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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 postholders driving licence category) and any authorised passengers. Also, to ensure that the vehicle is not overloaded and to ensure the proper and safe use.
• 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 postholders 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.
• 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.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:
• Possess a full, current C1plusE 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 years 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.
• 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 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.
• The ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.