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Dear Applicant
RE: Parks Patrol
Thank you for your interest in the above post. Please find enclosed in this application pack the following documents:
· Job Description
· Person Specification
· Structure Chart
· Service Overview
Application Form:
The application form plays a key part in our selection process. We use the information you provide to shortlist for interview.
You are urged to ensure that all the information contained in your application is relevant and that you demonstrate how you meet the criteria on the person specification. Please use the person specification for guidance when filling in the application form.
References: If successful at interview, Ipswich Borough Council will seek to obtain two employment references. Wherever possible the name of your first referee must be from current employment/education and the second from either current or former employment/education. If you cannot provide an “employment” reference please contact the HR Team at Ipswich Borough Council for further assistance.
If you have any recruitment queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01473 433402. Please leave your name, number and brief details of your question and a member of the recruitment team will call you back.
Ipswich Borough Council
Job Description: B07a
PARKS PATROL OFFICER
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB
To maintain a high standard of order and conduct by public users of parks. To maintain the orderly conditions of the grounds. To ensure the safety of park users. To act as a deterrent to offenders and assist in their prosecution. To promote public interest and to increase the awareness, appreciation and understanding of parks and open spaces. Maintain an overview of parks services within the post holder’s area. Provides local information and advice to other staff and public as requested. Conveys views and suggestions from the public to the Council.
MAIN DUTIES
1. To be present on parks, open spaces and allotments in order to be available and visible to the public and to patrol the complete extent of parks and open spaces and allotments as directed.
2. To act as a front line contact with the public ensuring byelaws and criminal laws are observed and issue Fixed Penalty Notices when required.
3. To secure parks and lock and unlock gates as necessary.
4. Receive, investigate and respond to complaints from members of the public and colleagues on the use of parks, open spaces and allotments
5. Carry out inspections of all parks, open spaces, buildings and play areas therein and allotments to ensure general safety, cleanliness and maintenance of sites.
6. Responsible for reporting and following up general repairs in parks, play areas and allotments etc.
7. To be responsible for keeping appropriate records of inspection.
8. Monitor organised events making appropriate written reports where required. To liaise with the police, event organisers and the public, to ensure smooth running of events and to act as a contact for queries relating to site facilities.
Such variations as may be required from time to time without changing the general character of the duties shown above or the level of responsibility entailed.
/ Ipswich Borough CouncilPerson Specification
PARKS PATROL OFFICER (Mobile/Static)
ATTRIBUTES
/ESSENTIAL
/DESIRABLE
/METHOD OF ASSESMENT
Qualifications
/ 3 GCSEs or NVQ Level 2 or at least one year’s experience in a similar role. / First Aid Certificate / Application form/CertificateWork related experience / Use of hand and power tools
Basic IT Experience
Basic Carpentry / metalwork skills
Experience of carrying out inspections
Frontline customer care experience / Security experience
Previous use of radio handset / Application form / Interview
Other relevant experience / Cleaning of toilets and litter picking / General DIY skills
Confident working at heights
Specialist knowledge / Knowledge of parks and open spaces within Ipswich / Application form / Interview
Personal skills / Ability to work under own initiative and prioritise work loads
Ability to work alone and as part of a team
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written
Ability to deal with confrontational situations in a calm and safe manner
Able to deal with general public, police and organisations politely and effectively / Ability to issue Fixed Penalty Notices / Application form / Interview
Special working conditions / Willing to work outside in all weather conditions
Willing to wear a uniform
Ability to carry out manual tasks such as considerable lifting, bending, climbing and walking
Valid Driving Licence / Ability to tow a trailer / Interview
Ipswich Borough Council
PARKS & CEMETERIES
Vision Statement
The service is incredibly diverse as illustrated in the diagram below. The ability to provide the Council with a ‘one stop shop’ for all parks and open space related functions, offers considerable benefits, these includes; being able to respond quickly to instructions and requests, especially important when dealing with emergency situations; the capacity to prioritise at short notice in order to meet changing circumstances, without necessarily incurring additional expense, and having a range of in-house skills and knowledge available at all times in order to be able to defend and safeguard the Council’s interests.
The desire to continuously raise performance and efficiency is firmly embedded within the culture of the service area. National and inter-national accreditation to ISO 9001, (Management process), ISO 14001 (Environmental process) and ISO 18001 (Health & Safety process) bears witness to this fact.
The Parks Service undertakes the strategic and day to day operational management of over 518 hectares of parks and open spaces including English Heritage listed historic parks to green flag standards. This includes policy and strategy development, formulation and implementation of site based management and maintenance plans.
Although having had some success in securing various grant awards, there is general recognition among staff and others that more could be done to raise the profile of the service and promote the town’s parks and open spaces.
The process of reaching out to and engaging with local communities and relevant user groups is widely accepted as one of the cornerstones of effective and sustainable management of urban green space. The Service encourages community ownership, is able to provide expertise and offer appropriate support to individuals and groups that show an interest in either improving or managing their local open space.
A well trained and competent workforce is essential to the success of any organisation and in this regard the Parks and Open Spaces Service is no different. Continuous staff development remains a priority for the service and natural progression through the career structure is encouraged.
Current Management Arrangements
The Service supports the Council’s underlying principle for the citizens of Ipswich as set out in its Corporate Plan ‘Building a better Ipswich’.
In general this includes:
· Improving the health and well-being of the people of Ipswich
· Reducing the levels of crime in the town
· Improving the quality of life of the people of Ipswich
· Enhancing the self-esteem of the people of Ipswich
· Giving the people of Ipswich the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of cultural and sporting activities
The Parks ‘Operational Plan’ will contribute directly to these principles.