PARKS AND OPEN SPACES JOB DESCRIPTION Open Spaces Operative (Seasonal Gardener)

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1 DIRECTORATE: SECTION: POST: TRANSACTIONS AND UNIVERSAL SERVICES PARKS AND OPEN SPACES OPEN SPACES OPERATIVE (Seasonal Gardener) POST NO: GRADE: 4 ACCOUNTABLE TO: TEAM LEADER AND AREA C0-ORDINATOR. PURPOSE OF THE POST 1. To work within a Neighbourhood Open Spaces Team to carry out routine maintenance programmes and any additional tasks to the specified performance standards and timescales. 2. To work within a Neighbourhood Open Spaces Team to provide a visible and responsive front-line service to the local community 3. To work within a Neighbourhood Open Spaces Team to help make Southampton a cleaner, safer, healthier and more attractive City. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 1. Divisional 1.1. To contribute to an organisational culture based on quality and best practice.

2 1.2. To demonstrate awareness and commitment to corporate values, standards and policies, in particular in the areas of Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities, and Dignity at Work To maintain cordial and effective relationships with the local community and other service receivers as appropriate To contribute to harmonious and effective employee relations. 2. Service 2.1. To work as part of a Team to undertake work programmes effectively and efficiently To work as part of a Team to ensure that service delivery meets agreed performance standards To communicate with the public on an informal day to day basis, and ensure that customer enquiries are reported promptly when they cannot be reasonably resolved at source To work with Team colleagues to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage in the workplace, and in the provision and delivery of the service To participate in effective communications within the Area Teams. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Working as directed by the Area Co-ordinator (ACO) or Team Leader (TL) to undertake planned and reactive work programmes, ensuring that work is undertaken to the required timescales, and complies with the Section s published performance standards. 2. Using day to day operational resources safely, effectively and economically to undertake work programmes, reporting problems promptly to the Team Leader. 3. Carrying out the full range of open space maintenance activities as appropriate to the Grade under the post s Scheme of Operational Skills and Competencies (see Appendices A and B).

3 4. Communicating effectively and appropriately with the public on a day to day basis on open space maintenance issues within a specific neighbourhood 5. Ensuring that all relevant health and safety policies and procedures are observed. 6. To contribute to Team productivity to maximise outputs and demonstrate value for money services. 7. To carry out routine operator maintenance and safety checks on plant and equipment as required, and report any faults or dangerous occurrences to the ACO or TL. 8. To contribute to the day to day maintenance, cleanliness and security of buildings and features within the area as directed. 9. Completing basic written records of a routine nature, including Time Sheets. 10. To comply with all Section s procedures regarding working hours, including observing agreed starting and finishing times and meal arrangements. 11. Reporting instances of anti-social behaviour (e.g. graffiti, vandalism) and other breaches of regulations relating to the Open Spaces service 12. Undertaking any other duties or responsibilities appropriate to the grading of the post. NOTE 1. The post holder must have the ability to understand the needs of a multi-racial society and be prepared to implement the Council's Equal Opportunities Policy at a level appropriate to the job, and must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the Council's Equal Opportunities Policy. 2. The post holder will be required after training to be familiar with the Directorate's Health and Safety Policy and be aware of and observe any part of the policy related specifically to the duties and responsibilities of the post.

4 3. The post holder will be employed within a specific Open Spaces Team based within a particular neighbourhood of the City. However, this work place may vary from time to time, and will be deemed to include all locations within Southampton and adjacent Local Authority boundaries. 4. The post holder will be provided with an official uniform that is to be worn at all times, Including items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate. 5. Possession of a full current driving licence will be advantageous in carrying out the duties associated with this post. Appendices A & B Open Spaces Scheme of Operational Skills and Competencies A. Appointed as capable and competent following induction training to: Carry out basic cleansing activities such as litter scavenging, bin cleaning and emptying, manual hard surface sweeping, weed removal, raking and collecting of leaves, litter and other debris. Clean changing rooms, toilets, depots and mess rooms. Secure and unlock premises and sites. Safely load barrows, vehicles, skips and other receptacles. Safely transport loads using barrows, sack trucks or other forms of non-mechanised conveyance. Use basic hand tools such as spades, forks, hoes, rakes and brooms to remove weeds and litter, and dig over ground. Under direction, assist higher graded colleagues in carrying more skilled and/or complex

5 tasks. Receive and act upon verbal instructions. Receive and act upon training leading to development of further operational skills and competencies. B. Following work based competency training and assessments, capable and competent to Safely and effectively operate small pedestrian mowers and strimmers. Safely and effectively operate some items of light plant e.g. hedge trimmers and leaf blowers. Carry out minor maintenance and cleaning of plant and equipment used in connection with allocated work, and report any defects. Use pruning tools (e.g. secateurs, loppers, bow-saws) to cut back shrubs or other vegetation under supervision of higher graded colleagues. Correctly irrigate horticultural features, displays and facilities. Use hoes, forks or other equipment to efficiently weed shrub or flower beds and borders. Use spades, straight edges or similar equipment to edge ornamental beds, or take grass encroachments back off paths and hard surfaces. Undertake safety checks of play areas and play equipment, safely immobilise equipment where necessary, and immediately report any defects noted. Over-mark football, cricket and other sports line markings on grass or hard surfaces.

6 Trained and competent to safely collect and dispose of sharps (e.g. hypodermic needles). PERSON SPECIFICATION POST; ABILITY/SKILLS TO DO WHAT? HOW WELL? IMMEDIATELY OR WITH TRAINING? ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE Communication skills:- Verbal To communicate effectively with colleagues and members of the public, and understand oral instructions. Basic ability needed immediately. Customer Care training included within Induction. IMPORTANCE AT APPOINTMENT Scale:- 1 = Low 5 = Essential 5 Written. To be able to produce accurate basic work records, e.g. Time Sheets. Desirable. 2 Manual work including lifting and handling Labouring / cleaning / handling machinery and other tools, materials and equipment. Immediate. 5

7 ABILITY/SKILLS TO DO WHAT? HOW WELL? IMMEDIATELY OR WITH TRAINING? ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE Open Space Maintenance Expertise, including:- Grasscutting, hedge cutting Sweeping & scavenging To be able to work with the Area Team in proficiently undertaking the range of maintenance tasks appropriate to the grade. To be able to receive and act on skills and competency training. See Job Description, Scheme of Operational Skills and Competencies. Immediate need. IMPORTANCE AT APPOINTMENT Scale:- 1 = Low 5 = Essential 5 5 Digging, hoeing & raking. Cutting back shrubs and other vegetation. To safely and effectively operate pedestrian and light plant, and carry out appropriate operator safety checks on allocated machinery. Full proficiency within one month. 3 Team Working Must be able to work as part of a team, including able to receive and act on instructions, and communicate with other Team members. Previous experience of working in effective teams 5 Awareness and understanding of Equal Opportunities To contribute towards ensuring the City Council s objectives are met with regard to employment and service delivery. Basic awareness now, with training on Southampton City Council policies within one month. 3 To comply with Health & Safety requirements To work individually and with other Team members to ensure that all appropriate safe working practices and procedures are complied with. Immediate awareness with specific training within one month in required areas. 4

8 ABILITY/SKILLS TO DO WHAT? HOW WELL? IMMEDIATELY OR WITH TRAINING? ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE Ability to drive Council vehicles. To drive to sites throughout Southampton and carry items of equipment as and when necessary. Current Driving Licence is advantageous in carrying out the duties associated with this post. IMPORTANCE AT APPOINTMENT Scale:- 1 = Low 5 = Essential 3