Parks Operative - Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector)Our public sector client is seeking an experienced and motivated Parks Operative - Grounds Maintenance to join their Operations team. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a well-structured organisation delivering essential frontline services to the community. This will be an initial 3-6 month contract with great likelihood of extension.The RoleUndertake work of a grounds maintenance and horticultural nature throughout the Parks Service toinclude the following:Playing Fields (artificial and grass)Towns and villages seasonal plantingPlay ParksParks an Open SpacesBowling GreensWoodlandsGolf coursesRoundabouts & grass managementCemeteries & CrematoriumAllotments Operate and maintain vehicles, tools and equipment required to carry out any of the duties pertaining to the post, ensuring daily safety checks are completed (e.g. JCB, forklift, mini digger, multi lift lorry, tractor and tractor mounted equipment such as flail mowers, gang mowers, hydro mowers, rotary cutters and loaders).Carry out routine maintenance activities including leaf collection, hedge cutting, planting, sweeping, spraying, grass cutting, watering, or any other grounds or cemetery maintenance activities required in the effective delivery of the service.Carry out maintenance activities within Council's pitches and synthetic sports ground facilities.To undertake required horticultural operations such as planting, pruning, seeding, turf laying and the application of fertilisers and herbicides as required.Undertake general cleaning/maintenance duties including cleaning of vehicles/plant equipment and PPE, litter picking, emptying litterbins. Sweeping of paths and roadways, gritting, snow clearance and ensuring same are clear of hazards, broken glass and debris etc.Use of power tools and equipment and routine maintenance of same including daily checks on oil, water, fuel, tyres to ensure that plant and equipment are kept clean and sound operational condition. About YouEssential criteria include:Hold a full current driving licence and be willing to achieve C1+E class within 9 months of taking up the post (funded course)ORHold a provisional driving licence and be willing to achieve a full current driving licence and the CI + E classwithin 9 months of taking up the post (CI + E funded course)ANDHold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and Qualification card.Hold an NVQ Level 1 in Amenity Horticulture or be willing to achieve within an agreed timeframeWorking knowledge of grass cutting, and grounds maintenance techniquesKnowledge of Health and Safety RegulationsDesirable:Hold a full current driving licence to include Class C1 + E to enable postholder to drive a vehicle and trailer combinationA recognised qualification of competence for professional grass cutting equipmentHold PA1 qualification for the safe use of pesticidesHold PA6A qualification for spraying pesticides using a hand held applicatorHold a qualification in Road Management/Traffic ControlNPTC in use of ChainsawsA minimum of 6 months experience of horticultural or grounds maintenance work including planting, bedding and flowerbed maintenanceA minimum of 3 months' experience dealing with queries from members of the publicWhy Apply?Stable public sector employment.Competitive hourly rate plus allowance.Opportunities for training, development, and career progression.Be part of a supportive team delivering valued services to the community.For further information on this vacancy, or any other Public Sector job in Newtownabbey or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Chris Haddock in the strictest confidence. IND02Skills:Parks Operative Park Maintenance Grounds Maintenance Public SectorWHJS1_NI