Parks and Ground Operative

Parks and Ground Operative 

Hours/Duration:     Full Time, Permanent. 37.6 hours/week annual average              Accountable To:    Park Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent & Senior Groundsman/Gravedigger

Salary:                      £20,000 - £27,000 full time

Parks and Ground Operative  - Main Purpose of the Job

• To ensure that the Park areas are managed, maintained and well-presented and that all memorial plaques are correctly sited and regularly inspected and visible.
• To assist (and in periods of absence lead) in ensuring that graves are accurately located, safely prepared and completed for interment. 

Parks and Ground Operative  - Job activities: Summary of Responsibilities and Key Areas:

• Working within a small team or individually, responding efficiently to written and verbal instructions given by the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent, to deal sympathetically and with due respect to members of the public and cemetery visitors.
• Ensuring that the Park is presented to a consistently high standard, that Health and Safety procedures are followed at all times, that all plant and equipment is maintained and used correctly and that basic administrative procedures are implemented and applied. 

Parks and Ground Operative  - Main Duties

• To carry out ground maintenance duties to ensure the safe and tidy appearance of the Park as directed, including:
  • cutting and edging grassed areas, strimming, hedge cutting and shaping, weeding, leaf collection, removal of litter and other arisings within and around the memorial park;
  • post-interment levelling of graves, seeding or turfing to complete the burial process;
  • periodic placement and re levelling of memorial plaques.
• To assisting, and in periods of absence of the Senior Gravedigger, to lead on all aspects of grave digging duties including:
  • correctly locating and accurately positioning the grave to be excavated;
  • carefully and safely preparing the grave using the machinery and equipment provided, (including the use of personal protective equipment);
  • backfilling the grave and completing it by appropriate presentation of floral tributes on the grave and leaving the area tidy and free from obstructions;
  • adhering to Company procedure DS.006 – Site Procedure for Interments.
• To keep all Park buildings, vehicles, plant, machinery, tools and equipment in a clean, safe and tidy condition.
• To safely operate Memorial Park vehicles, equipment, machinery and tools, and to perform regular maintenance and minor repairs on all small lawn care equipment and hand tools, reporting any problems or defects to the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent.
• Refurbishment of painted plaques and benches as detailed by Park Superintendent.
• To act as a front-line first point of contact for customers and Park visitors, and to deal with any requests for assistance in a dignified, controlled and respectful manner and to refer more complex issues to the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent.
• Working within a team, to respond efficiently to written and verbal instructions given by the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, and to attend team meetings and when requested to do so.
• To participate in any personal or professional development initiatives and to undertake appropriate training when identified by the Superintendent.
• To correctly use personal safety equipment which has been issued for safety and protection.
• To cover the Park office short periods where the Superintendent or his deputy are unavailable (due to sickness or holidays), undertaking basic administrative duties relating to office appointments, accepting telephone calls and processing requests for interments and recording details in office diary.

• To deal sympathetically and with due respect to members of the public and cemetery visitors, and to work positively and inclusively with colleagues so that the Company provides a safe and respectful workplace and does not discriminate against people on the ground of their age, sexuality, religion or belief, race, gender or disabilities.
• To follow relevant Company policies and procedures especially DS.001 & DS.002 in relation to health & safety.
• To work flexibly in the interests of the memorial park. This may include undertaking other duties that are appropriate to the employee’s background, skills and abilities. Where this occurs, there will be consultation and any necessary training will be provided.

Qualifications

UK Driving Licence

Must be located within a commuatable to Plymouth.