Location: Watton, IP25 6JB
Salary:£29,376.38 per annum + excellent benefits
Full Time:40 hours per week
Working hours:Monday - Friday 7am - 3.30pm (except bank holidays which are paid)
Serco\'s Environmental Services provide a complete grounds maintenance and street cleansing service on behalf of our residents and communities.
We are experts in designing, implementing, and managing environmental service, with capability spanning highways, housing, parks and open spaces, arboriculture works and sports pitches. We deliver to national standards to meet the needs of the community maintaining a clean, green and safe environment,whilst providing the very best levels of customer service to the community that we serve.
Right now, have an exciting opportunity for a Grounds Operative to join our team of essential workersand help us to make a positive difference to the environment we all live in.
The role will see you take responsibility to carry out a range of landscape tasks including: grass-cutting, shrub-pruning, hedge-cutting, planting, weed control, sports maintenance tasks, drive a vehicle and use a range of equipment to deliver the horticultural standards that meet the requirements of the Contract Specification.
We know that our environmental team are our communities unsung heroes and it can be pretty hard work, but we can offer you the opportunity to go home each day with a sense of community spirit, pride in your work, belonging within a supportive and diverse team, and the knowledge that your work is directly responsible for helping to promote a cleaner, greener living and working space for everyone.
What you\'ll need to do the role
First and foremost you will hold a full driving licence as you will be using a ride on mower and will need to be able to Tow.
You will have experience using pedestrian rotary mowers, strimmers, hand blowers, mechanical hedge cutters and a range of hand tools
Why Serco
Meaningful and vital work: The nature of our business means you will do interesting work that matters - delivering essential services that touch people\'s live
A world of opportunity
Our diverse UK-wide operations offer unrivalled opportunities to learn and develop. You\'ll be able to broaden your experience and apply your skills in new ways.
Great people
We are a motivated team who will encourage you and help you to succeed. You\'ll have the resources you need to do your job in a diverse and supportive environment.
Discover all you need to keep growing
Here you\'ll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we\'re proud to offer clear development opportunities - and the support and tools to help you seize them.Because this is a place for you
Our people are integral to everything we do. That\'s why our benefits are designed to put you first:
Benefits
- Holidays:22days plus bank holidays
- Pension:Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Training and development:A wide range of learning opportunitieswith over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
- Health and wellbeing:24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, Simplyhealth cash plans to claim back money towards healthcare costs, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres.
- Discounts:Save across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel.
- ShareSave scheme:Helps you save regularly with the choice to buy Serco shares at a discount at the end of your savings period.
- Employee networks:Dedicated networks where colleagues can come together to find support, share challenges, discuss ideas, network and be part of a community.
- Charity:Support a charity or organisation with a paid volunteering day each year. You can also choose to donate to your favourite charity tax-free, through our Payroll Giving Scheme.
A little bit about us
At Serco, we\'re a fast-growing company, serving governments around the globe. Our work spans sectors a wide range of sectors including Justice, Immigration, Defence, Leisure, Healthcare, Transport, and Citizen Services. We\'re committed to delivering, improving and redesigning public services for the benefit of everyone, guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation, and Pride.
Our inclusive recruitment process
We see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We\'re a proud holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard and a Disability Confident Leader, championing fair access to employment and equal opportunities for all. As such we\'re open to flexible working arrangements and we\'ll make reasonable adjustments from interview through to employment.
As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.At Serco we support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the Ban the Box\' pledge (some may be exempt due to thenature of the role and the security clearance required).Sometimes we recieve a high volume of applications, which may lead us to close the application period early. To ensure you don\'t miss out, please apply as soon as possible.
Let\'s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
For help with your application, or to discuss your eligibility, please contact 0345 010 4000.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Operative in Watton
✨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 Serco Limited.
✨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 Serco Limited.
✨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 Serco Limited; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
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 Serco Limited.
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 Operative.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Serco Limited 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 Serco Limited a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Limited
✨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 Serco Limited might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
