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.

HOURS & SALARY INFO

Hours

• 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Thursday 07.30am until 16.00pm, Fridays 7.30am until 1pm
• Out of hours work may be required in an emergency | Ad-hoc evenings to assist with the haylage operation during the summer period may be required

Salary

• £26,000 - £28,000 per annum (DOE)

Key Objectives

• Ensure the green estate is maintained and presented to a high standard.
• ·Carryout tractor and machinery operations on the green estate to a high standard ensuring efficiency and health and safety as a priority.
• ·Support both soft and hard works teams helping to achieve high levels of efficiency and effectiveness on all work carried out and that all duties are carried out in a safe manner.
• Supporting the team (or CEO or Line Manager) in promoting the values and culture of the organisation.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION ATTACHED.

Essential

• Full driving licence is required
• Experienced operator of tractors and machinery and carrying out work to a high standard
• Understanding of how machinery works and operates
• Be able to carry out basic maintenance of tractors and machinery
• Experience and understanding of forestry, silvicultural practices and landscape management
• Be able to communicate effectively with team members, other Trust staff, public and third parties.
• Be well organised to ensure issues are rectified efficiently
• Be able to apply initiative to your work; follow instructions; and be a fast learner and a good team player.
• Be able to demonstrate effective time management skills
• 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

Desirable

• NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Tractor Driving and Related Operations
• NPTC Level 2 FMO Forwarder qualification
• NPTC Level 2 Certificate of competence in Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross-cutting, Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm
• NPTC Level 2 (PA1/PA6) Safe use and application of pesticides by handheld equipment.
• Qualification in use of chippers, strimmer's, hedge cutters and other hand tools
• Qualification in land management (e.g. Forestry, arboriculture or landscape maintenance)
• Experience of using Microsoft 365

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 plus a wellbeing day off each year.
• 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 apply online using the link through our website using Cezanne.

Closing Date: 16th May 2025.

Interview Date: Week commencing 26th May 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 recruitment@theparkstrust.com.