Job Description

Job Summary

Huntingdon Town Council is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Grounds Maintenance Operative to join our team. This full-time role involves maintaining and enhancing the town's parks, cemeteries, floral displays, sports fields, and open spaces. You will play a key part in the Council's environmental and community initiatives, including Huntingdon in Bloom, while also supporting seasonal events and bereavement services.

The successful candidate will carry out a variety of horticultural and grounds maintenance tasks such as grass cutting, planting, hedge trimming, chemical spraying, litter collection, and machinery operation. The role also includes involvement in burial ground preparations and occasional out-of-hours work to support community events and emergency response.

We are looking for someone with at least two years of grounds maintenance or horticultural experience, a full UK driving licence, and PA1/PA6 spraying certificates. A trailer licence and experience with machinery such as ride-on mowers and tractors are desirable, although training can be provided.

This is an ideal opportunity for a practical, hardworking individual who enjoys working outdoors, values teamwork, and takes pride in contributing to the local community's environment.

Main Purpose of Role:

To deliver high-quality horticultural and grounds maintenance services across Huntingdon Town Council's estate, including parks, open spaces, cemeteries, and recreational areas. The postholder will support environmental improvement initiatives such as Huntingdon in Bloom, ensure the upkeep of floral displays and infrastructure, and assist with burial services and Town Council events.

The role requires flexibility, strong horticultural knowledge, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a wider operational team.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Horticultural and Grounds Maintenance

Undertake general horticultural duties, including grass cutting, hedge trimming, shrub bed maintenance, tree planting, pruning, and seasonal flowerbed upkeep. Assist with installation and maintenance of floral infrastructure across the town. Support Huntingdon in Bloom and other environmental enhancement projects.

2. Use of Equipment and Machinery

Operate a range of grounds maintenance machinery, including ride-on mowers, tractors, and hand-held equipment. Carry out basic daily machinery checks and maintenance.

3. Chemical Spraying

Undertake the safe application of herbicides and pesticides. PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates are essential.

4. Litter and Waste Management

Empty litter and dog waste bins and undertake general litter picking and street sweeping as required across council-managed areas.

5. Cemetery and Bereavement Services

Support burial operations, including grave digging, backfilling, and site preparation for interments of ashes and full burials. Provide assistance during funerals and ensure burial grounds are respectfully maintained.

6. Play Area and Sports Facilities

Carry out inspections and routine maintenance of play areas, MUGAs, and skateparks. Record inspections and report defects in accordance with ROSPA guidance (training will be provided).

7. Public Events and Civic Support

Assist with setup, maintenance, and breakdown of Town Council events (e.g. Christmas Market, Civic Ceremonies, Christmas Lights switch-on). Provide support outside of normal working hours as required.

8. Cleansing and Public Toilets

Clean and maintain public conveniences located at allotment sites and open spaces. Carry out general upkeep duties such as litter picking during Town Council events.

9. Emergency Response and Seasonal Support

Provide assistance during adverse weather conditions, including snow clearance, storm response, and flood support. Support the seasonal installation/removal of hanging baskets and planters.

10. General

Work collaboratively with other departments including Cleansing, Allotments, Sports, and Cemetery teams. Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Head of Grounds Team Manager or Town Clerk.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications & Certification:

Full, clean UK driving licence (essential) Trailer licence (or willingness to train and obtain one) PA1 and PA6 certificates for chemical application Basic secondary education (GCSE or equivalent)

Skills & Experience:

Minimum 2 years' experience in horticultural or grounds maintenance roles Competence in operating horticultural/agricultural machinery (e.g. ride-on mowers, tractors, flails, strimmers) Familiarity with seasonal planting, pruning, and grounds preparation Ability to assist with burial operations, including use of grave supports and safe excavation practices (COTS 1 & 2 - training provided) Good understanding of safe working practices and Health & Safety regulations Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake physical work

Personal Attributes:

Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work with minimal supervision Positive team player with a proactive and flexible approach Strong attention to detail Willingness to undertake training and refresher courses

Desirable Criteria:

Chainsaw certification (CS30/CS31 or equivalent) Specialist knowledge in horticulture, arboriculture, or recreational grounds maintenance ROSPA or play area inspection training (or willingness to undertake) Experience working within a local authority or public sector environment

Additional Notes:

This role involves occasional weekend and out-of-hours work. Uniform and PPE will be provided. Training for relevant equipment and certifications will be supported as needed.

Please note that Huntingdon Town Council does not accept CV's and applicants are requested to contact towncouncil@huntingdontown.gov.uk for an application pack.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 15.31-17.85 per hour

Expected hours: 37 per week

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Work Location: In person