Bluestones Staffing

BSNI is working with Belfast City Council to recruit a Parks Operative. This role is temporary.

Pay Rate: £13.91 phr
Hours per wk: 37
Duration: 12 Weeks
Target Start date: 21 July 2025
Temporary role.

This role requires the candidate to be responsible to the OSS Assistant Area Manager or other appropriate officer to drive and be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the allocated vehicle including, but not restricted to, van/trailer/tractor/ride on mower.
To maintain the orderly condition of all locations, that is, sweeping, hoeing, raking, mowing, edging, grass cutting, hedge cutting and pruning and the removal of litter, rubbish and hazardous materials and to carry out other cultural operations, for example, the planting of trees, shrubs and plants.
To assist, as required, with the inspection of playgrounds, play equipment and parks furniture and to undertake litter collection duties associated with these facilities to ensure they are maintained to set quality and safety standards.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties

Driving, use of equipment and associated duties

To drive and be responsible for any allocated vehicle and trailer (within the post holder’s driving licence category) and any authorised passengers. Also, to ensure that the vehicle is not overloaded and to ensure the proper and safe use of all ancillary equipment attached to allocated vehicle, eg gang mowers, rakes, trailer, fertiliser distributor etc.
To adhere to drivers’ daily checks and accident/incident/vehicle defect procedures including the completion of all required documentation, including legal and tachograph compliance in an accurate and timely fashion.
To be responsible for the basic maintenance of allocated vehicle and ancillary equipment and to keep the vehicle and equipment clean.
To load, unload vehicles and move equipment and materials such as mowers, barrows, plants, soil, fertilisers, horticultural tools and sundries etc.
To use allocated technology and equipment such as digital cameras, communication and information systems, as required to enhance the post holder’s ability to undertake their duties effectively and efficiently.

Gardening and horticultural duties

To maintain buildings which includes cleaning (sweeping, mopping and dusting), moving equipment and materials (tables, chairs etc).
To maintain the orderly condition of all locations, that is, sweeping, hoeing, raking, mowing, edging, grass cutting, hedge cutting and pruning and the removal of litter, rubbish and hazardous materials.
To maintain games facilities and areas including spiking, scarifying, top-dressing, fertilising and also marking of games areas and erection/dismantling of posts.
To maintain fine turf and grass areas such as bowling greens and cricket squares including maintenance of appropriate stock levels of equipment and materials.
To maintain all tools and in a satisfactory condition including the cleaning of garden tools and basic cleaning and maintenance of lawnmowers.
To use powered hand tools and light plant to perform duties as required.
To carry out horticultural and minor arboricultural operations and maintenance, for example, the planting of trees, shrubs and plants and the work associated with specialised plant collections and displays, vegetable growing, hanging baskets, soil cultivation, manuring, seed sowing, site preparation and construction and assist in the development of horticultural schemes.
To carry out the recommended control measures for invasive species, weeds, pests and diseases including the application of chemical control methods including calibration of sprayers and identification of a range of pests, diseases and weeds.
To work with community groups, volunteers and others to develop and maintain community gardens, allotments and other facilities.
To assist with the preparation and running of events and activities on site.
Collating information as required on users, for example, numbers attending.

General duties

To assist as required with the inspection of playgrounds, play equipment and parks furniture including the undertaking of some minor repairs.
To undertake litter collection duties associated with these facilities to ensure they are maintained to set quality and safety standards.
To provide OSS Assistant Area Manager with all relevant information required for the preparation of statements and reports of evidence, to attend public liability claim hearings which involve the council and to attend court as required.
To report to management any accidents, incidents, defects, hazardous equipment, acts of vandalism and other park related incidents or complaints involving staff members or members of the public.
To advise on council Bye-Laws as required and promote orderly conduct and safety of the public by giving guidance/advice and dealing with any complaint in relation to the relevant site.
To complete all associated paperwork for example, daily records sheets.
To ensure effective communication with site users, other members of the team and line management. To provide information and assistance to site users in line with customer care standards.
To assist in on-the-job training and coaching, including apprentices and work placements.
To undergo training as and when required.
To ensure that work is carried out in accordance with Health and Safety legislation and council regulations, to include the wearing of safety boots and high visibility jacket.
To assist in emergency situations where appropriate, including the distribution of supplies and relevant advice.
To open and close entrances to gain access and exit to the workplace, as and when required.
To participate in all induction and in-service training provided by Belfast City Council and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.
To act in accordance with the council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care, equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.
To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the council.
To undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.
This job description has been written at a time of significant organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve.
Therefore, the post-holder will be required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description but which are commensurate with the role.

Essential criteria

Qualifications and experience

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

possess a full, current C1+E driving licence which enables them to drive vehicles, including vehicle and plant trailer, in Northern Ireland; and
be able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least one year’s relevant experience in each of the following areas:
undertaking gardening and horticulture duties, for example, working with plants, including their care and treatment; grass cutting, hedge trimming, turfing and seed sowing, planting, sweeping, removal of litter and rubbish, etc;
using powered hand tools and equipment and ensuring that these tools and equipment are safe for use in accordance with health and safety regulations; and
dealing with members of the public in a face-to-face environment

Please note that all eligible applicants, must undergo and successfully pass a driving assessment which enables them to drive large vehicles associated with the Category C1+E licence as part of the selection process. Only those applicants who successfully pass the driving assessment, if required, will be invited to attend for interview for this post.

Special skills and attributes

Applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of the following special skills and attributes, which may be tested at interview:

Communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Health and safety knowledge: an understanding of the health and safety responsibilities of the post to ensure the safety of employees and members of the public.
Technical knowledge and skills: the ability to use horticultural tools and machinery with an understanding of horticultural techniques and plant types.
Customer care skills: the ability to deal with the public in a tactful and sensitive manner.
Initiative and team working skills: the ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.
Equality of opportunity: A personal commitment to the promotion of equal opportunities and good relations and an awareness of the need to create a good impression to enhance and protect the image of the council.

Shortlisting criteria

In addition to the above licence and experience, Belfast City Council reserves the right to shortlist only those candidates who, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:
in the first instance, have a full, valid Driver Qualification Card (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)). (Please note if this criterion is not applied, the successful candidate will be expected to obtain the relevant CPC qualification within three months of commencing employment in the role); and
in the second instance, are able to demonstrate on the application form, by providing personal and specific examples, at least two years’ relevant experience, in the three above noted areas (b) – (d).

For further information please contact Jessica on 02895219313 or email cv via link below

BSNI is acting as a recruitment agency