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- Tasks: Maintain beautiful outdoor spaces and make a positive impact in your community.
- Company: Join Gentoo Group, a values-led charity dedicated to providing quality homes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a health cash plan.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, develop skills, and contribute to a vital mission in Sunderland.
- Qualifications: Full UK driver's licence and experience in grounds maintenance required.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with clear career progression and supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 22722 - 30808 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Estate Operative (Grounds Maintenance) role at Gentoo Group
We are a values-led, charitable organisation that provides more than 60,000 people in Sunderland with a place they can call home. We have a clear vision and a social purpose. We believe that everyone has the right to live in a good quality home that they can afford. We invest millions of pounds every year to keep our existing homes safe and descent. We also play our part in helping to deal with the UK housing crisis by building hundreds of new, modern homes to rent in Sunderland. We would love for you to join us to achieve our vision.
Salary
£27,722.00
Job Description
Are you passionate about working outdoors and making a real difference in your community? We have an exciting opportunity for 2 experienced Estate Operatives to join our dedicated grounds maintenance team at Gentoo.
Interviews
Interviews are planned for the week commencing 10th November, but we’re happy to discuss alternative arrangements if you have other commitments.
What You Will Be Doing
As an Estate Operative, you’ll play a vital role in keeping our neighbourhoods and communal areas looking their best for our customers. You’ll work both independently and as part of a supportive, experienced team—rain or shine. Your main responsibilities will include:
- Grass cutting, hedge trimming, pruning, strimming, and clearing leaves, litter, or debris.
- General maintenance of grounds, landscaped areas, open spaces, and customer properties using mechanical equipment and materials.
- Using a hand-held scheduling device and completing all related documentation.
Why join Gentoo?
- Annualised hours: 40 hours per week in summer, 29 hours per week in winter.
- Work with experienced colleagues who share best practices and technical knowledge.
- Access to training opportunities and clear pathways for career progression within Gentoo.
- We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
What We Are Looking For
- A full UK drivers licence (essential).
- Experience in grounds maintenance.
- Pride in your work and a keen eye for detail.
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills, including completing relevant training and qualifications.
Desirable (but Not Essential)
- Experience with horticultural plants and machinery, and knowledge of best practices.
- Experience driving and towing machinery.
- Familiarity with app-based scheduling systems.
- COSHH and Health & Safety knowledge in a horticultural environment.
- Knowledge of Sunderland and the surrounding area.
Benefits
- 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year.
- Early finish on Fridays
- Flexible and hybrid working.
- Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover.
- Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan.
- Competitive Aviva pension scheme – Gentoo will contribute up to 10% based on your personal contribution.
- Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme
- Enhanced family-friendly leave
- Car mileage allowance if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes.
- Life assurance cover to the value of 3 times your annual salary
We look forward to receiving your application.
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Estate Operative (Grounds Maintenance) employer: Gentoo Group
Contact Detail:
Gentoo Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estate Operative (Grounds Maintenance)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Gentoo Group and their values! Research their mission and vision so you can show how your passion for grounds maintenance aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice common interview questions related to grounds maintenance. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to be ready to showcase your skills and knowledge confidently!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some questions for your interviewers! Asking about team dynamics or training opportunities shows your interest in the role and helps you determine if Gentoo is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s get you that Estate Operative role!
We think you need these skills to ace Estate Operative (Grounds Maintenance)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: When you're writing your application, let us know why you love working outdoors! Share any experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for grounds maintenance and how it connects to our mission at Gentoo.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your previous experience in grounds maintenance. Whether it's grass cutting or hedge trimming, we want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for in an Estate Operative.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into our team at Gentoo.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Gentoo.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gentoo Group
✨Know Your Grounds
Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like grass cutting and hedge trimming. Being able to discuss your previous experience with these tasks will show that you’re not just a good fit but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Passion for Community
Since Gentoo Group is all about making a difference in the community, be prepared to share examples of how you've positively impacted your local area in past roles. This will demonstrate that you align with their values and mission.
✨Brush Up on Health & Safety
Make sure you understand COSHH and general health and safety practices in grounds maintenance. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you take your responsibilities seriously.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the team dynamics or training opportunities at Gentoo. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in growing with them and contributing to their vision.