At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams in maintaining parks and greenspaces, ensuring top-notch service delivery.
- Company: Join Derby City Council, a fair and inclusive employer committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work-life balance, 27 days annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Access to employee support networks and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3 years of grounds maintenance experience and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 39862 £ per year.
Job reference: 000012260
Posted: 11/06/2026
Closing date: 05/07/2026
Working pattern: As specified
Salary Grade: H – £37,280 - £39,862 a year
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Full time
Job category: Parks / Gardens
Responsibilities
- Lead teams of chargehands and gardeners to deliver cyclical mowing, weed management programmes, and empty homes clearance through the Derby Homes contract.
- Ensure health surveillance of the team is kept up to date and assist in the development of the team as well as your own personal development.
- Organise and manage grounds maintenance operations on parks, greenspaces and third-party sites such as education and health care premises.
- Integrate all operations with the work of other sections of Climate and Active Environments and other Streetpride services, promoting excellent service standards throughout in accordance with Derby City Council’s specifications.
- Manage transformation and change, ensuring that staff at all levels are involved in shaping the future of the service.
Qualifications & experience
- 3 years practical experience of all types of grounds maintenance work.
- 2 years’ experience in the supervision of grounds maintenance work.
- Ability to understand site plans and documentation.
- A good level of IT skills.
- Thorough knowledge of health and safety issues and legislation relating to grounds maintenance work.
- Willingness to participate in an emergency out of hours standby rota system.
- NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent.
- Possession of a full UK driving licence.
- Excellent leadership skills.
- Effective communication skills.
- Commitment to and ability to work within the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion practices adopted by Derby City Council in line with the Equality Act 2000.
What We Offer
- Flexible work/life balance scheme (depending on your role).
- Continued professional development opportunities and career conversations.
- 27 days annual leave (rising to 32 days after 5 years’ service), plus bank holidays (depending on contract).
- Local Government Pension Scheme (depending on contract).
- Team Derby Rewards – retail and leisure discounts.
- Tusker Car Benefit Scheme.
- Cycle2Work Scheme and free cycle training.
- Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing calendar and support.
- Access to Equality Employee Networks – LGBTQ+, Disabled Employee Network, Carers, Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Employee Support Network and Neurodiversity Network.
- Support for colleagues who are carers.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We recruit for diversity and value difference. We are a Disability confident leader and offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled candidates who meet the essential requirements for the role. Please let us know of any individual requirements or reasonable adjustments you may have during the application, interview or onboarding process and we’ll do all we can to help.
Grounds Maintenance Officer employer: Derby City Council
As a Grounds Maintenance Officer with Derby City Council, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With flexible work-life balance options, generous annual leave, and access to various employee support networks, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the community while advancing your career in a dynamic environment. Join us in shaping the future of our parks and greenspaces, where your leadership skills will be valued and your contributions recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Officer
✨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 Derby City Council.
✨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 Derby City Council.
✨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 Derby City Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Officer
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 Derby City Council.
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 Officer.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Derby City Council 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 Derby City Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby City Council
✨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 Derby City Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
