Park warden

Park Warden

Protecting Belfast's Parks, People and Places

Location: Belfast

Wage: £15.82 per hour

Contract: Full time
Department: City and Neighbourhood Services
Grade: 4

Love the Outdoors? Want a Job That Makes a Difference Every Day?

This isn't a desk job.

As a Park Warden, you'll be on the frontline of protecting and enhancing some of Belfast's most valued public spaces. You'll help keep parks, cemeteries, playgrounds and open spaces safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

One day you could be engaging with local families, schools and community groups. The next, you'll be investigating anti-social behaviour, carrying out enforcement duties, supporting major public events or working alongside the PSNI and partner agencies.

If you're confident dealing with people, enjoy working outdoors and have the professionalism to balance customer service with enforcement responsibilities, this could be the perfect role for you.

The Opportunity

As a Park Warden, you'll play a key role in maintaining safe, attractive and well-managed public spaces across Belfast.

You'll act as an ambassador for our parks while helping to tackle anti-social behaviour, enforce council regulations and support local communities.

No two days are ever the same.

What You'll Be Doing

Community Safety & Enforcement

• Patrol parks, cemeteries, allotments and open spaces.
• Enforce council bye-laws, dog control legislation, litter regulations and alcohol restrictions.
• Investigate complaints and incidents of anti-social behaviour.
• Gather evidence and prepare reports that may be used in legal proceedings.
• Issue warnings and fixed penalty notices where appropriate.
• Work alongside the PSNI and other statutory agencies during enforcement operations.

Protecting Public Spaces

• Conduct routine inspections of parks, playgrounds, buildings, furniture and infrastructure.
• Identify hazards, vandalism and maintenance issues.
• Ensure facilities are opened, secured and monitored appropriately.
• Carry out visual playground inspections and make areas safe where required.
• Respond to incidents and emergencies in a professional manner.

Community Engagement

• Welcome visitors and provide information and guidance.
• Support schools, community groups and volunteers using council facilities.
• Deliver guided walks, tours, talks and educational activities.
• Promote responsible use of parks and public spaces.
• Help create positive experiences for visitors of all ages.

Operational Responsibilities

• Record incidents, inspections and enforcement activity using digital systems.
• Operate communication equipment and specialist technology where required.
• Drive and maintain council vehicles.
• Assist at events and public gatherings.
• Provide first aid and emergency support when necessary.
• Support colleagues through mentoring, training and teamwork.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking individuals who are approachable, resilient and confident in dealing with a wide range of situations.

You should be equally comfortable engaging with community groups, supporting families, addressing anti-social behaviour and working with enforcement partners.

Essential Experience

You must be able to demonstrate at least one year's experience in:

• Dealing effectively with members of the public in a face-to-face environment.
• Working within a security-related role, including patrols, facility security, incident reporting or liaison with statutory agencies.
• Working in an enforcement, compliance or legislative role.

You'll Also Have

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to prepare accurate reports.
• Confidence dealing with challenging situations professionally and calmly.
• Sound judgement and decision-making abilities.
• A strong awareness of health and safety responsibilities.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A full current driving licence (or alternative arrangements where applicable).

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to:

✅ Work outdoors and stay active
✅ Make a visible difference to local communities
✅ Help keep Belfast's parks safe and welcoming
✅ Develop valuable enforcement and community engagement skills
✅ Work alongside a range of professional agencies and stakeholders
✅ Enjoy a varied role where every day is different

Is This You?

You might currently work in:

• Security
• Community Safety
• Enforcement
• Environmental Protection
• Policing or Military Services
• Facilities Management
• Public Services
• Visitor Services
• Park or Estate Management

If you're passionate about public spaces, community wellbeing and delivering excellent public service, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us and help protect, enhance and champion Belfast's parks for future generations.