Grounds Maintenance Operative in Ashington, Northumberland

CMS Recruitment are seeking hardworking Grounds Maintenance Operative on a permanent basis to join our well-known construction & regeneration client working across Northumberland.

Role Purpose: To deliver high-quality grounds maintenance services across estates, communal external areas, and facilities. The Grounds Maintenance Operative ensures outdoor environments are clean, safe, well-presented, and compliant with service standards, enhancing the appearance and usability of external spaces for residents and visitors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry out grass cutting, strimming, hedge trimming, pruning, weeding, edging, and shrub maintenance.
• Operate grounds machinery including lawn mowers, strimmers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters, and ride-on equipment (where trained).
• Maintain planting beds, borders, trees, and seasonal features.
• Perform litter picking, waste collection, and fly-tip reporting.
• Assist with soft landscaping tasks such as planting, turfing, mulching, and soil preparation.
• Grit and clear snow/ice during winter months to maintain safe access routes.
• Report estate issues such as damaged fencing, unsafe trees, trip hazards, vandalism, or abandoned vehicles.
• Work safely around the public, ensuring tools and machinery do not pose risks.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with residents and building users.
• Follow all Health & Safety policies, RAMS, and safe systems of work.
• Use correct PPE at all times, including hearing and eye protection.
• Carry out pre-use checks on machinery and equipment.
• Identify and report hazards such as unsafe trees, exposed roots, damaged pathways, or pest issues.
• Ensure safe storage, handling, and refuelling of machinery and fuel containers.
• Use handheld devices or job sheets to record completed works, photos, and follow-on actions.

Vehicle Responsibilities:

• Drive company vehicles safely in line with UK road law and fleet policy.
• Conduct daily checks including tyres, lights, fluids, damage, and load security.
• Report vehicle defects immediately and follow correct procedures.
• Keep the vehicle clean and ensure tools, machines, and consumables are safely secured.
• Maintain van stock including fuel, strimmer cord, PPE, and basic tools.
• Follow procedures for fuel use, telematics, parking, and accident reporting.

Generic Requirements for all colleagues:

• Contribute to the creation of a positive culture in line with Advance Northumberland values.
• Show commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace and ensure this is reflected in all activities.
• Ensure a safe and sustainable working environment is promoted across the business.
• Contribute to the financial performance of the business, in line with role responsibilities.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as requested.

Essential Criteria Skills, Knowledge & Experience Required:

• Experience in grounds maintenance or outdoor labouring work.
• Ability to operate grounds machinery safely and effectively.
• Understanding of soft landscaping and horticultural tasks.
• Aware of environmental and ecological considerations.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• IT skills sufficient to undertake mandatory training and use in-house APPS.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Full UK driving licence (if required for the role).

Desirable:

• NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture or Grounds Maintenance.
• PA1/PA6 pesticide application certification.
• Experience in social housing or public sector estate management.
• First aid training and experience using digital job management systems.

Behavioural Expectations:

• Professional and polite at all times when representing the organisation.
• Commitment to delivering high standards of outdoor presentation.
• Positive, proactive attitude with pride in the quality of the environment.
• Strong commitment to safe working practices and PPE use.
• Organised approach to route planning, task management, and timekeeping.

Tools, Equipment & Machinery:

• Maintain tools and machinery in safe working condition through checks and cleaning.
• Report faulty equipment immediately and remove from service where necessary.
• Use appropriate PPE for all activities involving machinery.
• Ensure safe handling, mixing, and application of chemicals (where trained).
• Maintain tidy, organised vehicles and equipment storage areas.

Performance Measures:

• Quality of grounds presentation and maintenance standards.
• Seasonal work responsiveness (e.g., winter, leaf-fall season).
• Customer satisfaction and resident feedback.
• Productivity and completion of scheduled routes and tasks.
• Compliance with Health & Safety procedures and RAMS.
• Accuracy of job reporting, photos, and equipment logs.

If you are passionate about Ground Maintenance and possess the necessary skills, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!