Village Ranger

Village Ranger (job share will be considered)

**Grade**: NJC SCP 13-17 plus annual pay rise as awarded by the NJC.

**Contract Period**: Permanent

**Hours of Work**: 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend work will be required.

**Leave Entitlement**: 23 days per annum, plus two statutory days, plus bank/public holidays.

**Responsible to**: Parish Clerk (initially)

**Purpose of the Role**

To undertake day to day tasks and maintenance of Parish Council premises, land, and any other physical assets. Directly relating to the Parish Council’s goal of improving and maintaining standards of environmental and community safety, cleanliness and well-being within the village.

**Main Responsibilities and Key Tasks**:

- Regularly carry out and record inspections of street furniture, signage or other assets and all open spaces and report any damage as appropriate, undertaking cleaning and appropriate maintenance as required.
- Be reactive when presented with graffiti, vandalism, flyposting, or a general untidy appearance across the parish and complete or arrange the necessary removal/cleaning/repairs.
- Identify areas of fly tipping and littering and remove and dispose of where possible, reporting to the relevant outside body where fly tipped items or litter are hazardous or of greater size or volume than can be dealt with.
- Undertake regular and strategic litter picking by identifying problem areas whilst maintaining safety standards at all times.
- Clear litter/dog bins, when necessary and replace bin liners.
- By October each year, complete a survey of all Parish Council grit bins and report to the relevant committee so that they can be filled and any replacements can be made.
- At a minimum, undertake annual surveys of all Parish Council assets, provide reports and action any required works or liaise with contractors to complete required works. Proactively identify and action maintenance works to maintain Parish Council assets.
- Undertake grounds maintenance, including planting, minor landscaping works and weed clearance, leaf collecting on council property or otherwise as identified or as directed.
- Inspect the public rights of way in the parish areas on a regular basis, cutting back brambles and weeds to ensure that the paths are usable. Make minor repairs and where possible complete landscaping works to keep these areas looking their best.
- Work flexibly with others to agree work schedules and to prioritise workload, undertaking tasks as instructed to meet objectives identified by the Council.
- Use the council’s IT to monitor assets, keep records, to provide reports and recommendations to officers and council, to receive job sheets and report matters that need referral.
- Ensure the council’s tools and equipment are kept clean and in good order, undertaking regular equipment maintenance tasks.
- Attend and/or assist with the delivery of Parish Council equipment & activities and set up equipment and furniture where necessary. Occasional weekend working might be required.
- Always promote and uphold a positive image of the Parish Council, forging good professional relationships with elected members and officers and providing a highly visible and approachable service to maximise opportunities for positive engagement. Parish Council branded uniform and suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) will be supplied and must be worn when on duty.
- Identify opportunities to work with volunteers or other bodies and be prepared to lead volunteer groups in grounds tasks and at events.
- Be first aid trained and complete all works with health and safety in mind, ensuring risk assessments & method statements are completed and PPE is worn where necessary, and that hygiene and cross-contamination is always considered.
- Produce risk assessments and submit to the Clerk for approval, prior to undertaking any hazardous duties.
- Undertake any other duties as may be required from time to time that are deemed appropriate to your role.
- Ensure understanding, compliance and cooperation with the policies, procedures, strategic plans, and any other directives of the Parish Council.
- Provide monthly written reports to the Assistant Clerk to detail work carried out and planned maintenance.
- Produce an annual schedule of works for approval.

**Essential Criteria**
- Experience in ground maintenance and cleaning is essential with knowledge of operating health & safety and ground maintenance equipment (such as, lawnmowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers etc.)
- A basic understanding of IT skills is required including Microsoft Office, Spreadsheets, Outlook, Teams etc.

**Other responsibilities**
- To attend training courses on the work and role as required and proactively contribute towards a personal development plan.
- You may be required at times to work outside the normal hours of the working day at weekends or during the evening.
- To undertake such other responsibilities and functions as may be require