At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our groundskeeping team to maintain beautiful outdoor spaces and assist with various gardening tasks.
- Company: CWA is a community-focused FE College in East England, dedicated to staff well-being and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, discounts, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Job share opportunities available; apply by 7 September 2025 for a chance to join our team!
- Why this job: Perfect for those seeking part-time work-life balance while making a positive impact on the community.
- Qualifications: Must have experience in grounds maintenance and a level 2 qualification, plus a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 9645 - 9726 £ per year.
Overview
Are you an experienced groundskeeper looking for a new challenge? Are you seeking a part-time role with a good work/life balance?
JOB TITLE: GROUNDS MAINTENANCE OPERATIVE
LOCATION: KING\'S LYNN (WITH REGULAR WORK AT OUR OTHER CAMPUSES)
HOURS: 15 PER WEEK (MONDAY AND TUESDAY EACH WEEK)
SALARY: £9,645 - £9,726 PER ANNUM (£23,792 - £23,992 FTE)
CWA are looking for a new member of their grounds keeping team on a part-time basis to assist in keeping our sites in excellent condition. The hours will be mainly worked at our King\'s Lynn campus; there may be occasions to visit Wisbech or Cambridge campus, for which travel expenses are payable.
This is a physically demanding role involving all aspects of gardening and groundwork, from soil cultivation to woodland management, through to minor landscaping work.
The successful postholder must be experienced in a similar role and hold at least a level 2 qualification in a related field, or equivalent experience, as well as holding a full UK driving license including towing a trailer due to the nature of the work.
Responsibilities
- Help maintain sites in excellent condition across campuses (primarily King\'s Lynn).
- Carry out soil cultivation, woodland management and minor landscaping tasks.
- Travel to Wisbech or Cambridge campuses as required; travel expenses payable.
- Work as part of the Property Services team within a supportive, community-focused FE College environment.
Qualifications
- Experience in a similar groundskeeping role.
- Level 2 qualification in a related field or equivalent experience.
- Full UK driving license including towing a trailer.
Benefits
Generous annual leave allowance of 30 days per year for support staff, plus five College closure days, plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part-time).
Fee waivers on some College courses, contributory pension scheme with the Local Government Pension Scheme, discounts with local businesses, and access to a cycle to work scheme. Well-being support includes an Employee Assistance Programme and access to training and development.
Job share opportunities are available for the right candidates.
How to apply
To apply online or to view all current vacancies please visit www.cwa.ac.uk.
For further information specific to the role, or to arrange a visit please contact Aaron Nicol at aaron.nicol@cwa.ac.uk.
Closing date for receipt of all applications: midnight, Sunday 26 October 2025
Interviews are provisionally scheduled for w/c 3 November 2025
Applicants are expected to ensure their applications are written in their own words.
We reserve the right to use an AI checker on any application.
Please note that all interviews are conducted face to face; online interviews are not facilitated.
CWA is a Disability Confident employer and offers a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria. We encourage you to disclose any disabilities and whether you wish to be considered under this scheme.
CWA is committed to safeguarding; all staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS checks, including a barred list check and online search of shortlisted candidates.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 but Exceptions Order may apply.
Full details of our Safeguarding Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection policy can be found at Policies (cwa.ac.uk).
CWA reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitably qualified applications are received.
No agencies please
Grounds Maintenance Operative (15 hours per week) in King's Lynn employer: College of West Anglia
CWA is an excellent employer for Grounds Maintenance Operatives, offering a supportive and community-focused work environment in King's Lynn. With a strong emphasis on staff well-being, generous annual leave, and comprehensive training opportunities, employees can achieve a healthy work/life balance while contributing to the upkeep of our beautiful campuses. Join a thriving team where your skills are valued and you can grow professionally in a role that makes a real difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative (15 hours per week) in King's Lynn
✨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 College of West Anglia.
✨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 College of West Anglia.
✨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 College of West Anglia; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative (15 hours per week) in King's Lynn
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 College of West Anglia.
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 (15 hours per week).
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what College of West Anglia 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 College of West Anglia a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at College of West Anglia
✨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 College of West Anglia might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
