Charge Hand Gardener

**The role**

We are currently looking to appoint a Chargehand Gardener. The role will lead a team to undertake grounds maintenance work on highway verges, cemeteries, parks and public landscaped areas.

**Qualifications**
- NPTC level PA1 & PA6a pesticide certificates or give a commitment to complete certificate within six months of appointment.
- NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent, or give a commitment to complete certificate within twelve months of appointment and be able to demonstrate a wide range of horticultural skills and knowledge.
- Current driving licence with Category B+E or equivalent or hold a licence issued on or before 31.12.96.
- Educated to GCSE standard ‘C’ or above (or equivalent)

**Duties and responsibilities**
- General grounds maintenance e.g. grass cutting, hedge trimming, clearing leaves and litter, clearing shrub beds, planting, pruning, seeding duties and constructional labouring.
- Responsible for the quality and direction of the work of staff as assigned.
- Responsible for interpretation of plans, site preparation and construction.
- Organise and carry out minor construction and/or repair works including erection of street furniture.
- Chemical control, where appropriate.
- Use and maintenance of tools and equipment, including powered hand tools which include pedestrian mowing equipment, strimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws and ride on mowing equipment.
- Observe the customer care standards and treat all customers with dignity and respect.
- Champion equalities and challenge inappropriate conduct by team members.
- Complete all necessary paperwork and ensure submission to supervisor within specified timescales.
- Soft and hard landscaping and basic tree maintenance.
- Clearance of snow and ice from public highways and other public places.
- Clear areas and sites of litter, refuse, dirt, furniture, leaves, weeds and animal faeces.
- Carry out daily checks of vehicles, tools and equipment, and routine maintenance and reporting of defects.
- Work overtime as required.
- Undertake risk assessments to ensure all team members comply with health and safety requirements including Personal Protective Equipment.
- Ensure all monitoring and recording systems are complied with in relation to fuel, pesticides and other consumables.
- All duties must be carried out to comply with:
The Health & Safety at Work Act.

Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements.

Nationally agreed Codes of Practice, which are relevant.
- All duties will be carried out in the working conditions normally inherent in the job.
- All necessary paperwork must be completed.

**Person Specification**
- Experience of using mowing and gardening tools
- Experience of directing the work of team members
- Experience of prioritising own workload and achieving deadlines
- Experience of working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Experience of working in a parks and open spaces environment
- Skills in customer care
- Good communication skills, both orally and written
- Ability to work on own initiative and make decisions within pre-determined guidelines.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to motivate and lead a team
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to work in an outdoor environment and capable of working in a physically demanding job.
- The ability to work some overtime during Bank Holidays and peak periods
- Ability and willingness to demonstrate the council’s values and behaviours
- Full current driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes

**Benefits**
- Family friendly policies
- On-site free parking
- Up to 31 days' annual leave
- Option to purchase additional leave
- Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
- Savings and loan scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Generous pension scheme
- Additional voluntary contribution to AVC
- Staff reward scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee forums (Your Voice, Health & Wellbeing)

**General Statement**

The information contained in this job description is provided to assist employees joining the council to understand and appreciate the work content of their post and the role they will play in the organisation. However, the following point should be noted:

- Whilst every endeavour has been made to outline all the duties and responsibilities of the post, a document such as this does not permit every item to be specified in detail. Broad headings, therefore, may have been used, in which case all the usual associated routines are naturally included in the job description.

**How to apply**

Rossendale Borough Council, People & Policy, The Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup, Lancashire, OL13 0BB

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you will need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- If you