Key Responsibilities
Health, Safety and Compliance
- Ensure all duties undertaken on behalf of Earl Shilton Town Council comply with current legislation, policies and procedures.
- Promote and maintain safe working practices at all times.
- Ensure all staff and, where appropriate, contractors use machinery, equipment and chemicals safely and wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including eye and hearing protection.
- Complete and review risk assessments relating to grounds maintenance activities.
- Ensure all accidents, incidents and hazards are reported and dealt with appropriately.
Grounds Maintenance
- Maintain all Town Council parks, sports grounds, public open spaces, cemetery and buildings to a high standard.
- Ensure all sites remain clean, litter-free, safe and hygienic.
- Carry out and supervise grass cutting, hedge maintenance, weed control and general horticultural work.
- Prepare, mark out and maintain football, cricket and other sports pitches in line with seasonal requirements.
- Maintain cemetery grounds, borders and surrounding areas in a neat and respectful condition.
- Develop and implement seasonal planting schemes to enhance the appearance of the town.
- Ensure tree planting is undertaken in accordance with the Council's Tree Policy and proactively seek grant-funded planting opportunities.
Play Areas and Council Assets
- Carry out and record weekly safety inspections of all play equipment.
- Report any defects immediately to the Town Clerk or office staff.
- Undertake repairs and maintenance to play equipment where skills, qualifications and resources allow.
- Carry out minor repairs, maintenance and cleaning of Council buildings and property where appropriate.
- Ensure all machinery, equipment and materials are stored securely, maintained correctly and comply with current legislation.
- Monitor the condition of equipment and recommend replacements as part of the Council's planned asset replacement programme.
Team Leadership
- Supervise and support the Grounds Team.
- Manage day-to-day work allocation and performance.
- Undertake the initial management of staff disciplinary and grievance matters in accordance with Council procedures.
- Contribute to annual staff appraisals.
- Identify training needs, develop an annual training programme and ensure staff receive appropriate professional development.
- Ensure all Groundstaff maintain a professional appearance and provide excellent customer service.
Contractor Management
- Source suitable contractors for works and services.
- Assist with preparing specifications and tender documentation for submission to the Town Clerk and Council.
- Monitor contractor performance to ensure quality workmanship, value for money and compliance with contractual requirements.
Financial Responsibilities
- Manage expenditure relating to fuel, consumables and petty cash in accordance with Council financial procedures.
- Ensure value for money is achieved in all purchasing activities.
Working Relationships
- Maintain positive and professional relationships with councillors, colleagues, contractors, agency staff, residents and visitors.
- Work collaboratively with the Premises Manager (where appointed) on areas of shared responsibility, including building security, lighting, CCTV and access arrangements.
Additional Responsibilities
- Be familiar with relevant local byelaws and maintain a basic knowledge of first aid.
- Undertake the duties of the Premises Officer when required, including cleaning Council premises and opening and closing Council buildings.
- Report incidents of vandalism or damage to Council property immediately.
- Undertake any other duties within the scope of the role as reasonably directed by the Town Clerk.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping or horticulture.
- Experience supervising or leading a team.
- Good knowledge of health and safety legislation and safe working practices.
- Ability to operate and maintain grounds maintenance machinery safely.
- Good communication and organisational skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Desirable
- Relevant horticultural or grounds maintenance qualifications.
- PA1/PA6 pesticide certification.
- First Aid qualification.
- Experience in play area inspections and maintenance.
- Experience managing contractors and budgets.
- Knowledge of local government or parish/town council operations.
Pay: £31,537.00-£33,143.00 per year
Work Location: In person
