Groundworks Operative

Groundworks Operative

City of London Full-Time 34000 - 45000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Carry out estate maintenance and improvement works like paving, concreting, and fencing.
  • Company: Join Lambeth Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation in South London.
  • Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, discounts, and learning opportunities await you.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in groundworks and a strong health and safety awareness required.
  • Other info: We welcome applications from local residents eager to improve their estates.

The predicted salary is between 34000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.

Overview

Community Works: Groundworks Operative

SO1: Starting salary ÂŁ40,404 per annum incl LW

About Us

It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council. We have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan ‘Our Future, Our Lambeth’. To deliver on these ambitions we have embarked on our transformational One Lambeth Programme ensuring we are ‘connected by purpose’ in everything we do to deliver excellence. We are proud to have recently developed a refreshed set of One Lambeth Values and Behaviours that were developed for staff by staff: Equity, Ambition, Kindness, and Accountability. For more information, please have a look at our One Lambeth Values and Behaviours page.

About the Borough

Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from Streatham in the South to the landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity includes more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London’s largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community. We offer exceptional schools, green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural venues like the Black Cultural Archives, and institutions such as St Thomas\\\’ Hospital.

About the Team

Community Works is Lambeth’s in-house Direct Labour Organisation (DLO), delivering high-quality communal repairs, estate-based maintenance, and planned improvement works across the borough. Our focus is on maintaining and enhancing shared spaces, improving the appearance and safety of our estates, and delivering value by reducing reliance on external contractors. You’ll be joining a skilled, supportive team who take pride in their work and in making a visible difference to the communities we serve.

About the Role

We are looking for experienced Groundworkers to carry out estate-based maintenance and improvement works. Duties include paving, concreting, fencing, and general ground repairs. You will also support small, planned projects, ensuring all works are carried out safely and recorded accurately using PDA/SOR systems. Accurate logging and coding of all jobs via PDA/SOR is essential.

To be considered for interview

Your CV and supporting statement should clearly evidence:

  • Skilled groundworker with hands-on experience in estate or construction settings.
  • Ability to carry out paving, concreting, fencing, and ground repairs.
  • Strong health and safety awareness.
  • Customer-focused approach and ability to work independently.
  • Ability to code works correctly using SOR codes.
  • Experience using PDAs or handheld technology to record and close jobs.
  • UK full and clean driving licence required.

We particularly welcome applications from Lambeth residents who want to help improve their local estates.

Permissions and Checks

This post is subject to a Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Certificate from the DBS. Further information about the DBS can be found at homeoffice.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/dbs.

Job Description & Person Specification

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification in the hyperlink below: Job Description & Person Specification.

Contact Information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Omar McDermott at omcdermott@lambeth.gov.uk.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in this opportunity, click on the apply button and complete an online application. In your supporting statement, clearly demonstrate how you meet the shortlist criteria marked with an \’A\’ at shortlist stage.

We operate an anonymised application process, so remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement.

\”Previous applicants need not apply\”

Recruitment Timelines

Advert close date: 11:59pm on Tuesday 11 November 2025.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits, including:

  • Participation in 5 Staff Networks: Black, Asian, and Multi-Ethnic; LGBTQ+; Disability; Young Professionals; and Women’s.
  • Generous annual leave entitlement starting from 27 days, increasing to 35 days depending on length of service.
  • Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Discounts at local restaurants and Active Lambeth Gyms.
  • Learning and Development opportunities, including Apprenticeships.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme and secure bike storage at Town Hall and Civic Centre.
  • Trade Union Membership.

At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role. For a full list of our accreditations, please click here.

In addition, you will also be required to undertake a CIFAS check. Further information about CIFAS can be found here CIFAS.

We actively support applications from Lambeth Care Leavers.

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Groundworks Operative employer: Lambeth Council

Lambeth Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the communities they serve. With generous annual leave, access to various employee networks, and robust learning and development opportunities, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the vibrant and diverse borough of Lambeth. Join us in making a meaningful impact through our ambitious Lambeth 2030 Plan and be part of a team that values equity, ambition, kindness, and accountability.
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Contact Detail:

Lambeth Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Groundworks Operative

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Lambeth Council's One Lambeth Values and Behaviours. This will help you align your answers with their values like Equity and Kindness, showing you're a great fit for the team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to groundworks and maintenance. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role, especially your hands-on skills in paving and concreting.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your tech skills! Since you'll be using PDAs and SOR systems, be ready to discuss your experience with these tools. If you’ve used similar technology before, share those examples to demonstrate your adaptability.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Groundworks Operative

Groundworking Skills
Paving
Concreting
Fencing
General Ground Repairs
Health and Safety Awareness
Customer-Focused Approach
Ability to Work Independently
Experience with PDA/SOR Systems
Accurate Job Logging and Coding
Hands-On Experience in Estate or Construction Settings

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a groundworker. Focus on the skills mentioned in the job description, like paving and concreting, to show us you’re the right fit for the role.

Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, clearly demonstrate how you meet the shortlist criteria. Use specific examples from your past work to back up your claims and show us your customer-focused approach.

Show Your Health and Safety Awareness: Since health and safety is crucial in this role, make sure to mention any relevant training or experience you have. We want to see that you take safety seriously and can work independently.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application, and it helps keep everything organised. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from interested candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Lambeth Council

✨Know Your Groundwork Skills

Make sure you can confidently discuss your hands-on experience with paving, concreting, and fencing. Prepare specific examples of past projects where you’ve successfully completed these tasks, as this will show your practical knowledge and expertise.

✨Health and Safety Awareness

Since health and safety is crucial in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of safety protocols. Think of instances where you’ve prioritised safety on the job and how you ensure compliance with regulations.

✨Customer-Focused Mindset

Demonstrate your customer service skills by sharing experiences where you’ve interacted with residents or clients. Highlight how you’ve addressed their needs and concerns, showing that you’re not just a skilled worker but also someone who values community engagement.

✨Tech Savvy with PDAs

Familiarise yourself with PDA/SOR systems and be prepared to discuss your experience using handheld technology for logging and coding jobs. If you have any specific examples of how you’ve used these tools effectively, make sure to mention them!

Groundworks Operative
Lambeth Council
Location: City of London
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