Salary: £14.04ph - £27,012.96 plus comprehensive benefits package
Job type: Permanent, full-time
Pembroke House is a purpose-built care home for veterans of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in Gillingham. We have been serving Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans and their dependants for over 70 years. Our residents and staff enjoy a varied yet familiar way of life to encourage independence and give each day meaning and purpose. The home has a ‘family-run’ feel and we have carefully created a supportive, friendly and close-knit team, making it a unique and very special place to work.
The Job Role
The Grounds & Maintenance Operative is responsible for maintaining the gardens, grounds and external environment of Pembroke House to a high standard, ensuring a safe, attractive and welcoming environment for residents, visitors and staff.
The postholder will also provide support to the Maintenance Team by undertaking minor repairs, decorating, site improvement works and general property upkeep. The balance of duties will vary throughout the year, with gardening and grounds maintenance remaining the primary focus of the role. This role builds upon the existing Head Gardener responsibilities whilst providing greater flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the Home.
The role requires a proactive, self-motivated individual with a strong DIY or maintenance background who is confident working independently under the direction of the Facilities Manager. A strong DIY background is desirable, with the confidence to complete basic repairs independently where appropriate.
In addition to maintenance work, the postholder is also required to act as a driver for the home as required.
Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
- Maintain all gardens, lawns, planting areas, pathways and external spaces to a high standard.
- Carry out lawn care, pruning, hedge cutting, planting, watering and weed control.
- Develop seasonal planting plans to enhance the appearance and enjoyment of the grounds.
- Monitor and maintain the health and condition of trees, shrubs and plants.
- Ensure external areas remain clean, tidy and free from hazards.
- Conduct regular inspections of the grounds and identify improvement opportunities.
- Produce annual grounds maintenance plans and action schedules.
- Support resident gardening activities and events where appropriate.
- Undertake winter maintenance activities including gritting, leaf clearance and snow clearance.
- Safely operate, maintain and store gardening tools, machinery and equipment.
- Carry out touch-up decorating, painting and refurbishment works.
- Assist with furniture repairs, fixings and minor joinery tasks.
- Undertake day-to-day repairs and general DIY projects and minor refurbishment works.
- Respond promptly to maintenance requests and complete works safely and efficiently.
- Identify defects or maintenance needs and escal...
- Support room preparation, furniture moves, and equipment setup as required.
- Maintain tools, materials and storage areas in good order.
- Participate in and support a preventative planned maintenance (PPM) programme.
- Conduct routine inspections of the building, fixtures, fittings, furniture, grounds and external areas.
- Act as the on-site lead for the outsourced maintenance company.
- Take ownership of coordinating, prioritising and monitoring works completed during contractor visits.
- Ensure contractors complete agreed works to required standards and within agreed timescales.
- Provide site inductions and ensure contractors comply with health & safety requirements.
- Maintain accurate records of works completed compliance documentation and follow-up actions.
- Escalate concerns regarding contractor performance to the FM.
- Support compliance checks relating to H&S and building safety.
- Maintain awareness of health and safety practices, safe manual handling, and infection control.
The Person
This role would suit someone who is naturally dependable, compassionate and trustworthy. They should be able to empathise with the needs of the residents, have patience and understanding and above all be kind and caring.
The postholder should have good, local knowledge, be able to work largely unsupervised and be able to work with enthusiasm and pay attention to detail and deliver work to the highest standards.
Experience as a gardener and general maintenance/handy-person type role would be beneficial as would any experience of working in a care home or similar setting.
What we offer
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous suite of benefits to our employees including:
- Medicash Health Plan and EAP
- 6 weeks per annum pro-rata holiday
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Eligibility for Blue Light Card
IMPORTANT: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
A full job description is available on request.
As an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Silver ERS accredited employer we are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and recognising the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our organisation. We welcome applications from all members of the Armed Forces community and are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you would like to find out more about working for The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust please contact us at Careers.PH@rnbt.org.uk or visit www.rnbt.org.uk
Closing date for applications is 31 October 2026
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Gardener and Maintenance Operative in Gillingham employer: RNBT
The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust at Admiral Jellicoe House in Portsmouth is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-oriented work culture that prioritises the well-being of both residents and staff. With flexible shift patterns, generous leave policies, and a strong commitment to employee growth and development, this role provides meaningful opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of veterans and their spouses.
