Cemeteries and Allotments Assistant

Crawley; Crawley; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Discounts

Wellbeing incentives

Job summary

Crawley Borough Council is seeking a dedicated Cemeteries and Allotments Assistant in Crawley. You will support the Allotments Officer with maintaining 20 allotment sites and assist with the daily operation of both cemetery sites.

The role requires driving and practical groundskeeping tasks, including handling tools and equipment. You will work as part of a small team, providing compassionate service to families and the public, and may participate in Saturday standby burials with additional pay.

Responsibilities

• Support the Allotments Officer in the upkeep and maintenance of 20 allotment sites.
• Work as part of a small team responsible for day-to-day operation of both cemetery sites.

Job description

• Location: Cemeteries and allotments in Crawley

We currently operate two cemeteries, Little Trees Cemetery near Pease Pottage and Snell Hatch Cemetery, and 20 allotment sites throughout the town.

As Cemeteries and Allotments Assistant your main focus will be to support our Allotments Officer in the upkeep and maintenance of our 20 allotment sites. In addition, you will be working as part of a small team responsible for the day-to-day operation of both cemetery sites.

Duties at the allotment sites will include:

• strimming
• grass cutting
• clearance of plots
• repairs and maintenance within the communal areas
• meeting contractors for repairs or maintenance including compliance checks

Duties at the cemeteries will include:

• compassion for families and friends of the deceased
• marking out
• preparing and back-filling graves
• maintaining the high-quality landscaped grounds

Therefore, it would be advantageous if you have proven experience of using plant machinery, hedge cutters, strimmer and ride on mowers.

The role involves using hand and power tools, as well as operating a small 360 degree digger and dumper. The successful candidate will need experience of operating this equipment, relevant certification, or a willingness to undertake training and gain certification within six months of the agreed start date.

You will also need to be confident driving the allotments tipper truck and trailer, training dependant. Our current fleet is 3.5 tonne Vauxhall Movano tipper with towing capability.

You will need to have very good verbal communication skills and a high degree of emotional intelligence and empathy to deal with customers and the public appropriately.

In return, we offer the exciting opportunity to be part of a dedicated team providing excellent cemetery and allotment provision, excellent working conditions and pension scheme.

You will need to be comfortable working alone and as part of a team when undertaking the daily duties.

Additional information

Required to participate as part of a standby rota for Saturday burials, for which an additional payment is made.

A full, current UK Category B driving licence, held for a minimum of one year, will be a requirement of the role.

Satisfactory clearance of a basic disclosure and barring service (DBS) check will be a condition of employment.

Employee benefits

We offer a generous employee benefits package , with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone.

At Crawley Borough Council, you will have access to a structured programme of learning from day one, designed to help you succeed in your role and grow your career.

Local government reorganisation

Local government reorganisation (LGR) is planned across Sussex, with new unitary authorities expected by 2028. While this represents a significant change for councils, most roles will continue to focus on delivering vital services to our residents and business communities. As the future structure evolves, our name may change, but our commitment to providing excellent services and supporting our employees will not. Joining us now means being part of a dedicated team during an important and evolving time for local government.

Our way of working

Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match.

Safer recruitment

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.