At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain buildings and outdoor spaces, ensuring a safe and welcoming community.
- Company: Join Lime Tree Village, a supportive and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for development and training.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team that values support and pride in work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while enjoying varied outdoor work.
- Qualifications: 1–3 years’ experience in gardening or maintenance, with strong practical skills.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 24750 £ per year.
We’re looking for a motivated and hands-on Estates Operative to join our team here at Lime Tree Village and help maintain the buildings, fixtures, equipment and outdoor spaces across our village.
This role is a key part of ensuring our community remains safe, attractive and welcoming for residents, visitors and colleagues.
This is a permanent role working 37.5 hours per week.
This is a varied position where no two days are the same - from keeping our grounds looking their best, to supporting repairs, inspections, safety checks and general maintenance across the village.
If you enjoy practical, outdoor work, take pride in a job well done, and want to be part of a friendly and supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
What You’ll Do Maintain village buildings, fixtures, fittings and equipment, following planned maintenance schedules.
Support repairs and report any faults promptly to management.
Carry out regular safety and alarm-system checks.
Maintain grounds, including mowing, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, weeding and watering.
Monitor plant health and treat pests/diseases in line with environmental guidelines.
Keep paths, roadways and walkways safe, including clearing snow and ice in winter.
Safely operate and maintain tools, machinery and chemical supplies.
Conduct weekly and monthly compliance checks.
Respond to emergency calls when trained, including first aid.
Work collaboratively with the facilities team to deliver consistently high standards across the village.
What We’re Looking For 1–3 years’ experience in gardening, landscaping, maintenance or a similar practical role.
Good practical skills and confidence using maintenance and grounds equipment.
Strong awareness of health & safety (COSHH experience beneficial).
A customer-focused approach, with the ability to interact positively with residents.
Someone reliable, proactive and able to prioritise tasks effectively.
Physical stamina to carry out manual and outdoor work in all seasons.
Our Values We’re proud of our culture and the values that shape it
Age Well | Community | Keep Improving | Invest Wisely | Planet Positive | One Team You’ll be joining a workplace where people support each other, take pride in their work, and make a real difference to residents’ quality of life.
Why Join Us?
A supportive team environment Opportunities for development and training A role where you can see the impact of your work every day Apply Today If you’re passionate about creating and maintaining great spaces and want to be part of a community-focused organisation, we’d love to receive your application.
Estates Operative in Rugby employer: Retirement Villages Group
At The Willowbury Retirement Village, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and community-focused work environment where every team member plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of our residents. With generous holiday entitlement, enhanced pension schemes, and opportunities for personal growth, we ensure that our employees feel valued and recognised for their contributions. Join us in creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere, while enjoying the unique benefits of working in a retirement village setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Operative in Rugby
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Operative in Rugby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Retirement Villages Group's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Retirement Villages Group. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Retirement Villages Group
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Retirement Villages Group.
