Parks Operative

Erewash Borough Council; Ilkeston; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ilkeston is seeking a Parks Operative to maintain and enhance green spaces. Responsibilities include using horticultural machinery and collaborating with team members. Ideal candidates will have experience in grounds maintenance and excellent customer interaction skills. This full-time role offers generous annual leave and training opportunities, and requires readiness to work outdoors in various conditions.

Benefits

Generous annual leave package

Free workplace parking

Opportunities for training and development

Flexible working policies

Local Government Pension Scheme

Discounted leisure membership

Employee benefits discount scheme

Qualifications

• Experience of grounds maintenance and horticultural practices.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Transform parks and green spaces into vibrant areas.
• Operate and maintain horticultural machinery safely.
• Collaborate with team leaders to meet service standards.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Machinery operation

Teamwork

Customer interaction

Tools

Ride-on mowers

Hedge trimmers

Job description

Parks Operative

Directorate: Environmental and Community Services
Department: Operational Services
Salary: Grade C - £25,583 to £26,403 per year, £13.26 to £13.69 per hour
Contract Status: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Merlin House, Merlin Way, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 4HU

Join the Green Revolution in Erewash! Are you bursting with local pride, love working outdoors, and want to make a real difference in your community? Do you have all‑round knowledge of amenity horticulture and experience of grounds maintenance and horticultural practices? Then step into the role of Parks Operative and help shape the natural beauty of Ilkeston, Long Eaton, and surrounding villages.

Your Mission

Be the heartbeat of Erewash’s green spaces – transforming parks, sports pitches, flower beds and nature corridors into vibrant, welcoming havens. From planting seasonal blooms to caring for trees and shrubs, your work will reflect the pride our residents feel for their borough. You will work with team leaders to ensure service standards are met.

Wild About Erewash? So Are We.

You’ll be a key player in our sustainability ambitions and drive – supporting biodiversity, planting native species and reducing chemical use to help wildlife thrive. It’s not just maintenance – it’s regeneration.

Tools of the Trade

Operate and maintain a range of horticultural machinery – from ride‑on mowers to hedge trimmers – with safety and precision. Although previous experience of machinery operation is essential, you’ll be trained, supported and trusted to keep Erewash looking its best.

People‑Facing, Purpose‑Driven

Ability to use your own initiative and effective team working are essential. Whether chatting with residents, collaborating with colleagues or assisting contractors, you’ll be a friendly face of the council – delivering top‑tier service with a smile, come rain or shine.

All‑Weather Hero

You should be prepared to work outdoors whatever the weather. From sunny planting days to storm recovery missions, you’ll be ready to roll up your sleeves and respond to the needs of the borough – even on weekends or bank holidays when duty calls.

Why It Matters

By taking on this role, you will help deliver one of Erewash’s core environmental priorities: protecting and enhancing our green spaces so that everyone in the borough can benefit from well‑cared parks, meadows, nature reserves and play areas. You’ll be helping protect and enhance the green lungs of Erewash, ensuring that every green space is a place for joy, relaxation and connection.

Benefits of Working for Us

• Generous annual leave package – 29 days annual leave (rising to 33 days after 5 years’ continuous service) plus 8 bank holidays a year
• Free workplace car parking within the Borough
• Opportunities for training, learning and continuous professional development
• Family‑friendly flexible working policies available
• Option to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) plus access to a salary sacrifice scheme for added voluntary pension contributions
• Discounted leisure membership with the Fit for Work scheme
• Access to the VIVUP employee benefits discount and salary sacrifice scheme

The closing date for applications is Friday, 28th November 2025 at midnight.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply with a CV and a supporting statement, clearly demonstrating suitability and experience for the role.

You will be requested to provide some basic information before you upload your CV.

Please note: This role is only open to applicants who already have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

For further information about working for Erewash Borough Council and how to apply for this job please visit our website at https://www.erewash.gov.uk/jobs-section/jobs.html

Alternatively, an application form and job description are available from Human Resources, Erewash Borough Council, Town Hall, Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5RP, Telephone: [phone] (24 hr. voicemail) or e‑mail: [e-mail]

If you are a current employee of Erewash Borough Council and you wish to apply for this vacancy, you must apply through your Employee Self Service account. If you do not have access to Employee Self Service, you must complete a paper or word version of Erewash Borough Council’s job application form.

The Council is positive about disabled people and those who meet the essential shortlisting requirements will be guaranteed an interview.

The Council also supports the Armed Forces Covenant and those who have previously worked in the armed forces and meet the essential shortlisting criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Please ensure that you make it clear on your application form that you wish to be considered under these criteria.