Ground Maintenance Operative - Northfleet

About this role

Salary - £22,979

Staff Grade - Team Member Level 2A

Location - Northfleet

Post Type / Working Pattern - Permanent, full-time role

Interview Dates - w/c 21/10

There may be the option for flexible and/or part-time working upon request.

Are you passionate about the outdoors and eager to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future? This is your chance to be part of a dynamic team working on the front line to combat the climate emergency and address environmental challenges like flooding, drought, and coastal changes.

WEW Apprenticeship

As a new member of Field Operations, you will be expected to enrol on the Water Environment Worker (WEW) Level 3 Apprenticeship: the primary mechanism for training new employees in Field Operations.

The WEW Apprenticeship covers whole life asset management and major incident response, as well as providing the opportunity to work alongside partners, contractors, and members of the public. Apprentices will come away with enhanced environmental awareness and a better understanding of HSW applied to their role; it was designed to ensure we give our people the right skills to be our future asset maintainers and operators. The apprenticeship benefits the whole team as well as the individual by instantly putting their training, knowledge, and skills into practice.

To complete the WEW Apprenticeship you will need to either have Level 2 in Numeracy and Literacy or be prepared to develop with support an equivalent level of capability as part of the apprenticeship.

This is an exciting time to join the UK's biggest environmental organisation with an ambition to be Carbon Net Zero by 2030 and this will influence how we do things in the future. As part of the Environment Agency, you will play your part in protecting and improving the environment. We are working with government, local councils, businesses, civil society groups and communities to meet these challenges and at the same time make our environment a better place for people and wildlife.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain and operate flood and coastal risk management assets, ensuring their optimal performance in safeguarding communities.
• Respond to incidents and emergencies related to flooding and other environmental challenges, playing a vital role in our 24/7 standby roster. Your dedication will be compensated in addition to your basic pay.
• Contribute to initiatives, such as installing flood barriers, building sandbag walls, deploying high-volume pumps, and providing assistance to affected communities during flood situations.
• Utilise a wide range of tools and equipment, including chainsaws, strimmers/bushcutters, heavy plant machinery, boats, and more. Your proficiency will be key to preventing and mitigating flood risks.
• Participate in various tasks such as structural maintenance, vegetation management, small construction projects, soft engineering methods, beach maintenance, and culvert and grille clearances.

Why choose us:

• Meaningful Impact: As an Emergency responder, you'll be at the forefront of safeguarding communities and ecosystems. Your efforts will directly contribute to our ambitious goal of achieving Carbon Net Zero by 2030, leaving a lasting positive impact on the environment.
• Diverse and Exciting Role: Enjoy a diverse range of duties that involve structural maintenance, vegetation management, small construction projects, soft engineering, beach maintenance, and responding to flood incidents. Every day will be different and fulfilling.
• Training and Support: No prior experience? No problem! The WEW Apprentice Programme delivers comprehensive training in the use of tools, equipment, and health & safety protocols, ensuring you have all the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your role.
• Continuous Learning: Enhance your practical abilities and environmental awareness through hands-on work. We encourage and support further development, including specialist training when required.
• Team Environment: Work as part of a close-knit team of like-minded individuals who share your passion for the environment. Together, we make a real impact and create a better world for all.

What you will need:

• Ability to work in all weather conditions and as part of a dedicated team.
• A valid UK driving license.
• Ability to travel to your depot and/or the local area within a reasonable time in order to respond to incidents and meet urgent business needs.

We're looking for people with:

• A passion for the outdoors and a genuine commitment to protecting the environment.
• Literacy and numeracy skills, along with a willingness to learn our in-house systems and use IT devices.
• Some understanding of site health and safety requirements, but full training will be provided.

Where you will work:

You will be expected to travel to your depot to check in daily, and then will be dispersed from there in smaller teams to carry out the field work tasks for that day within our geographical area. More on this and the shift patterns will be explained at the interview.

What's in it for you?

You'll benefit from a culture that embraces difference and is inclusive where you'll feel supported and trusted to do the right thing. We'll invest in you and allow you to grow and shape your career. Specifically, we will support you to complete and achieve our mandatory Water Environment Worker apprenticeship.

What's more, you'll have access to our great benefits package including:

• A salary of £22,979 
• A generous career average pension scheme
• Overtime opportunities through standby and incident pay
• Your holiday entitlement depends on your grade, contracted hours, and continuous service length. The table in the candidate pack summarises your entitlement if you work full-time, 37 hours. If you work part-time your entitlement is pro-rated based on your contracted weekly hours 
• Great career opportunities
• Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave scheme
• This is a full-time role. There may be the option for flexible and/or part-time working upon request

As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve, to achieve this we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, and religion.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the UK's biggest environmental organisation. Join us and together let's tackle the challenges of a changing climate and build a more sustainable future. 

Apply now and embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey with the Environment. There may be the option for flexible and/or part-time working upon request.

Closing date for applications 14th October 2024.