Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful outdoor spaces and operate various horticultural machinery.
- Company: Join a family-run business with over 30 years of experience in grounds maintenance.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career progression, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while working outdoors and developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 1 year of grounds maintenance experience and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Position: Grounds Maintenance Operative
Location: Belfast area, with travel to various sites across Northern Ireland
Responsible to: Wallace Contracts Ltd Grounds Maintenance Supervisor / Contracts Manager
Contract type: Full-time, permanent
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Working hours: Monday to Friday (hours may vary depending on contract and seasonal demand)
Why work for McQuillan Companies:
McQuillan Companies is a family-run business based in Northern Ireland, delivering a diverse range of construction, environmental, and facilities management services across the public, private, and commercial sectors. Our expertise spans civil engineering, road surfacing, demolition and quarrying, including the supply of premium aggregates and bituminous materials, as well as total waste management and accredited environmental testing. We also provide year-round outdoor and facilities maintenance services, including winter gritting, outdoor cleaning, landscaping, property restoration, and insurance reinstatement.
Employee Benefits:
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
- Clear opportunities for career progression and ongoing professional development
- Access to training programmes and recognised industry qualifications
- Full provision of company uniform, PPE, tools and equipment
- Company vehicle provided
- Opportunity to work within a well-established, supportive and collaborative team
Overall Objectives:
We are seeking motivated and dependable Grounds Maintenance Operatives to join our expanding team. You will work across a wide variety of customer sites, delivering high-quality grounds and landscaping services. This role requires a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and the ability to operate safely and efficiently in outdoor environments throughout the year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lawn mowing, edging, and general grass-care duties
- Hedge trimming, shrub pruning and shaping
- Maintaining planted areas and shrub beds
- Weed control operations
- Clearing hard-surfaced areas, pathways and carparks of debris and litter
- Leaf lifting and seasonal maintenance tasks
- Operating a variety of horticultural machinery (e.g. ride-on mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, blowers)
- Ensuring all work is completed to a high standard and in line with company expectations
- Adhering to Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality policies at all times
- Wearing appropriate PPE and operating equipment safely and responsibly
- Working independently when required, while also contributing effectively within a team
Essential Criteria:
- A minimum of 1 years recent experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, landscaping or a similar outdoor role
- Experience operating horticultural equipment such as ride-on mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters and blowers
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety practices
- Good attention to detail with the ability to work to a high standard independently
- Physically fit and able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Strong communication skills and a positive, proactive attitude
- Ability to plan work efficiently to maximise productivity
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable Criteria:
- PA1 & PA6 pesticide spraying certificates
- Trailer towing qualification (BE)
- Relevant agricultural or horticultural qualification (or working towards one)
Closing date for applications is: Sunday 26th April 2026.
This job description should not be regarded as conclusive or definite. It is a guideline within which the individual jobholder works. It is not intended to be rigid or inflexible and may alter as the Company’s strategic direction changes.
Grounds Maintenance Operative in Belfast employer: McQuillan Companies
Contact Detail:
McQuillan Companies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research McQuillan Companies and Wallace Contracts. Understanding their values and services will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local job fairs. Building relationships can give you insider info about the company culture and even lead to referrals, which can boost your chances of landing that Grounds Maintenance Operative role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves operating horticultural machinery, brush up on your skills. If you can demonstrate your expertise during any practical tests, you'll stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining the team at Wallace Contracts.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in grounds maintenance or landscaping. We want to see how your skills match up with what we need, so don’t hold back on sharing your past roles and responsibilities!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for the Grounds Maintenance Operative role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for and how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and gets straight to the important bits about your qualifications and experience.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at McQuillan Companies
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of grounds maintenance and landscaping. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like lawn mowing and hedge trimming. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in grounds maintenance or similar roles. Highlight any specific equipment you've used, like ride-on mowers or strimmers, and share examples of how you’ve maintained high standards in your work. This will help demonstrate your capability and reliability.
✨Safety First!
Since health and safety is a big deal in this role, make sure you can talk about your understanding of safety practices. Mention any relevant certifications you have, like PA1 & PA6 pesticide spraying certificates, and be ready to discuss how you ensure safety while working outdoors.
✨Bring a Positive Attitude
A positive, proactive attitude can set you apart from other candidates. Be enthusiastic about the role and the company, and show that you’re a team player who can also work independently. This will resonate well with the interviewers at McQuillan Companies.