At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful parks and green spaces while working outdoors.
- Company: Join a dedicated council team focused on community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Permanent role with full-time hours and job security.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance or willingness to learn essential skills.
The predicted salary is between 24169 - 24169 £ per year.
To deliver high-quality grounds maintenance and related frontline environmental services across council-managed sites, ensuring public green spaces, parks, and open areas are clean, safe, and well maintained for residents and service users.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out general grounds maintenance including:
- Grass cutting using pedestrian and ride-on mowers
- Strimming and edging
- Hedge cutting and pruning
- Weeding and planting
- Litter picking and bin emptying
- Sports pitch marking
- Basic site inspections and upkeep
Health & Safety and Equipment Use
- Operate tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and in line with training and procedures
- Complete pre-use checks on vehicles and equipment
- Wear appropriate PPE at all times
- Report defects, hazards, or safety concerns immediately
- Follow all relevant Health & Safety legislation and council policies
Service Delivery
- Deliver a high standard of work to maintain public spaces
- Work professionally with members of the public, colleagues, contractors, and stakeholders
- Support frontline council services including waste and street scene operations when required
- Work across different service areas as part of a flexible operational team
Administration and Reporting
- Record completed work accurately using paper-based or electronic systems
- Support monitoring and reporting of daily tasks and service delivery
Teamwork and Development
- Work collaboratively as part of a multi-skilled operational team
- Participate in training and development activities
- Support new working practices and service improvements
Working Conditions
- Outdoor manual work in all weather conditions
- Physically demanding role involving walking, standing, lifting, and repetitive tasks
- Early starts and potential weekend/bank holiday work on a rota basis (typically 7am–3pm)
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, or similar outdoor work
- Ability to use or willingness to learn strimmers, pedestrian mowers, and similar equipment
- Basic understanding of Health & Safety
- Full UK driving licence
- Good communication skills and ability to work with the public
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good time management and ability to prioritise tasks
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Physically fit for manual work
- Basic IT skills (email, forms, simple systems)
Desirable
- Experience operating ride-on mowers
- NVQ Level 1 or equivalent in horticulture, landscaping, or related field
Behaviour and Values
The post holder is expected to work in line with council values by:
- Working collaboratively as one team
- Treating people fairly and with respect
- Being reliable and accountable
- Putting the needs of the community first
Additional Requirements
- Compliance with all Health & Safety policies and procedures
- Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Adherence to data protection and information security policies
Grounds Maintenance Operative – AR employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a Grounds Maintenance Operative with our council, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing the beauty and safety of our community's green spaces. We offer a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional development, alongside competitive benefits and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in residents' lives. Working outdoors in a vibrant environment, you'll enjoy the satisfaction of maintaining parks and public areas while developing your skills in grounds maintenance.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative – AR
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Carrington Blake Recruitment.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Carrington Blake Recruitment.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Carrington Blake Recruitment; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative – AR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Carrington Blake Recruitment.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Grounds Maintenance Operative – AR.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Carrington Blake Recruitment is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Carrington Blake Recruitment a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Carrington Blake Recruitment might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
