At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens and grounds, ensuring a vibrant environment for all.
- Company: Join Durham University, a leader in education with a commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to work outdoors.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact on campus biodiversity and community.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a love for nature and teamwork!
- Other info: Work includes evenings and weekends, plus participation in an on-call rota for emergencies.
The predicted salary is between 24843 - 26093 Β£ per year.
Grounds Person β Durham
Job Title : Grounds Person
Department Estates and Facilities Directorate
Estates Operations
Grade: Grade 4
Salary range: Β£24,848-Β£26,093
Working arrangements: Permanent
Full time (35 hours)
Five days out of seven
Some requirement to work evenings and weekends, as business demands
Participation in the on-call rota for out-of-hours emergency situations, particularly in relation to the University\βs winter maintenance programme.
Onsite working only
Closing date: 11 January 2026
The Role and Department
Durham University owns an estate covering 251 hectares (ha), including, woodland and scrub (112ha), farming and grazing land (53ha), amenity grassland (27ha), as well as wetlands and river line habitats.
It supports a rich diversity of species and habitats, including many red listed species of conservation concern and numerous areas of species- rich habitat.
As Grounds Person, you will undertake all aspects of gardens and grounds maintenance including college grounds and heritage planting at Palace Green linking in and working collaboratively with the Biodiversity Team, in line with DU Biodiversity Strategy,
You will become a member of a professional, customer focussed team, delivering exemplary standards of grounds and landscape management.
The Estates and Facilities Directorate provides essential services to Durham University and is responsible for managing, maintaining and developing the infrastructure and building fabric of the various campuses.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
Grounds Person - Durham employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Grounds Person - Durham
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Durham University's Biodiversity Strategy. Understanding their approach to biodiversity and conservation will not only help you in the interview but also show your commitment to the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in the Estates and Facilities Directorate. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with grounds maintenance and any relevant horticultural knowledge. Be ready to share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your skills and dedication to maintaining high standards.
β¨Tip Number 4
Show your flexibility and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required. Highlighting your availability for the on-call rota will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the needs of the university.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Person - Durham
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Grounds Person position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in grounds maintenance, biodiversity, and teamwork. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to meet the job's demands.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for grounds maintenance and your understanding of biodiversity. Mention how your values align with Durham University's Biodiversity Strategy.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
β¨Know Your Grounds
Familiarise yourself with the specific types of landscapes and habitats mentioned in the job description. Understanding the biodiversity strategy and how it relates to grounds maintenance will show your commitment to the role.
β¨Showcase Teamwork Skills
As the role involves collaboration with the Biodiversity Team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to a common goal, especially in outdoor or environmental settings.
β¨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the position requires working evenings, weekends, and being part of an on-call rota, express your willingness to adapt to varying schedules. Share any past experiences that demonstrate your flexibility and reliability in similar situations.
β¨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready about the role and the team. Inquire about specific projects or initiatives related to biodiversity and grounds management at Durham University. This shows your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the position.