Joanna Smith

A motivated, skilled horticulturist and groundsman with strong on-the-job experience in public-sector grounds maintenance, estate work and habitat management across Bedfordshire.

Experience in maintaining sensitive spaces, public parks and recreation areas to a high standard. Certified by the Institute of Groundmanship for handheld power tools, alongside qualifications for ride-on machinery, PA1/PA6 pesticides, a 360-degree excavator licence and Class 1 HGV (category C+E) driving licence.

Grounds Maintenance Operative at HOUGHTON TOWN COUNCIL (2018-01 – 2021-12)

• Maintained various outdoor spaces to high aesthetic and ecological standards
• Ensuring parks and recreation areas were safe and welcoming for visitors
• Worked in cemetery grounds with a high level of care and respect
• Carried out scheduled preventative maintenance logs for machinery and handheld tools
• Safely operated agricultural and horticultural machinery
• Working collaboratively with grounds maintenance team to improve community green spaces

Grounds Maintenance Operative at LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL (2013-01 – 2017-12)

• Maintained public parklands to protect their natural habitats while ensuring areas remained safe and welcoming for visitors
• Undertook grass cutting, hedge cutting, hoeing, weeding, digging, and leaf raking
• Utilised, cleaned and serviced a range of heavy machinery, hand tools and horticultural equipment
• Fine turf maintenance, pruning and planting to recognised horticultural standards

C&D Driver at DPD (2011-01 – 2013-12)

• Loading, transporting and delivering items to multiple addresses for clients or businesses in a safe and timely manner
• Adhering to assigned routes and following time schedules
• Abided to transportation laws and maintaining a safe driving record

Mobile Tyre Fitter at E-TYRES (2007-01 – 2011-12)

• Duties included responding to mobile tyre fitting service requests promptly and efficiently
• Performing tyre replacements, repairs and maintenance on a variety of vehicles
• Implementing good knowledge of local areas to avoid traffic and manage diversions
• Conducting thorough vehicle inspections
• Consistently provided good customer service using clear and concise communication

Apprentice Technician at HARTWELL FORD (2003-01 – 2007-12)

• Completed a 3-year modern apprenticeship in the service department
• Educated and trained by Master technician
• Assisted with MOT's, servicing and repairs

Catering (Casual Worker) at WHIPSNADE ZOO (2001-01 – 2003-12)

• Gained early experience working at Whipsnade Zoo which provided good knowledge of the Zoo's site and environment
• Developed strong customer service skills working with high volumes of visitors

HGV Driving Licence Class 1 – DVLA (2024-01)

HGV Driving Licence Class 2 – DVLA (2024-01)

N202T Level 2 PA1 & PA6 – City and Guilds IOG (2016-01)

Level 2 Certificate of Competence in Safe Use of Mowers – City and Guilds (2016-01)

Handheld Equipment Training – IOG (2006-01)

Ford AMA NVQ Level 2 – Ford Sandwell College (2006-01)

Foundation in Sports and Leisure – Dunstable College (2002-01)

GCSEs A-C in Including Maths and English