Greenspace Chargehand (Grow Wild), Westbank, Perth

Main Purpose of the Role

Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of something meaningful. It's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.

We currently have the following opportunity:

Greenspace Chargehand, Grow Wild (Fixed Term until 31 March 2028) - PKC14090
£31,759 - £34,011
Westbank, Perth

This is a varied role and will help the Council achieve its biodiversity gains target.

We are looking for a practical, enthusiastic, and experienced individual to join a small team working across our parks, open spaces and countryside. This is a great opportunity for a dedicated individual to be part of our team based in Perth.

The successful post-holder will work closely with communities and partners to roll out our Grow Wild Project, bringing together biodiversity in towns and villages, food growing, and biodiversity enhancement within our parks and open spaces.

This project supports the development of wildflower areas and biodiversity initiatives across the Perth & Kinross area. The successful candidate will form part of the foundation of a new Grow Wild Squad, helping to deliver environmental improvements and support community-based green projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys practical outdoor work, environmental projects, landscaping, and improving local green spaces.

Occasional weekend working will be required to support the needs of the community groups the successful candidate will be working with.

This is a fixed-term contract until 31 March 2028, working full-time (36 hours per week) across four days, with alternating working patterns of Monday to Thursday (Week 1) and Tuesday to Friday (Week 2).

 Please note, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this post.

Skills & Experience Required

You will be physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

The ideal candidate will be practical and reliable, with the ability to work as part of a small team.

Grounds maintenance or horticultural experience is desirable, but experience in a similar practical post is essential. Previous experience in a line management role would be advantageous.

Your skills, abilities and experience should include experience in a work-related discipline, with proven experience in areas relevant to the post.

Communication skills are important, as you will be expected to work with a variety of people, including community groups and other stakeholders.

Excellent organisational skills are essential, with the ability to manage a diverse workload, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.

You will be computer literate.

You must have:

• A valid driving licence, as this post requires travel to a variety of locations across Perth and Kinross.
• Experience of working with machinery such as power tools and horticultural machinery.
• The ability to interpret work specifications.
• The ability to manage allocated work efficiently and effectively to meet targets.
• The ability to use computer-based systems for inspecting and recording work, or a willingness to achieve this within one year.
• PA1 and PA6 pesticide application certificates, or a willingness to achieve these within one year.
• Qualifications to operate plant machinery, or a willingness to undertake the appropriate training.
• The ability to use hand tools and small power tools.
• A First Aid certificate, or a willingness to undertake this within one year.

It would be desirable to have:

• A trailer licence (C1+E).

Working at Perth & Kinross Council

Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about Perth & Kinross Council and you could soon be joining our team!

Here's what we can offer you:

• A generous annual leave package
• 6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day
• Eligibility to join our pension scheme
• Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
• Flexi time 
• Access to a range of benefits

We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager, if this is of interest to you. A healthy work life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

Next Steps

We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Laura Kerr, Greenspace Co-ordinator on 0173 477833 to find out more.

Click “APPLY NOW”

External candidates are required to provide contact details for 2 referees, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer.

Internal applicants applying for secondment must obtain line manager approval through the secondment form available under My Forms – Secondment Request Form on MyView. Please note that secondment requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

We welcome applications from everyone and as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. Please contact the hiring manager above or the Recruitment Team on (01738) 475555 or recruitment@pkc.gov.uk to discuss any reasonable adjustments. Appointments are based on evidence supplied during the selection process.

Diversity is important to us and although some of our jobs may be perceived to be traditionally gender specific, we welcome applications from everyone and would encourage you to apply if you meet the job requirements. That includes welcoming applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.

To comply with Baseline Personnel Security Standard, you will be required to complete a Disclosure Scotland check.

If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more (continuous or total) within the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check.

A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above mentioned mandatory pre-employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.

All new employees have a four-month probationary period. Further details are available in the FAQs at “How to apply for a job or apprenticeship with us”.