At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain outdoor areas, ensuring safety and cleanliness while delivering specialist grounds services.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in defence technology and innovation, shaping the future.
- Benefits: Enjoy a matched pension scheme, generous holidays, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for volunteering and a commitment to inclusivity in the recruitment process.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team tackling exciting challenges in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Preferred training in grounds maintenance; full driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
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Job Title: Grounds Maintenance Operative
Location: Shoeburyness, England, United Kingdom
Role Type: Permanent – Full Time
Package: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role ID: SF19711
Are you ready to be part of the future? At QinetiQ, we’re not just imagining tomorrow we’re creating it. From cutting‑edge defence technology to ground‑breaking innovations, our mission is to empower and protect lives.
As a Grounds Maintenance Operative, you’ll play a key role in keeping the site safe, well‑maintained, and operating smoothly throughout the year.
Day‑to‑day, you’ll carry out a wide range of grounds‑based activities including strimming, hedge cutting, ride‑on and tractor work, and general site maintenance.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Delivering grounds maintenance services and identifying areas for improvement
- Delivering specialist grounds services including the management of pest and tree hazards
- Maintaining awareness of grounds and land legislation, standards, technical requirements and developments
- Prioritising work programmes effectively to meet operational and business needs
- Participating in the on‑call rota during periods of adverse weather to support safe site access
- Overseeing contractors on site and monitoring the performance of allocated tasks
Essential experience of the Grounds Maintenance Operative:
- Experience of driving a tractor and mower (with qualifications)
- Experience delivering a range of grounds maintenance services including general upkeep and specialist tasks
- Ability to prioritise workloads effectively to meet operational and business needs
- Experience applying health, safety and environmental procedures in daily work
- Experience overseeing contractors and monitoring delivery of allocated tasks
Essential qualifications for the Grounds Maintenance Operative:
- Essential: Lantra Qualifications (Tractor, Mower (preferably a ride on))
- Full UK Driving License
We value difference and we don’t have a fixed idea when it comes to background or education, provided you can show the required level of experience and willingness to learn then we would like to hear from you.
This role is 37 hours per week based at Shoeburyness.
Set working times are:
- 07:30 – 16:30 Monday to Thursday
- 07:30 – 12:30 Friday
Shoeburyness
QinetiQ Shoeburyness is a significant test and evaluation facility specialising in defence and security technologies. The site is focused on Environmental Testing including the evaluation of various ordnance, explosives and related systems. Implementing measures to ensure that testing activities comply with environmental regulations and minimise ecological impact.
Why Join QinetiQ?
As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.
As a QinetiQ employee, you’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experiences enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in a diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential.
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Generous holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional days
- Options to join Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
- Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
- We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant and maintaining our Gold Award standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme
- Volunteering Opportunities - helping charities and local community
Our Recruitment Process
We want to make sure that our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible and we aspire to bring out the best in our candidates by creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard and supported. If you have a disability or health condition that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your Recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
Many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting being completed, applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment. A number of roles are also subject to additional restrictions, which means factors such as nationality or previous nationalities may affect the roles that you can be employed in.
For further information on National Security Vetting, please see the link below.
Grounds Maintenance Operative employer: QINETIQ LIMITED
At QinetiQ, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Grounds Maintenance Operative in Shoeburyness, you'll benefit from a generous holiday allowance, matched contribution pension scheme, and opportunities for personal growth while contributing to meaningful projects that empower and protect lives. Join us to be part of a diverse team where your skills are valued, and you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific grounds maintenance techniques mentioned in the job description, such as strimming and chainsaw use. Having practical knowledge or even certifications in these areas can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your proactive attitude during any interactions with the hiring team. Show enthusiasm for the role and express your willingness to take on challenges, as this aligns with the company's values of innovation and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your flexibility and ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed your time and prioritised tasks effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research QinetiQ's commitment to health, safety, and environmental procedures. Being knowledgeable about these practices will not only help you in the interview but also show that you are serious about maintaining high standards in your work.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements of a Grounds Maintenance Operative. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When writing your CV and cover letter, focus on any previous grounds maintenance or related work experience. Mention specific tasks you have performed, such as using strimmers or chainsaws, and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Skills:Emphasise your interpersonal and communication skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've worked effectively in teams or independently, and how you’ve prioritised tasks in past roles.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Craft a personalised cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention why you want to work at QinetiQ specifically, and how your values align with their mission and culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at QINETIQ LIMITED
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
As a Grounds Maintenance Operative, your proactive attitude is key. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company during the interview. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous jobs with a 'can do' approach.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with grounds maintenance standards and legislation relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss any specific training you have, such as strimming or chainsaw use, and how it applies to the job.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Independence
This role requires both teamwork and the ability to work independently. Prepare examples that showcase your experience in both areas, emphasising how you can thrive in a team environment while also being self-sufficient when needed.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as inclement weather or pest control. Think through potential scenarios and be ready to explain your thought process and problem-solving skills.
