Parks Operative – Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector)

Company: VanRath Search & Selection
Apply for the Parks Operative – Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector)
Location: Newtownabbey
Job Description:

Parks Operative – Grounds Maintenance (Public Sector)

Salary: GBP26000 – GBP26340 per annum

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 front‑line services to the community. This will be an initial 3‑6 month contract with a great likelihood of extension.

The Role

Undertake work of grounds maintenance and horticultural nature throughout the Parks Service including:

  • Playing fields (artificial and grass)
  • Towns and villages seasonal planting
  • Play parks
  • Parks and open spaces
  • Golf courses
  • Roundabouts & grass management
  • Cemeteries & crematorium
  • Allotments
  • 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 the 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 You

To apply you will need to meet the following:

  • Hold a full current driving licence and be willing to achieve C1+E class within 9 months of taking up the post (funded course)
  • OR hold a provisional driving licence and be willing to achieve a full current driving licence and the CI+E class within 9 months of taking up the post (CI+E funded course)
  • Hold 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 timeframe.
  • Working knowledge of grass cutting and grounds maintenance techniques.
  • Knowledge of Health and Safety Regulations.
  • Hold a full current driving licence to include Class C1 + E to enable postholder to drive a vehicle and trailer combination.
  • A recognised qualification of competence for professional grass cutting equipment.
  • Hold PA1 qualification for the safe use of pesticides.
  • Hold PA6A qualification for spraying pesticides using a hand‑held applicator.
  • Hold a qualification in Road Management/Traffic Control.
  • NPTC in use of Chainsaws.
  • A minimum of 6 months experience of horticultural or grounds maintenance work including planting, bedding and flowerbed maintenance.
  • A minimum of 3 months experience dealing with queries from members of the public.

Why 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.

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Posted: June 8th, 2026