At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in maintaining outdoor spaces, ensuring quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join Karbon, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible benefits, and support for your professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while working outdoors and leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and a full UK driving licence are essential.
The predicted salary is between 23600 - 31900 £ per year.
Come and make a difference at Karbon as a Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative. We’re looking to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced individual for the role in the Grounds Maintenance Team. Our in‑house team is committed to continual improvement of maintenance of land to specific standards across the Karbon footprint.
About The Role
Working outdoors in all weathers across the Karbon footprint covering cyclical maintenance, garden clearances, grass cutting, tree maintenance, litter picking and fly tipping clearance and associated works as directed by the Grounds Maintenance Team Leader. The role requires a good working knowledge of current health and safety, working to specification and time management and an enthusiastic resilient attitude. You’ll be operating and be responsible for a variety of ride‑on mowers and other horticultural and arboricultural equipment as well as familiarity with operating systems on PDA, supervision and driving an allocated Karbon vehicle.
With relevant experience in a similar role, you’ll have a knowledge of and a strong commitment to customer care as first point of contact and be responsible for ensuring works are completed in line with our service standards as the Lead Operative in a team of three and be able to work as part of a team as well as using your own initiative. You would be first point of contact with the Team Leader and responsible for ensuring quality of completed works and that all Health and Safety guidance is followed. A full UK driving licence (Manual) is essential and towing experience would be beneficial.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced Lead Operative to join and support our Grounds Maintenance team in building on an already excellent service, delivered to our customers in a way that promotes high levels of customer focus, performance, safety, and quality, with a strong emphasis on innovation, forward‑thinking and continuous improvement. Candidates should have a good working knowledge of a modern ground maintenance service and the challenges it faces with experience of improving areas. You will need to be able to follow instructions and interpret site maps whilst also being able to think on your feet. Experience of Ride‑On Mower operation would be an advantage as would experience of pesticide application and using a PDA. This must all be combined with a strong commitment to excellent customer service and learning and development.
Working With Us
The successful candidate will work in our Grounds Maintenance team led by the Grounds Maintenance Manager. If you require further information about the role, please contact Kyle 07799341548 or Adam 07711 494413.
Key Details
- Permanent role
- Salary: £27,656 per annum
- Location: Based in Chester‑Le‑Street
- Regular travel will be required
- 37 Hours per week
We recognise the contribution people with criminal records can make as colleagues and we welcome all applications. A criminal record will not exclude a candidate from being appointed because of offences that are irrelevant to, and do not place them at, or make them a risk in the role they’re applying for. The role you’re applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). The successful candidate(s) will be asked to submit a basic disclosure and barring check application during pre‑employment checks.
Why Join Us?
We offer a generous benefits package to support your wellbeing and development, including:
- 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after 3 years)
- Birthday leave
- Occupational pension
- Health cash plan
- Flexible benefits pot
- Access to funding for qualifications, conferences and learning events
Ready To Apply?
If this sounds like the role for you, apply now via our website: https://www.karbonhomes.co.uk/careers/ or via Indeed. We love seeing the real you in your application. It’s fine to use AI tools for things like polishing grammar or improving formatting—but your CV and supporting statement should still reflect your own skills, experience and personality, so we do not accept applications that are fully generated by AI without your own input.
Key Dates
- Closing date for applications Sunday 15 March 2026
- Interview date To be confirmed
We’re Inclusive
We’re proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you’ll be guaranteed an interview. Need a reasonable adjustment to apply? Contact us at recruitment@karbonhomes.co.uk
A Note for Recruitment Agencies
We’re lucky to have a great Preferred Supplier List (PSL) in place, so we’re not looking for additional agency support right now. Thanks for understanding—we’ve got this covered!
Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative in Chester-le-Street employer: Karbon Homes
At Karbon, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values employee wellbeing and development. As a Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative, you'll enjoy a generous benefits package, including 26 days of annual leave, access to funding for qualifications, and a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and customer service. Join our dedicated team in Chester-Le-Street, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact on the community and your career growth is encouraged.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative in Chester-le-Street
✨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 Karbon Homes.
✨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 Karbon Homes.
✨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 Karbon Homes; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative in Chester-le-Street
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 Karbon Homes.
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 Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Karbon Homes 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 Karbon Homes a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Karbon Homes
✨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 Karbon Homes might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
