At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain beautiful parks and open spaces for the community.
- Company: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunities for learning and career growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on your local environment while enjoying outdoor work.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and a passion for the environment.
The predicted salary is between 27694 - 31022 £ per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are hiring a Grounds Maintenance Operative for our Public Realm team based at the Sudbury Chilton Depot, Alexandra Road, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2XH.
Salary: £27,694 – £31,022 per annum (plus contractual overtime).
Hours: 40 hours per week (37 hours + 3 contractual overtime hours).
Contract: Permanent.
Join Our Team
We are looking for a motivated Grounds Maintenance Operative to join our Grounds Maintenance Crew within our Public Realm team. If you share our values and our motivation to make a difference for our residents, clients and communities, we would love to hear from you.
About The Role
The Public Realm Team is responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the district councils’ countryside sites and open spaces, including informal recreational sites, local nature reserves, parks and smaller picnic areas. This role is based at our Sudbury Chilton Depot and plays a vital part in maintaining the cleanliness, tidiness and overall appeal of the joint district’s public open spaces.
You will be responsible for delivering a variety of grounds maintenance services, which are practical and physically demanding. These services will be carried out across council‑owned parks, play areas, open spaces and communal areas, and will involve the use of specialised vehicles, machinery and equipment. Duties also include litter picking, clearing fly‑tipped waste and other general cleansing tasks. This is a full‑time role of 40 hours per week, worked over five days (Monday–Friday). The position operates on an annualised hours basis, with working hours varying between the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter seasons.
About You
We are looking for someone with experience in grounds maintenance who is passionate about the environment and eager to contribute to making local areas cleaner, greener and more welcoming for residents and visitors alike. You will enjoy working outdoors, whether independently or as part of a team.
- Experience in grounds maintenance and proficiency in a range of related tasks, or transferable skills that suit the role.
- Ability to operate grounds maintenance equipment safely and effectively.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage positively with the public, colleagues and supervisors, and a commitment to good customer care.
- A proactive and flexible approach, including a willingness to undertake cleansing tasks to meet operational and seasonal service demands.
- Awareness of Health and Safety legislation, practices and personal responsibility.
- Basic computer literacy, including the ability to use email and mobile devices.
- Ability to maintain accurate records of work completed.
- A full driving licence and the appropriate qualification to tow a trailer.
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the qualifications and experience outlined in the person specification as well as those with some relevant experience and a strong desire to learn and grow within the role.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
- Private Health Care options.
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (business needs permitting).
- Great learning and development opportunities.
Our Ways of Working
We believe work is what we do, not just where we go. We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home and remote based working (business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
For More Information
For an informal discussion please contact Mike Hooper by either calling 07720 159040 or emailing mike.hooper@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk. Please read the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf) before applying for this job opportunity.
Closing Date 5pm, 18 March 2026.
How To Apply
Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (JD and PS). Complete the Supporting Statement template. Complete the online application and upload your statement. Your statement should indicate how you meet the criteria in the ‘Person specification’ section of the JD and PS. Your statement should be no more than 2 sides of A4, use the template provided (other formats will not be accepted) and be uploaded on your online application, as without this your interest will not be progressed.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Grounds Maintenance Operative employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, flexible working arrangements, and robust learning opportunities, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. Located in the heart of Suffolk, our councils are committed to creating vibrant communities, making this a rewarding place to work for those passionate about public service.
Contact Details:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, their values, and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. A friendly chat can go a long way in making a good impression and might even get you a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to grounds maintenance. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and following the right steps.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’ll help you understand what we’re looking for in a Grounds Maintenance Operative and how you can showcase your skills to match our needs.
Use the Supporting Statement Template:Make sure to fill out the Supporting Statement template provided. This is your chance to shine! Highlight how your experience aligns with the person specification and keep it within the 2 sides of A4 limit.
Be Authentic and Personal:When writing your application, let your personality come through. We want to know who you are and why you’re passionate about grounds maintenance. Share your experiences and what motivates you to make our public spaces better!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
✨Know Your Grounds Maintenance Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of grounds maintenance practices. Be ready to discuss your experience with specific tasks like litter picking, using machinery, and maintaining public spaces. Showing that you understand the role's demands will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion for the Environment
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for making local areas cleaner and greener. Share examples of how you've contributed to environmental projects or initiatives in the past. This will highlight your commitment to the values of the Public Realm team.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Prepare to discuss how you've engaged positively with the public and worked as part of a team. Think of specific instances where your communication made a difference in your previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about health and safety practices and your ability to operate grounds maintenance equipment. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and be prepared to explain how you ensure safety in your work. This shows you're proactive and responsible.
