RIBBLE VALLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. JOB TITLE: Grounds Maintenance/Gardener

2. REFERENCE NO: COM382

3. SALARY SCALE: £15,725 to £16,830 per annum

4. RESPONSIBLE TO: Amenity Cleansing Manager

5. JOB PURPOSE: To carry out general maintenance of parks, playing fields and other open spaces throughout the Ribble Valley in order to maintain high quality facilities and a pleasant environment.

6. MAIN DUTIES:

6.1 / To undertake activities largely utilising Craft skills for example, interpretation of plans, site preparation and construction, soft and hard landscaping and setting out and marking of sports areas, turf culture, propagation, grass cutting, hedge trimming, clearing leaves and litter, erection and dismantling of sports and other equipment, planting, arboricultural works, pruning, seeding, the upkeep of artificial or synthetic pitches and, when appropriate, chemical control. This also includes the use of all the usual range of tools and equipment and the use of all powered hand tools and light plant necessary to undertake these activities.
6.2 / To be aware, on a day-to-day basis, of the progress and achievements of the team and to report any problems or reasons for uncompleted work back to a responsible person.
6.3 / Undertake line marking and setting out of sports pitches.
6.4 / Emptying of litter and dog waste bins and disposal of items collected as instructed.
6.5 / Carry out weed spraying duties as and when required.
6.6 / Preparation and planting of winter and summer bedding schemes.
6.7 / To carry out routine playground inspections and where practicable undertake any necessary repairs that are found. To complete inspection records as directed.
6.8 / Undertake all grounds maintenance tasks involved with work at Clitheroe Royal Grammar Schools paying fields.
6.9 / Prepare gravesites in the absence of Cemetery grounds maintenance operative.
6.10 / As and when required attend funeral services at the Cemetery to assist with burials.
6.11 / As and when necessary complete administration records for burials at the Cemetery.
6.12 / Carry out arboricultural work, felling of small trees, pruning, shredding and chipping.
6.13 / Under the supervision of the Head Gardener to assist with the maintenance of the bowling green in the Castle Grounds including the application of fungicides and pesticides.
6.14 / To fix and raise the flag on the pole on the Castle Keep on designated days.
6.15 / To help to ensure that, so far as the team and yourself are concerned that all tasks are completed within the time allowed and to the quality and specified standard required of the Grounds Maintenance Section.
6.16 / To ensure that plant, machinery and equipment used is properly cared for the operated correctly. In particular to ensure that you fuel, grease, oil, clean, the equipment, inflate tyres and top up water levels as necessary.
6.17 / To ensure that all faults and defects relating to the condition of plant, equipment, tools, buildings, sites, etc are reported to a responsible person as soon as practicably possible.
6.18 / To carry out any requested duties which are commensurate with the grading of your post and in connection with the efficient, hygienic and safe operation of the place or area of work, in a diligent and conscientious manner at all times.
6.19 / To provide accurate details of hours worked and duties completed by yourself for verification by the Head Gardener on a regular basis and for ensuring that your own personal records are submitted in accordance with the Council’s routine procedures.
6.20 / To maintain a high standard of personal appearance and to ensure that you use the personal protective clothing and equipment provided at all times whilst at work.
6.21 / To participate in any training considered necessary to carry out any tasks associated with your employment.
6.22 / To ensure that all accidents, incidents and vandalism details are reported to the Head Gardener as soon as practicably possible.
6.23 / To ensure that all reasonable steps are taken by yourself to protect the health, safety and welfare of yourself, patrons, visitors and fellow employees.
6.24 / To participate in the Risk Assessment process by ensuring that you are fully conversant with, and comply with, all risk assessments associated with your duties and responsibilities.
6.25 / To abide by and act in accordance with the Council’s Safety Policy and all other relevant Codes of Practice/Staff Handbook.
7. / To be responsible for ensuring the data quality of all information related tothe duties of the post
8. / To adhere to the Council’s policies including equal opportunities and health and safety.
9. / Such other duties of a similar responsibility level as may be allocated to the post from time to time.

NB. In order to ensure that Job Descriptions are kept up to date, all employees are required to review their roles regularly through the staff performance appraisal scheme. Staff are required therefore to take a reasonable and flexible approach to changes arising from the challenges facing the Council.

Signed (Postholder) ______Date ______

Signed (Manager) ______Date ______