ of this adjustment will be thoroughly considered prior to any appointment being made.

BSNI is acting as a recruitment agency