Jobs

An opportunity has arisen for a Driver/Skilled Labourer – Gardens to assist within our Gardens team (15 hours per week, fixed term contract, cover at weekends only) to provide seasonal cover/assistance over the Winter period – (contract expected to last to end of March 2024).

Full time equivalent salary – £21,785 – £23,134 per annum

Pro rata salary based on 15 hours per week: £8,714 – £9,254 per annum

The role:

To carry out, to completion, heavy plant/grounds maintenance related tasks to agreed timescales, quality standards and in a cost-effective manner; undertaking designated activities (garden specific) in managing the maintenance of park gardens, including the nursery and landscape, enclosure areas, facilities and infrastructure owned by RZSS in line with the Gardens team’s procedures and ongoing site development plans in support of RZSS’ vision and mission. Ensure that all areas of the site are safe and well presented for our visitors in support of RZSS’ mission and vision.

Some of the things you’ll do:

Work under the direction of more senior Gardeners to;

take the day to day lead on designated activities (garden specific) to assist with the daily maintenance of the site’s gardens and landscapes to agreed standards (e.g. keeping gardens, grounds and landscaping clean, in good state of repair and to agreed standards.
provide reactive labouring and driving tasks to agreed H&S and quality standards.
Assist with the co-ordination of a range of horticultural activities (e.g. maintaining appearance of grounds, up-keep of the lawns, pathways, entrances of site, leaf sweeping, weeding, grass cutting and sweeping the perimeters) that involve other sections and departments Ensure own machinery is cleaned, inspected, maintained and user logbook updated daily to agreed transport policy standards and procedures.
Operate heavy plant on a regular basis and ensure all machinery and tools are cleaned, inspected, maintained and user logbook updated daily to agreed transport and other policy standards and procedures.
Assist in the ordering of supplies and services required for the team.
Ensure all pre-start check sheets are completed as required.
Work collaboratively with other sections and departments to ensure all work is scheduled coordinated and monitored effectively, providing guidance and advice relating to your trade when required.
Drive company vehicles including pickup truck, off road ATV and fork lift truck and ensure maintained and road worthy and reporting repairs where required
Conduct routine cleaning, inspection and maintenance of assigned small plant and vehicles, according to the agreed transport policy and best practice.
Recommend to your manager cost-effective opportunities to minimise the impact of your department and RZSS’ operations on the environment.
Provide supporting role to Events team regarding special event set up and taken down.
To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and that of others. This implies taking positive steps to understand the hazards in the workplace, to comply with safety rules and procedures and to ensure that nothing you do, or fail to do, puts yourself or others at risk.
Ensure compliance with RZSS’s policies, procedures and guidelines, together with all relevant regulatory and statutory requirements.
Engage with the Society’s appraisal system, and demonstrate commitment to our values, behaviours and your continuous personal development.
Perform other reasonable duties and projects as directed by your manager
What we’re looking for:

Relevant SVQ Level 1 qualification or equivalent qualifications or experience
Full driving licence.
Basic understanding of horticultural practice
Practical experience in the operation and use of heavy plant and equipment.
Significant experience of driving forklift vehicles
Shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as quickly as possible.

Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria.

We offer a range of great benefits which can be found at www.rzss.org.uk/about-rzss/staff-benefits

Please refer to the role profile for further information on essential/desirable requirements for the role

Application Deadline: Wednesday 11/10/2023