Neighbourhood Operative Level 2

Manchester City Council; Manchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 26 days' annual leave

Two extra weeks' leave (buy)

Volunteering leave

35-hour week

Pension scheme

Employee discounts

Job summary

Manchester City Council is seeking a Neighbourhood Operative Level 2 to help deliver biodiversity projects and enhance habitats across the city. You will plant, water, and manage trees, hedgerows, and woodland areas, creating thriving spaces for people and wildlife.

The role requires practical conservation work, seasonal duties, and collaboration with the Biodiversity Team to meet climate and urban biodiversity objectives. A proactive, safety-conscious approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Interest or qualifications in Horticulture and Biodiversity.
• Experience in maintaining public greenspaces is desirable.
• Driving licence required to operate council vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Planting, establishing and maintaining trees, hedgerows and woodland areas.
• Watering and caring for newly planted trees and landscaping schemes.
• Creating and maintaining wildflower meadows and habitats.
• Carrying out habitat improvement works to support biodiversity.
• Weed control, mulching, pruning and vegetation management.

Skills

Horticulture

Biodiversity

Tree maintenance

Education

NVQ Amenity Horticulture

RHS Level 2 Horticulture

Tools

Chainsaw

Tractor operation

Wood chipper

Job description

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Closing Date & Time: 11.59pm, 05 November 2026

Interview Method: Face to Face

Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.

As a Neighbourhood Operative Level 2, you'll help shape a greener Manchester by delivering biodiversity projects, enhancing habitats and creating thriving spaces for people and wildlife across the city.

In This Role You Will Be

• Planting, establishing and maintaining trees, hedgerows, shrubs and woodland areas.
• Watering and caring for newly planted trees and landscaping schemes to ensure successful establishment.
• Creating, managing and maintaining wildflower meadows and other species-rich habitats.
• Carrying out habitat improvement works to support biodiversity, including planting for pollinators and wildlife.
• Undertaking weed control, mulching, pruning and vegetation management in line with best practice.
• Working safely with machinery, tools and equipment while maintaining high standards of environmental stewardship.
• Supporting community and partnership projects that promote biodiversity and environmental sustainability across Manchester.
• Contributing to the delivery of Manchester's biodiversity and climate change objectives through practical conservation work.

For queries about the role, please contact the hiring manager, William White, at [e-mail] to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role. This route is for vacancy-related enquiries only and should not be used to submit applications.

Pre-employment Checks

If You Are Successful, Your Appointment Will Be Subject To Completing The Relevant Pre-employment Checks. These Checks Will Be Carried Out As Part Of Our Recruitment Process And Include

• PA1 and PA6 certification.
• Use of a tractor with mower and side-arm flail.
• NVQ Amenity Horticulture or RHS Level 2 Horticulture.
• Use of chainsaw and wood chipper.
• Understanding of biodiversity in urban spaces.
• Driving Licence - The successful candidate must hold a full valid driving licence as they will be required to drive a vehicle in accordance with council regulations.
• Satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks where applicable.

You will have an interest or qualifications in Horticulture and Biodiversity such as NVQ Amenity Horticulture/RHS Level 2 Horticulture, preferably with experience working in these sectors.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the challenges to managing green spaces in public, urban areas ideally with some experience working in these areas within local authorities.

You will have a proactive attitude to completing daily responsibilities autonomously whilst also able to collaborate with the other Biodiversity Team operatives to coordinate larger tasks.

The successful candidate should be motivated in personal development and learning within the role.

We’ll use the following essential criteria to decide which candidates to invite to assessment. Use your personal statement to provide evidence of how you meet each one, supported by relevant examples

Communication Skills

• Demonstrates an understanding of the views of others and communicates in a realistic and practical manner using appropriate language and medium, listens attentively to views and issues of others and responds to issues arising.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Is able to make effective decisions on a day-to-day basis, taking ownership of decisions, demonstrating sound judgement in escalating issues where necessary. be logical in thinking and explain reasoning behind decisions or actions taken

Planning and Organising

• Demonstrate the ability to organize multiple tasks in the most effective way, and allocate time and energy according to task complexity and priority

Creative Skills

• Ability to think creatively and provide innovative solutions to problems. Has ability to develop new approaches to finding solutions outside of existing parameters.

User of AI

• You may use AI to support your application, but all examples must be your own and based on real experience. Applications may be withdrawn if content is misleading or presents someone else's experience as your own. Internal candidates may also face disciplinary action.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee progression to the assessment stage for applicants who meet the essential criteria used for shortlisting and are eligible under the scheme. Learn more

Support and Adjustments

If you're successful in securing a role, we'll make every effort to provide the support, equipment and reasonable adjustments you need to carry out your duties. Where needed, we'll consider adapting aspects of the role. Learn more

Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city. You’ll help improve lives and support our local communities. Working together, we can create better public services for everyone.

Benefits we offer

• Up to 26 days' annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years' service
• Buy up to two extra weeks' leave
• Up to 3 days' volunteering leave
• A 35-hour work week for full-time roles
• We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions
• A defined benefit pension scheme
• Enhanced parental and carers leave
• Employee discounts and perks

Learn more at Careers - Manchester City Council

Our commitment to inclusion

At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that fully reflects the diversity of our local communities. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages and backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from applicants from ethnic minority communities and disabled people, who remain underrepresented in parts of our workforce.

GM Elevate Programme

If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the 'Personal Statement' section or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application.

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