Job Related Information

Transcription

1 Job Related Information This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the information you will need to provide with your application. 1. Role Details Vacancy reference: Job title: Reports to: Salary: Terms and conditions: Estates Gardener Grounds and Health and Safety at Work Manager 19,305 to 21,585 and payment for 4 month call out rota plus essential overtime S&C Grade: 4 Duration of post: Permanent Working hours: 37 Location: Milton Keynes Closing date: Midday Thursday 19 October 2017 Type of application form accepted: Full application form with a covering letter. Number of referees required: 2 A covering letter in which you set out precisely the evidence of how you meet the person specification (addressing each element in turn) Unit recruitment contact: Gabrielle Price The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 1 of 6

2 2. Summary of duties Job Title Estates Gardener Grade 4 Unit/Faculty Sub Unit/Faculty Estates Infrastructure Responsible to (reporting relationship) Responsible for (staff/equipment/budget) Grounds and HSW Manager N/a Purpose Statement To receive and undertake grounds maintenance job tickets in a fast responsive way. To complete all requested works properly and in a craftsman-like manner, making use as necessary of all maintenance plant, tools and equipment supplied for the purpose. Main responsibilities 1 To exercise daily judgement on the use of materials, sequence and method of work for individual job tickets. For the avoidance of doubt, job tickets will regularly include:- (Sweeping, litter collection, emptying litter bins, hoeing, raking, grass mowing (pedestrian and ride on), hedge trimming, hand pruning, dead heading, hand weeding, Feeding/watering, laying hedges and snow clearing, gritting paths and roads, ground cultivation, planting shrubs and trees, spring and Summer Bedding schemes, naturalistic planting schemes, insecticide, fungicide, herbicide spraying, routine equipment maintenance and pre-start checks, tree felling and logging, brushwood chipping fencing and the care and maintenance of sports grounds, all weather playing surfaces and equipment) 2 3 To use own judgement on the condition and safe operation of grounds equipment including the inspection, driving and operation of tractors and power take off devices. Following severe storms, will inspect trees for stability and potential hazards, recording findings and identifying remedial works required. 4 Be responsible for periodic herbicide application requiring calculation of dilution rates. 5 Working in a physically demanding role on the estate for the most part outside, either manually or operating open cab/closed cab tractors, power take of devices and including operating machines. 6 Assist other trades in their work as required including labouring. 7 Maintain a clean and tidy workshop, stores and rest room. 8 Develop a personal knowledge and understanding of the hard and soft landscaping on campus and local area sites and to report any defects in the landscaping once discovered. 9 Be included on the University emergency call out list for all grounds / estate emergencies. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 2 of 6

3 10 Be responsible for personal safety and the health and safety of all University staff and visitors affected by works including the use of personal protective equipment. 11 Willingness to travel off campus to various warehouses, regions and the Vice Chancellor s residence. 12 To be included in the gritting rota for four months of the year between the months of December to March on a rota basis and to cover other absences when required. Flexibility is essential. This is on a call out basis to deal with emergencies and adverse weather conditions. Response time for attendance on site at Walton Hall Campus is within one hour. A works mobile phone will be issued to you and should remain switched on at all times during the four month call out period. At other times throughout the year you will be expected to attend call out for unexpected emergency situations. Response time for attendance on site at Walton Hall Campus is within one hour. 13 Any other duties as directed by the Director of Estates 3. Person specification Requirements (E = Essential/ D = Desirable) Education, qualifications and training Essential: NVQ Level II in Amenity Horticulture / Groundsmanship or past equivalent or proven relevant work experience Knowledge, work and other relevant experience Essential: Full current clean driving licence Sound knowledge and experience of using all grounds maintenance equipment. Able to work in an organised manner. Knowledge of plant names to include trees, shrubs, herbaceous, perennials etc and planting techniques. Able to mark out sports pitches. Knowledge of shrub pruning techniques and the general planting and maintenance of ornamental features. Willing to be able to adapt and assist with work from other trades including on occasions labouring. Able to lift items in a safe way. Willing, when directed by the Line Manager, to work essential overtime at approved rates. To be included in the gritting rota flexibility is essential. This is on a call out basis to deal with emergencies and adverse weather conditions. At other times throughout the year you will be expected to attend call out for The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 3 of 6

