Grounds & Gardens Operative in Ashton

Equans are looking for a Grounds & Gardens Operative working on our Tameside General Hospital contract in Ashton‑under‑Lyne. This role is a permanent full‑time position of 40 hours per week, with a competitive salary and benefits package.

General Overview

To work within a team providing an essential grounds and gardens maintenance service to the site. Ensuring the site remains clear of litter and organic debris and remains neat and tidy at all times. The individual must be able to work on their own initiative to prioritise workloads and within the wider team to provide a first class service to our client.

Impact

The post holder works as part of a team, assists the Grounds Supervisor in the delivery of a professional grounds maintenance service, providing a positive image of the hospital and our clients. They are an important team member ensuring the grounds remain clean and clear at all times.

Complexity

• Maintain a litter‑free site, removing all accumulations of litter, cigarettes, debris, and leaves.
• Progress a schedule of external litter bin and cigarette disposal bin maintenance, including removal and disposal of existing refuse bags, physically cleaning and disinfecting the receptacles prior to the insertion of replacement refuse bags.
• Use electrically operated water‑propelling, pressure‑jetting units to remove graffiti and extraneous accumulations from wall areas, floor areas, and grounds maintenance equipment.
• Progress the planned maintenance of all formal bedding areas, with works inclusive of digging, hoeing, manure/fertiliser applications, planting operations, staking/tying back, and pruning in accordance with approved horticultural practices.
• Progress the planned maintenance of hard landscaped areas, including paved areas, walling elements, etc.
• Assist the estates department’s general building assistants on an ad‑hoc basis to progress any other works necessary to ensure safe and efficient maintenance of the estate.
• Carry out a 10‑day full‑site grass cut to an exceptional standard.
• Use a PDA to sign off jobs.
• Clear frost, ice, and snow accumulations from all highways, carparks, footpaths, access ramps, and stairways, employing rock salt and a range of ice dispersants, applied manually and with mechanically propelled gritting equipment.
• Complete all relevant PPM and reactive paperwork.
• Take part in the on‑call rota as planned.

Qualifications or Required Experience

• Experience in a PFI and/or healthcare environment.
• Experience of working with members of the public and customer focus.
• Experience of grounds maintenance.
• PA1 & PA6 spraying licence.
• Full UK driving licence.

Benefits

• 24 days annual leave.
• Life cover equivalent to 1.5 times annual salary.
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers.
• Gym membership discounts.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Holiday purchase scheme.
• 2 corporate social responsibility days per year.
• Broad range of learning opportunities, including professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalised support programmes.
• Attractive employee referral rewards scheme.
• Access to growing employee networks (including WiE, RISE, LGBTQI+, Working Parents, YPN and our Disability Network).
• 24/7 employee assistance programme and access to a mental wellbeing app.

Eligibility and EEO

For this role, you must have evidence of the right to work in the UK. Certain roles may require applicants to undergo a Disclosure check or security vetting, as noted in the role requirements. A criminal record will not necessarily be a barrier to obtaining a position with us.