Green Spaces Officer - Newport & Carisbrooke Town Council

Job Posted: 16 September 2026

• Contract Term: Permanent
• Location: Newport, Isle of Wight
• Contract Type: Full time
• Salary: SCP 15 (£31,015 per annum)
• Industries: Environment Horticulture Maintenance

Appointment of Green Spaces Officer

Job Title: Green Spaces Officer
Salary: SCP 15 (£31,015 per annum)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Reporting To: Clerk
Location: Newport & Carisbrooke Town Council sites
Contract: Permanent
Probationary Period: Six months

Newport & Carisbrooke Town Council is seeking a Green Spaces Officer to help manage and improve its recreation grounds, play areas, allotments and open spaces.

This varied and hands-on role includes site inspections, grounds maintenance, monitoring contractors, supporting environmental improvement projects and helping ensure Council-owned green spaces remain safe, attractive and welcoming for residents and visitors. The role will also support the wider maintenance team in delivering projects and maintenance work across other Council-managed assets and facilities.

Applicants should have experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, parks, facilities management or a similar environment. The successful candidate will be able to work independently, as part of a team, and have excellent communication and organisational skills. A full UK driving licence is essential.

The post is subject to a six-month probationary period and includes membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

How to apply: The full job description is below. Person specification and application form are available to download at the bottom of this page and also at newportwight-tc.gov.uk/vacancies

Please return completed application forms to [email protected]

Closing Date: 16^th October 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 2^nd November 2026

Newport & Carisbrooke Town Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant.

Green Spaces Officer – Job Description

Job Purpose

To lead the day-to-day management, inspection and improvement of the Council's recreation grounds, allotment sites, play areas and open spaces, ensuring they are safe, well-maintained and welcoming for residents and visitors. The postholder will oversee grounds maintenance standards, support the council’s biodiversity policy and greening initiatives, coordinate minor repairs and maintenance, and work with contractors, volunteers and community groups to enhance Council-managed green spaces.

Key Responsibilities

Recreation Grounds and Open Spaces

• Undertake regular inspections of Council-owned recreation grounds and open spaces.
• Identify, prioritise and address maintenance issues.
• Ensure sites remain safe, attractive and fit for purpose.
• Monitor site presentation, litter, signage and street furniture.

Play Areas

• Carry out routine play area inspections.
• Record and report defects.
• Arrange or undertake minor repairs where appropriate.
• Monitor compliance with safety standards.

Allotments

• Undertake inspections of allotment sites.
• Monitor site condition and tenancy compliance.
• Support the office team by reporting plot occupancy and maintenance issues.
• Identify opportunities for site improvements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for allotment holders.

Grounds Maintenance

• Monitor the performance of grounds maintenance contractors.
• Report issues and ensure contract standards are being met.
• Assist with the development of maintenance programmes. 

Environmental and Biodiversity Projects

• Support planting schemes and environmental improvements.
• Assist in the delivery of our biodiversity policy aims.
• Identify opportunities to enhance wildlife habitats and green infrastructure. 

Community and Volunteers

• Support and encourage volunteers, allotment holders, community groups and residents to become involved in the care and enhancement of green spaces.
• Assist with community planting and environmental projects. 

Maintenance

• Undertake minor repairs and maintenance of Council assets.
• Operate tools and equipment safely.
• Work collaboratively with the Maintenance Officer and Maintenance Assistant on larger maintenance, repair and improvement projects where a team approach is required. 

General

• Maintain inspection records.
• Assist with risk assessments.
• Support events where required.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Clerk.

Essential Criteria

• Experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, parks, facilities or similar environment.
• Ability to undertake physical outdoor work.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to work independently and manage workload.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate inspection records.

Desirable

• Local government experience.
• Play area inspection qualification.
• Horticultural qualification.
• First Aid qualification.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Knowledge of biodiversity and environmental management.