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Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• To drive and be responsible for any allocated vehicle and trailer (within the postholder'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 postholder's ability to undertake their duties effectively and efficiently.
• 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 equipment 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.
• 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 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.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Possess a full, current C1 plus 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.
• 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.