Assistant Landscape Officer

The Parks Trust; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 32,000

Job description

Central Milton Keynes

Company Description

Established as an independent charity in 1992, The Parks Trust expertly cares for over 6,000 acres of beautiful and inspirational green space in Milton Keynes including parks, ancient woodlands, lakes, river valleys and 80 miles of landscaped areas along the city’s grid roads.

In most towns and cities, parkland is owned by the local authority, but Milton Keynes’ founders were pioneers and decided to do things differently. Their vision was to create a new town where the parkland and landscapes would be protected forever by a charity that was separate from local government. Doing so would ensure that, as the new town grew, its green spaces would never be compromised or have to fight for funding.

That all became a reality when The Parks Trust was set up in 1992. The new charity was given a 999-year lease on a total of 4,500 acres of Milton Keynes and an endowment of property valued at £20m. Returns on these carefully managed investments generate the primary source of income required to fund the charity’s wide-ranging work today and forever.

Over 100 staff and 240 volunteers deliver the essential work of The Parks Trust. In addition to landscaping and maintenance tasks, that also includes providing valuable recreation and leisure facilities, connecting communities at over 500 outdoor events each year, and advancing public education around the wildlife, biodiversity, and the environment.

As Milton Keynes grows, so does The Parks Trust. Each year, the charity takes on new green spaces and endowments from developers to cover costs in perpetuity. This approach ensures that all new areas of the city benefit from the same quality of inspiring, connected landscape and Milton Keynes remains a great place to live, work and play.

Position

HOURS & SALARY INFO

Hours

• 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday 8am until 4.30pm

Salary

• £31,500 PA

KEY OBJECTIVES

• Ensure that the Trust’s green estate is managed and maintained to a high standard and are clean and safe.
• Support team members to ensure all operational and landscape works are carried out efficiently and effectively and to the required standards.
• Manage and supervise both contractors and Direct Works teams as required.
• Supporting the team (or CEO or Line Manager) in promoting the values and culture of the organisation.

Requirements

Essential

• A full driving licence is required.
• Experience of all, or some of the following, Parks Management which includes, forestry, arboriculture, landscape maintenance and hard landscaping.
• Be able to communicate effectively with team members, other Trust staff, general public and third parties.
• Well organised and able to work under pressure and use their own initiative.
• Be prepared and motivated to take on further training that will help enhance your individual skill levels, allowing you and The Trust to develop depth of skills and experience.
• Experience of using Microsoft 365

Desirable

• Qualification in land management (e.g. forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, landscape maintenance or hard landscaping)
• Experience of contract management
• Experience using ArcGIS

Other information

In return, we offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Competitive salary.
• Ongoing support and training.
• Excellent contributory pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution).
• Income protection and life assurance cover after qualifying period.
• Enhanced family friendly policies after qualifying period.
• Home Working policy.
• Occupational sick pay.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Salary sacrifice schemes for tech & electric cars.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Buying and Selling option for annual leave.
• Medical Cash Plan.
• Access to employee wellbeing helpline.
• Discount for Willen Lake activities and café.
• Free eye tests.
• Great office in a parkland setting with free parking.

Application process

Please click here to apply online using the link through our website using Cezanne.

Closing Date: 13th April 2025

Interview Date: Week commencing 21st April 2025

The Parks Trust is committed to safeguarding and will always recruit all personnel in line with government guidelines, relevant legislation, Charity Commission guidance and best practice standards.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

If you need additional support with your application or would like further information, please contact [e-mail].