Location: Broadstone, Dorset
Hours: Approximately 12 hours per week (flexible)
Contract: Self-Employed Contractor (Initial 12-month contract)
Rate: Competitive hourly rate, to be agreed based on experience and qualifications..
About Broadstone Town Council
Broadstone Town Council is a newly established council dedicated to enhancing the local environment and supporting the community. We are looking to appoint a reliable, practical and proactive self-employed Groundsman/Caretaker to help maintain and improve the Council's assets and public spaces.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced grounds maintenance contractor or handyman looking to supplement an existing business with regular weekly work.
As a newly established authority, Broadstone Town Council has ambitions to increase the range of services and community assets it manages on behalf of residents. This role offers the opportunity to grow alongside the Council, with the potential for additional responsibilities and hours as new assets are transferred or acquired.
The Role
Working under the direction of the Proper Officer, you will play an important role in helping Broadstone Town Council care for its existing community assets and support the Council as it grows. Initially, the role will focus on maintaining the Council's allotments, benches and surrounding public spaces, while also responding to minor maintenance issues across the parish. As the Town Council acquires additional assets and responsibilities, the role is expected to develop accordingly.
Responsibilities will include:
Allotments
- Carrying out monthly allotment inspections.
- Grass cutting and strimming of communal areas.
- Maintaining the main boundary hedge. (Subject to experience)
- Clearing plots when tenants vacate.
Environmental Maintenance
- Supporting the current litter picking group through litter picking and environmental maintenance
- Graffiti removal.
- Cleaning road signs and other street furniture where appropriate.
- Supporting the Broadstone in Bloom volunteers by watering and maintaining community planting schemes.
- General cleaning and tidying of public areas.
Asset Maintenance
- Inspecting and carrying out minor repairs to the Town Council's benches and other community assets.
- ·Reporting defects and recommending repairs where specialist work is required.
- Assisting with the maintenance of additional assets transferred to or acquired by the Town Council in the future.
Community Support
- Assisting with Town Council events and community initiatives.
- Undertaking maintenance and practical tasks as directed by the Proper Officer.
- Helping prepare newly acquired Council assets for public use where required.
As Broadstone Town Council continues to develop and acquire additional assets and responsibilities, there may be opportunities for the role to expand.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience in one or more of the following: grounds maintenance, property maintenance, landscaping or a similar practical role.
- Is self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Takes pride in maintaining high standards.
- Has good problem-solving skills and a practical approach.
- Is friendly, reliable and professional when dealing with members of the public.
- Can manage their own workload whilst responding to changing priorities.
Essential Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be self-employed (or willing to operate on a self-employed basis).
- Hold appropriate Public Liability Insurance.
- Have a full UK driving licence and access to their own vehicle.
- Provide their own tools, grounds maintenance equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Be physically capable of carrying out outdoor manual work.
- Be able to provide references if requested.
Availability
Applicants will be asked to demonstrate that they have sufficient capacity within their existing workload to provide approximately 12 hours per week on a consistent basis.
As part of the application process, applicants should confirm:
- Their normal working days and availability.
- Their ability to provide approximately 12 hours each week.
- Their typical response time for routine work requests.
- Their availability to respond to urgent maintenance requests when reasonably practicable.
- Arrangements for holidays or periods of absence.
What We Offer
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Regular weekly work.
- A varied and rewarding role supporting the local community.
- ·he opportunity to help shape and improve Broadstone's public spaces.
- Potential for additional hours as the Town Council develops.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A brief covering letter outlining your experience.
- A current CV.
- Details of your availability.
- Confirmation of your proposed hourly rate.
- Confirmation that you hold (or will obtain before commencement) appropriate Public Liability Insurance.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Broadstone Town Council for an informal discussion.
Closing Date: 30th August 2026
Interviews: Interview dates will be agreed individually with shortlisted applicants.
Broadstone Town Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.
Pay: From £15.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
