Horticulture Apprentice (Environmental Services)

About this apprenticeship

The Horticulture Apprentice is a key role within the Councils Street Care service which sits within the Environment and Communities Directorate.
This apprentice role offers the opportunity to develop valuable and varied experience within the Street Care team, undertaking a full range of manual street cleansing and grounds maintenance tasks. It is suited to individuals who enjoy working outdoors and want to make a positive difference to the local environment for residents and visitors.
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the post holder will progress to the substantive post of Street Care Officer.
Notwithstanding the detail in this job description, the job holder will undertake such work as may be determined by the Manager from time to time, up to or at a level consistent with the Principal Responsibilities of the job.
This role is fixed, meaning you will be fixed to a predetermined operational depot location.
Apprenticeship typical duration expected to 24 months for this Level 2 Horticulture Operative Apprenticeship standard and 4month duration to sit the End Point Assessment.
A full driving licence is required for this role, as the apprenticeship leads to a Street Care Officer post where driving forms part of the core duties.
With appropriate support and supervision, the Apprentice will…

To learn knowledge and experience in the delivery of various StreetCare services. To include grounds maintenance, grass cutting, weeding, edging, strimming, hedge maintenance, seasonal bedding maintenance and planting, manual and mechanical cleansing, sweeping, leaf clearance, bin emptying and litter collection.
Carry out the cleansing of public spaces to include litter picking, bin emptying, hand sweeping of detritus, leaf clearance, removal of weed growth from pavements and paths and assist in the removal of flytipping where directed.
Carry out general grounds maintenance works to include grass cutting, soft landscaping, fine turf care, maintenance of horticultural displays, chemical weed control, minor tree and hedge works and the marking out and maintenance of sports turf.
Operate and maintain to a basic standard a full range of powered hand tools and self propelled horticultural and cleansing plant and equipment.
To work in a safe manner and ensure the safe use of materials and equipment at all times. Ensure that Standard Operating Procedures, Risk Assessments, COSHH regulations and all other StreetCare guidance documents are followed to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.
To use appropriate mobile communication and IT systems and to follow work instructions and schedules to ensure work is completed to the required standard and in a timely manner.
To drive a vehicle for the purpose of carrying out StreetCare operations, ensuring that vehicles and plant are clean and in good working order and that StreetCares driver code of conduct is followed at all times.
To identify and report defects or damage to StreetCare assets to StreetCare Chargehands or Service Delivery Coordinators and understand the wider ownership of assets within the authority.
To represent StreetCare in a manner conductive with the standards expected, including the carrying of an identity card and the wearing of the uniform supplied at all times. To communicate with our customers, management team and members of the public in a polite and professional manner placing the highest possible emphasis on customer care, engagement and feedback.
Carry out duties which require a basic standard of numeracy and literacy such as completing time sheets, claim forms, daily defect sheets and other statutory paperwork where required.

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation
At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying on employer sites or via Microsoft Teams
Delivery is to be discussed with the training provider and the hiring manager must suit operational needs

What you could go on to do

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the post holder will progress to the substantive post of Street Care Officer.