At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain public spaces and sports grounds to the highest standard.
- Company: Join Vertas, a trusted facilities management provider across Great Britain.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent contract with training and development opportunities.
- Other info: Work outdoors and enjoy varied tasks in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Reliability, attention to detail, and teamwork skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about grounds maintenance, teamwork, and delivering exceptional service?
Vertas is looking for a dedicated Grounds Maintenance Operative to join our Landscape Services Team.
Vertas delivers trusted, integrated facilities management solutions across Great Britain, providing a comprehensive range of services that include cleaning, catering, property services, recruitment, transport, and environmental management.
We put our customers at the heart of everything we do while prioritising the health, safety, and wellbeing of our colleagues.
About the Role
Based at Ordsall Depot, Ordsall Road, Retford, DN22 7SL, you will work Monday to Thursday, 7:00am to 4:00pm and Friday, 7:00am to 3:30pm, covering a 37‑hour working week.
You will play a key role in maintaining public spaces, sports grounds, grassed areas, and landscaped environments across Retford and the surrounding areas, ensuring they are kept to the highest standard.
Responsibilities
- Carry out all aspects of grounds maintenance, including grass cutting, hedge trimming, landscaping, and general site upkeep.
- Operate and maintain landscape equipment, machinery, and ride‑on mowers safely.
- Apply chemicals in accordance with current FEPA regulations.
- Undertake sports ground marking as required.
- Ensure all work is completed in line with health and safety standards.
- Work alongside a small team and Area Manager to deliver services across a designated geographical area.
- Report faults, arrange servicing, and ensure equipment is maintained and stored correctly.
- Collect and dispose of green waste and debris responsibly.
Qualifications
- A reliable and hardworking grounds operative.
- Good attention to detail.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proactive individual who takes pride in maintaining outdoor spaces.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Required Skills & Experience
- Experience using landscape equipment and ride‑on mowers.
- Knowledge of sports ground marking and chemical application procedures.
- A full UK driving licence; trailer towing entitlement desirable; B+E training can be provided if required.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering a high standard of work.
- Physical stamina to undertake manual outdoor work.
- Enhanced DBS certificate or willingness to obtain one.
- Right to work in the UK.
Benefits
- Permanent contract.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Supportive team environment.
- Opportunity to work within a respected facilities management organisation.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Grounds Maintenance Operative in Retford employer: Schools Choice
Schools’ Choice is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication. Located at the North Wales Police HQ Canteen in Colwyn Bay, employees benefit from a friendly environment and the opportunity to contribute to the community through quality food service. With flexible part-time hours and a focus on employee growth, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative in Retford
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Schools Choice.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Schools Choice.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Schools Choice; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative in Retford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Schools Choice.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Grounds Maintenance Operative.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Schools Choice is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Schools Choice a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Schools Choice
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Schools Choice might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
