Grounds and Cemetery Maintenance Apprentice – (Hertford Town Council)
| Posting date: | 20 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 10 February 2026 |
| Location: | Hertford SG14 2BX |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | KEITS Training Services Ltd |
| Job type: | Apprenticeship |
| Job reference: | Grounds and Cemetery Maintenance Apprentice – (Hertford Town Council) 20.1.26 |
Summary
Hertford Cemetery, situated on North Road, is a peaceful space with great historical interest. Its natural environment attracts all types of wildlife and is an important nature conservation resource, with beautifully kept lawns and mature trees.
Assistance with grounds maintenance and cemetery operative duties at Hertford Cemetery, closed churchyards, allotments and other areas within Hertford.
MAIN DUTIES:
To work with other officers, contractors and other bodies to provide high quality grounds maintenance and bereavement service including:
To keep all Council sites in excellent condition and to keep the cemetery as an attractive, peaceful and well-run facility.
To assist with the seasonal and ongoing work of the allotment sites; the operational running of the cemetery and closed churchyards and public amenities such as Pinehurst play area.
To assist with obtaining quotations for repairs and maintenance, obtaining best value for the Council.
Hertford Cemetery and Closed Churchyards
Liaison with Officers, ministers and bereaved families to ensure smooth-running of funeral services.
Monitoring of gravedigging and filling and levelling of grave following the interment by contractors.
Maintenance of the cemetery grounds, closed churchyards and other areas as required, including grass cutting, soil cultivation, planting of trees and shrubs, turfing, hedge cutting, pruning and use of light machinery.
Town Sites/Amenities
Supporting the maintenance of the play area by conducting routine inspections and assisting with minor repairs to ensure safety and cleanliness.
To assist with other grounds maintenance work in the town including supporting biodiversity initiatives.
Assisting with other tasks as required, including preparing for community events or helping with small projects across the town.
Allotments
To liaise with other Officers on the administration of the allotments including maintenance of an accurate register of plot holders from applications for and giving up of plots.
To provide a friendly and professional service to plot holders concerning the recording and acting on and follow up each complaint within a specified time period.
Desired Skills and Qualities
Interest in horticulture, landscaping, or outdoor work.
Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
Basic knowledge of Health and Safety issues
Computer literate
Mathematically competent
Able to communicate sensitively, politely and clearly with members of the public and staff.
Must be able to courteously and effectively work with staff, funeral directors, contractors on site.
Reliable and punctual.
Ability to carry out the physical requirements of the role.
Attention to detail and pride in work quality.
Able to prioritise tasks
Ability to follow instructions and work independently when required.
Good team player with a positive attitude.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements.
Desired Qualifications
Driving not essential (although preferable)
GCSE’s in maths and English desired but not essential.
Possible progression
A permanent role may be available for the right candidate
Landscape gardener
Training
Full training to be provided by the employer and KEITS at the place of employment.
The applicant will be working towards a Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Operative Apprenticeship.
The learner will be allocated an industry specific training consultant who will provide both remote and on site visits throughout the apprenticeship.
The apprentice will work towards an End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of their apprenticeship.
You will also need to achieve Level 3 award in Emergency First Aid at Work and Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance or Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides before undertaking the End Point Assessment.
Things to consider
KEITS Training Services Ltd reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the listed closing date should the need arise.
Assistance with grounds maintenance and cemetery operative duties at Hertford Cemetery, closed churchyards, allotments and other areas within Hertford.
MAIN DUTIES:
To work with other officers, contractors and other bodies to provide high quality grounds maintenance and bereavement service including:
To keep all Council sites in excellent condition and to keep the cemetery as an attractive, peaceful and well-run facility.
To assist with the seasonal and ongoing work of the allotment sites; the operational running of the cemetery and closed churchyards and public amenities such as Pinehurst play area.
To assist with obtaining quotations for repairs and maintenance, obtaining best value for the Council.
Hertford Cemetery and Closed Churchyards
Liaison with Officers, ministers and bereaved families to ensure smooth-running of funeral services.
Monitoring of gravedigging and filling and levelling of grave following the interment by contractors.
Maintenance of the cemetery grounds, closed churchyards and other areas as required, including grass cutting, soil cultivation, planting of trees and shrubs, turfing, hedge cutting, pruning and use of light machinery.
Town Sites/Amenities
Supporting the maintenance of the play area by conducting routine inspections and assisting with minor repairs to ensure safety and cleanliness.
To assist with other grounds maintenance work in the town including supporting biodiversity initiatives.
Assisting with other tasks as required, including preparing for community events or helping with small projects across the town.
Allotments
To liaise with other Officers on the administration of the allotments including maintenance of an accurate register of plot holders from applications for and giving up of plots.
To provide a friendly and professional service to plot holders concerning the recording and acting on and follow up each complaint within a specified time period.
Desired Skills and Qualities
Interest in horticulture, landscaping, or outdoor work.
Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
Basic knowledge of Health and Safety issues
Computer literate
Mathematically competent
Able to communicate sensitively, politely and clearly with members of the public and staff.
Must be able to courteously and effectively work with staff, funeral directors, contractors on site.
Reliable and punctual.
Ability to carry out the physical requirements of the role.
Attention to detail and pride in work quality.
Able to prioritise tasks
Ability to follow instructions and work independently when required.
Good team player with a positive attitude.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements.
Desired Qualifications
Driving not essential (although preferable)
GCSE’s in maths and English desired but not essential.
Possible progression
A permanent role may be available for the right candidate
Landscape gardener
Training
Full training to be provided by the employer and KEITS at the place of employment.
The applicant will be working towards a Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Operative Apprenticeship.
The learner will be allocated an industry specific training consultant who will provide both remote and on site visits throughout the apprenticeship.
The apprentice will work towards an End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of their apprenticeship.
You will also need to achieve Level 3 award in Emergency First Aid at Work and Level 2 Principles of Safe Handling and Application of Pesticides Guidance or Level 2 Award in the Safe Use of Pesticides before undertaking the End Point Assessment.
Things to consider
KEITS Training Services Ltd reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the listed closing date should the need arise.