Groundsperson (Public Sector) VANRATH are excited to be working closely to support with the role of a Groundsperson for a well established client within the local authority. This is initially a 3-6 month assignment with possibility of extension. The post holder will work as a member of the outdoor spaces' maintenance team under the general direction of a Head Grounds person and be responsible for undertaking both basic and skilled work in parks, playing fields, landscaped areas and open spaces either individually or as part of a team. Responsibilities Drive and operate vehicles and machinery including lorries, diggers, trailers and self-propelled grass cutters and mowers. Drive and operate a wide range of tractors and operate associated complex tractor mounted equipment such as PTO driven flails, side arm flails, batwing rotary mowers, land levelers, brushes, blowers etc. (list not exhaustive.) Responsible for the care of and routine maintenance including pre and post operational checks, defect reporting, cleaning of vehicles, plant equipment and tools, as assigned from time to time. Use powered hand tools and light plant to perform duties to include the use of vehicles such as ride on mowers etc. Responsible for opening and closing parks and facilities as and when required to include the setting of alarms etc. Carry out horticultural and constructional operations, including planting, cutting, pruning, soil cultivation, fertiliser spreading and site preparation. Maintain games facilities and areas to include e.g., football pitches including the marking of games areas and erection/ dismantling of posts. Carry out basic and skilled horticultural/ sports grounds and arboricultural operations. Identify, maintain and cultivate a wide range of plants, trees and shrubs and take remedial action to control growth of weeds, disease and pests using a wide range of horticultural tools and sundries. Ideal Candidate Essential Criteria Experience of amenity horticulture operations, to include 12 months' experience in each of the following areas: Operating a variety of commercial grass cutting machinery and amenity horticultural equipment; Amenity horticulture skills; Operating/ use of tractors and complex tractor mounted equipment (flail, bat wing mower, side arm flail, chipper, PTO driven equipment.) Ability to work as part of a team; Good communication skills; Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision; Ability to work to deadlines; Committed to quality work and safe working; Understanding of Health and Safety requirements. Hold a full current Driving Licence (valid in the UK) including category B & E. Be willing to undertake an AccessNI background check. Desirable Criteria Pesticides Certificates PA1 and PA6a. Two of the three following qualifications: Chainsaw operation qualification; Current First Aid Certificate; NVQ Level II Amenity Horticulture or equivalent. One year's supervisory experience. Full Current Driving Licence including categories C1E, FK (valid in the UK). One year's experience of: Customer care; Sports ground maintenance. Remuneration Circa £27,166 plus pension, holiday pay and discount benefits. For further information on this vacancy, or any other Public Sector jobs in Lurgan or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Chris Haddock. IND02 Follow VANRATH on LinkedIn for: Expert career advice. The latest Top Jobs. Industry News. And much more Skills: Groundsperson Gardening Public Sector