At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain parks, gardens, and open spaces while ensuring they are tidy and welcoming.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full training, uniform provided, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Great opportunity for personal growth and to contribute to your local community.
- Why this job: Join a team that values respect, collaboration, and inclusivity while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Reliability, flexibility, basic literacy skills, and a driving licence preferred.
The predicted salary is between 20400 - 20900 £ per year.
Grounds Maintenance Operative (T3) - Seasonal Fixed term - until end of October 2026
Salary: Band: 2, £24,413 - £24,796 p.a. 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday, but will be required to work some weekends.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
Your New Role
The In-House Grounds Maintenance Operations Service is responsible for the maintenance of parks and open spaces, allotments, cemeteries, golf courses and semi-natural open space with assorted sports and play facilities within. The services also provide grounds maintenance services to Traded Services incorporating schools and social service locations.
Within this role you will be required to carry out the necessary works to ensure that the parks, gardens, open spaces, cemeteries and grass sports facilities are well maintained and kept tidy to a level of continuity for the residents, communities and visitors. You will be involved in a range of ground maintenance duties which will include litter picking, planting shrubs, hedges, perennial and seasonal bedding, maintaining flower, shrub beds and hedges. You will also be required to inspect areas of land as required and maintain grass general amenity areas and grass sports areas using pedestrian and ride on mowing equipment.
Who is the person summary:
We are looking for a reliable, flexible and self-motivated individual who is able to work under supervisory instruction and follow processes and procedures. With basic literacy skills to enable you to fill out any relevant paperwork, ideally you will have a driving licence and you will be able to work on your own or as part of a team. With good communication skills, you will be aware of Health and Safety requirements, hazardous materials etc and previous experience is desirable although not essential. You will be flexible to provide cover at weekends and out of normal working hours when required. Full training and uniform will be provided.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal. Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal. Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact or call the recruitment team on. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council.
Grounds Maintenance Operative - Seasonal Fixed Term in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative - Seasonal Fixed Term in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Portsmouth City Council. Understand their values and how they operate. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about the skills and experiences you have that match the job description. Prepare some examples that highlight your reliability, flexibility, and teamwork. This way, you'll be ready to impress when it comes to discussing your suitability.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress for success! Even though this is a grounds maintenance role, showing up looking neat and professional can make a great first impression. It shows that you respect the opportunity and are serious about the position.
✨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 keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative - Seasonal Fixed Term in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job profile thoroughly. It’s crucial to understand what Portsmouth City Council is looking for in a Grounds Maintenance Operative so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Your Experience: When writing your personal statement, don’t just list your skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you meet the 'Who is the Person' criteria. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to understand. We want to see your personality shine through, but clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our careers portal. This ensures that your application is processed correctly and allows us to keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Grounds Maintenance Operative and think about how your skills and experiences align with those responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since the role requires weekend work and flexibility, be prepared to discuss your availability. Share examples from your past where you’ve adapted to changing schedules or taken on extra responsibilities to support your team.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication Skills
This position involves working both independently and as part of a team. Think of instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with others or communicated effectively to solve problems. Highlight these experiences during your interview.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Awareness
Given the nature of the job, it’s crucial to show that you understand health and safety protocols. Be ready to discuss any relevant training or experiences you have that demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.