At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor maintenance tasks and ensure community spaces are safe and attractive.
- Company: Join LiveWest, a company dedicated to creating vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, health perks, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Flexible working with a supportive team and excellent career development.
- Why this job: Make a visible difference in your community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and basic horticultural knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about outdoor work and making a visible difference in your community? Do you take pride in high standards and enjoy leading by example? If so, we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for two Lead Grounds Operatives who will play an important role in keeping our neighbourhoods looking their best. You will deliver high-quality grounds maintenance services across our estates, ensuring that our open spaces are safe, tidy, and attractive places for our customers and communities to enjoy.
Working as part of our Estates team, you will maintain a variety of outdoor spaces to a professional standard, taking pride in your work and representing LiveWest's values every day. You will help to keep our communities looking great while ensuring that health and safety standards are upheld at all times.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the delivery of grounds maintenance tasks, including grass cutting, hedge trimming, weeding, leaf clearance, and shrub bed care to professional standards.
- Operate and maintain horticultural machinery safely, including mowers, hedge cutters, brush cutters, and leaf blowers.
- Conduct routine inspections of communal areas, reporting defects, fly-tipping, vandalism, and safeguarding concerns.
- Promote and adhere to health and safety procedures, ensuring safe working practices at all times.
- Engage positively with customers, responding to queries and escalating concerns appropriately.
- Record completed work using handheld digital technology (training provided).
- Support seasonal and emergency tasks such as gritting and urgent estate responses.
- Lead higher-risk activities such as weed spraying and operating specialist machinery.
Why Join LiveWest:
At LiveWest, we believe in creating better places to live, work, and grow. As a Lead Grounds Operative, you will be part of a team that makes a real difference to the look and feel of our communities. You will take pride in keeping our outdoor space clean, green, and welcoming for our customers, and you will receive the training, tools, and support you need to do your best work.
If you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in high standards, and want to be part of a supportive team that values your contribution, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.
This role is being offered on a full-time basis working 40 hours per week. This is a mobile role, working predominantly in the Bath area. You will ideally be based within a 30-minute commute of this area.
DBS Statement:
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups. Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check.
About The Candidate:
To be successful in your application for the role of Lead Grounds Operative, you will have the essential skills and experience for a level 1 role and the following role-specific skills and experience:
- Previous experience in grounds maintenance, with basic horticultural knowledge including weeding, planting, and pruning.
- Familiarity with safe operation and maintenance of horticultural tools, machinery, and pesticides.
- Qualified in Horticulture Level 1 and PA1 and PA6 - safe pesticide use.
- Good physical fitness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Understanding of health and safety regulations - COSHH and PUWER.
- Basic digital literacy (training provided).
- Full, UK, manual driving licence.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience:
- LANTRA certified training.
- Experience in customer-facing roles.
- Ability to supervise and plan work effectively, using own initiative.
Please note: This role is not eligible for CoS. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the role without requiring a CoS.
Our Reward and Benefits:
- Working Style: Hybrid working with 2 - 3 days in the office to support your work/life balance.
- Generous Annual Leave: Start with 26 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service - and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days (pro-rated for part-time roles).
- Pension Contributions: Enjoy up to 9% employer contributions with our Defined Contribution scheme.
- Health Benefits and Perks: Access to a health care cash plan (worth up to £1,100 annually), virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, and retail discounts including access to a Blue Light Card.
- Learning and Development: Invest in your future with ongoing personal and professional growth opportunities.
- Family Support: Policies designed to help you balance work and family life, including a new child payment.
- Wellbeing Matters: Prioritise your health with mental health support, enhanced sick pay, wellness campaigns, and free flu jabs.
- Smarter Travel: Save with our Cycle to Work and Car Benefit schemes.
- Giving Back: Up to four paid volunteering days a year to support our communities.
About Us:
At LiveWest, we are united by a shared mission: to create a home for everyone. Each of us takes pride in playing our part in achieving this goal. Our values guide everything we do - from how we work together to how we deliver exceptional services to our customers. Collaboration is at the heart of LiveWest, and we believe that we achieve more when we deliver together. As one of the largest employers in the South West, our team of 1,800 talented colleagues provides a wide range of services to our 80,000 customers. We are passionate about nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for people within the communities we serve.
We are committed to supporting our colleagues, giving them the autonomy and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we are building brighter futures for everyone.
Inclusion at LiveWest:
At LiveWest, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that our differences drive innovation, creativity, and excellence, and we strive to create an environment where all colleagues can thrive. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. LiveWest is dedicated to equal opportunity and actively works to eliminate discrimination and promote diversity at all levels.
Join us in our mission to create vibrant and inclusive communities. Make a difference with LiveWest, where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued.
Lead Ground Operative employer: LiveWest
LiveWest is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering generous annual leave, health benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance. As a Lead Grounds Operative, you'll be part of a supportive team dedicated to enhancing community spaces in the beautiful Bath area, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values every contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Ground Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on LiveWest. Understand their values and mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to grounds maintenance and leadership. Think about specific examples from your past work that showcase your skills in these areas. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for outdoor work! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for maintaining beautiful spaces shine through. Talk about why you love working outdoors and how you take pride in your work. This can really resonate with the hiring team.
✨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 shows you’re keen on the role and helps keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Ground Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors:When writing your application, let your love for outdoor work shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to maintaining beautiful spaces and how you take pride in your work.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous grounds maintenance experience you have. Talk about the tasks you've handled, like grass cutting or hedge trimming, and any tools or machinery you're familiar with. This will show us you're ready to hit the ground running!
Emphasise Safety Awareness:Since health and safety are key in this role, don’t forget to mention your understanding of regulations like COSHH and PUWER. If you have any certifications, like Horticulture Level 1 or pesticide use qualifications, make them stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at LiveWest
✨Know Your Horticulture Basics
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with weeding, planting, and pruning, as well as any relevant qualifications like Horticulture Level 1. This shows you’re not just passionate about outdoor work but also knowledgeable.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Since health and safety are crucial in this role, be prepared to talk about your understanding of regulations like COSHH and PUWER. Share examples of how you've adhered to safety protocols in previous jobs, especially when operating machinery or handling pesticides.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Grounds Operative, you'll need to lead by example. Think of instances where you've successfully supervised a team or planned work effectively. Highlight your ability to motivate others and maintain high standards in grounds maintenance.
✨Engage with Customer Service Experience
This role involves engaging positively with customers, so be ready to share your experiences in customer-facing roles. Discuss how you’ve handled queries or concerns in the past, demonstrating your communication skills and commitment to community service.