Parks Manager

Overview

Keswick Town Council is committed to providing high‑quality parks and green spaces that support wellbeing, biodiversity, and community life. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Parks Manager to lead the operational management, improvement, and long‑term stewardship of our parks, play area, woodlands, and open spaces. This is a key role within our small team, ensuring our green spaces are safe, attractive, and accessible for residents, visitors, and future generations.

Duties

• To devise and implement long term development schemes for the town’s parks and open spaces to include hard and soft landscaping, plant production, bedding displays and tree care, together with costings for the budget estimates. These facilities include Hope Park, Fitz Park, Townsfield, the War Memorial and Town Council offices and other open spaces.
• To create a seasonal Parks works schedule, to be reviewed at least on an annual basis or as and when required.
• To operate a continuous high standard maintenance programme for recreation areas, open spaces, and floral displays including buildings, paths, boundaries and furniture within pre‑set budget limits.
• To be responsible for all vehicles, machinery and equipment and maintain in good working order in conjunction with a repair and replacement scheme.
• To implement, review, and supervise Keswick Parks Health and Safety Policy, acting as ‘competent person’ for health and safety requirements.
• To assist in Parks recruitment and be responsible for induction, training and management of all parks staff, setting objectives and managing work and performance, and to carry out regular performance appraisals.
• To support the Trusts in the commercial development of the Parks.

About You

You’ll bring a blend of practical experience, leadership ability, and passion for public green spaces.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Proven experience in maintenance of fine turf for sports areas.
• Knowledge of plant care practices, horticultural principles, and environmental sustainability.
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Understanding of statutory responsibilities, risk assessments, and health and safety.
• This role requires organisational skills, technical expertise in landscape-related tasks, and a proactive approach to project management. The successful candidate will be committed to delivering exceptional outdoor environments through effective leadership and technical proficiency.

Desirable

• Knowledge of biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable land management.
• Experience within a local authority or public‑sector environment.
• Relevant qualification (e.g., horticulture, countryside management, environmental science).

What We Offer

• A meaningful role improving valued community spaces.
• Local government pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive team and varied outdoor working environment.

Pay

£36,363.00 per year (starting point, subject to pay award)

Benefits

• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Schedule

Full Time / Part Time