At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain parks and green spaces, ensuring they are safe and attractive for the community.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days holiday, pension scheme, and discounts at over 1,000 retailers.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a focus on personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance or horticulture is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 25989 £ per year.
Location: Serco Transport Depot, Watton, IP25 6JB
Salary: £29,376.38 plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Permanent, Full-time, Monday to Friday, 7am to 3.30pm
Ready to impact a better future? As a Grounds Operative in our Breckland Grounds Maintenance team, you’ll help maintain parks, green spaces and public areas to a high standard throughout the year. Your work will help create safe, attractive and welcoming environments that communities can take pride in. From maintaining landscaped areas to operating specialist machinery, you’ll play an important role in delivering services that have a positive impact on local communities.
What you’ll do as a Grounds Operative:
- Carry out planned grounds maintenance activities on a daily, weekly and monthly basis using a range of machinery and equipment.
- Undertake work across a variety of service areas including horticulture, grass cutting and landscaping.
- Follow contract specifications and understand the differing requirements and ground conditions across the contract area.
- Inspect, operate and report on the condition of machinery and vehicles before and after use.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness for equipment, machinery and vehicles.
- Work safely at all times and ensure all health and safety requirements are met.
Does this sound like you?
- Experience in a Grounds maintenance or horticulture role.
- Experience of towing plant machinery.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues and members of the public.
- Self-motivated with a willingness to learn new skills and undertake further training.
- Clean UK driving licence and flexibility to work across different grounds maintenance activities.
- NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture is desirable.
What we offer:
- 20 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year).
- Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
- Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
- Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual General Practitioner (GP) service.
- Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel.
- Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme.
- Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging.
Vetting and checks: As well as checking eligibility to work in the UK, you will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire to help us identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
A little bit about us: At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment: We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview.
For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.
Grounds Operative in Norfolk employer: Serco
Serco is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. As a Ward Host Assistant at University Hospital Southampton, you will enjoy flexible shift options and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient care, all while being part of a team that values hospitality and customer service excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Operative in Norfolk
✨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.
✨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.
✨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; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Operative in Norfolk
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.
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 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 a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨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 might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