4 unexpected emergency situations. Desirable: Capable of working with grounds machinery and equipment for sustained periods. Capable of working outdoors at all times. Motivated to ensure a fast and effective grounds maintenance service to the University. Able to work on his/her own initiative. Good timekeeping Proven experience post apprenticeship in a landscape maintenance or contracting organisation Training in the use of tractors NPTC certificate of competence under Control of Pesticide Regulations for the mixing and application of pesticides (PA1 and PA6) NPTC certificates of competence for the maintenance and use of chainsaws. Trained in Manual Handling. General knowledge of other constructions trades and site skills. Basic knowledge of plants, grounds and gardening techniques. Basic IT knowledge. Telephone subscriber Personal abilities and qualities Essential: Having a positive approach to customer care, with the ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels in order to build strong relationships to improve customer service standards. Working flexibly and adapting to changes in priority to meet the needs of our customers and providing an effective service to the Open University. Interacting with staff and being able to demonstrate your communication skills when carrying out tasks that require explanation Able to objectively evaluating the potential benefits of change and generating new approaches to moving things on. Able to work as part of a team and support others within the working environment. Promotes active listening and discussion in advance to gain support and able to provide constructive feedback Able to prioritise work in order to get things done An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. 4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working To participate in the gritting rota (four months of the year) and essential overtime as required The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 4 of 6

5 5. About the unit/department Estates is responsible for the overall management and development of the University s premises, including the planning and growth of the University buildings and grounds, property maintenance, minor works and house services. Estates comprises of approximately 126 staff organised into four major operational sections: Leadership Operations Infrastructure Property, Regions & Finance THE LEADERSHIP TEAM The Leadership Team comprises the Director of Estates and two Heads of Function, and is responsible for providing strategic direction and delivery. THE OPERATIONS GROUP The Operations Group is responsible for the front line customer service activities of Estates. It encompasses events & catering, security, transport & portering, cleaning, postal services, Goods Receiving, Switchboard/Reception and the Estates Liaison Line (a call centre facility for estates-related queries). This Group also has responsibility for staffing strategy, general administration, contract administration, recruitment, training, human resources functions and The OU Club. THE INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP The Infrastructure Group is responsible for the upkeep of the entire University estate, comprising 154,000m.sq of office and laboratory space in 87 buildings at Walton Hall and throughout the UK. It undertakes H&S, electrical, mechanical, grounds and fabric maintenance. The group is also responsible for the development, planning, control and management of capital and major building projects and refurbishments, minor works projects and IT. THE PROPERTY, REGIONS & FINANCE GROUP The Property, Regions and Finance Group provide estate management, financial advice, space allocation, and management for the whole University estate covering Walton Hall, National & Regional offices, warehouses and other properties. Included within this group is all: finance and budget administration and strategic accommodation planning for the University as a whole. Activities include: property acquisition and disposal, rent reviews, lease renewals, town and country planning, rating and asset valuation. This group is also responsible for the University Travel Plan and initiatives to encourage non car modes of transport to/from work across the University as a whole. 6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please contact Gabrielle Price on or Estates-Recruitment@open.ac.uk If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Estates Recruitment on (24 hour answering service) or Estates-Recruitment@open.ac.uk The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 5 of 6

6 7. The application process and where to send completed applications Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: your application to: Midday Thursday 19 October 2017 Or post it to: Name/Job title: Department/Unit: Address: Post Code: Gabrielle Price Business Services Coordinator Estates Geoffrey Crowther Building, First Floor, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA 8. Selection process and date of interview The interview panel will be chaired by: The other members of the interview panel will be: Alan Marham, Grounds and Health and Safety at Work Manager Daniel Charteris-Black, Liaison Line Supervisor Gabrielle Price, Business Services Coordinator The interviews will take place on: 23 October 2017 The selection process for this post will include: Test and an Interview If you require any support during this process, please request this when invited to interview We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to shortlisted candidates. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. If you have not heard from us by 20 October 2017 then you have not been shortlisted. The Open University, Human Resources, HRG158 Page 6 of 6