Grounds Operative

Grounds Operative

Slough Full-Time 22000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Maintain beautiful outdoor spaces through grass cutting, planting, and playground inspections.
  • Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to creating vibrant community environments.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 26-33 days of annual leave, pension scheme, and wellbeing initiatives.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in your community while working outdoors and developing skills.
  • Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a passion for nature and teamwork.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career progression and annual pay increments based on performance.

The predicted salary is between 22000 - 30000 £ per year.

  • Pay Level 4 £28,790 to £29,694 fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance
  • Contract Type: Permanent
  • Working Hours: 37 per week
  • Location: Slough Cemetery
  • DBS requirement: Basic

The closing date for applications is midnight on 23 January 2026.

What you\’ll be doing

Are you passionate about the outdoors and take pride in creating vibrant, well-kept green spaces? As part of the Grounds Maintenance team at Slough Borough Council, you will play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing our boroughs parks, gardens, open spaces, and roadside landscapes – ensuring they remain places our community can enjoy and be proud of.

At Slough Borough Council, we believe in investing in our people. You will be joining a friendly, supportive team where training, development, and career progression are key parts of what we do. We actively encourage our team members to gain additional horticultural and machinery qualifications, such as PA1/PA6, chainsaw operation, tractor driving, and trailer towing, all of which are fully supported by the Council.

With clear pathways to progress into roles such as Team Leader, Supervisor, or Arborist, this is more than just a job – it is a chance to grow your skills, build your career, and make a lasting impact on the local environment. Join us and be part of a team that keeps Slough green, clean, and thriving.

Our Council

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and our environment, and we would love you to join us in our mission. All of our employees, whatever their job, contribute greatly to delivering services to local people – either directly, or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and are continuously striving for our residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives.

What we offer

We offer a supportive place to grow and develop your career with a real opportunity for your input to be valued and heard. Ambition and innovation will be required now more than ever, and you will join a friendly and collaborative environment where you are encouraged to thrive.

We understand that everyone has different needs and circumstances. That is why we are committed to offering flexible and hybrid working arrangements that help you achieve the best work-life balance. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We select staff on merit and foster a workforce where people are valued and represent the local communities we serve.

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April each year, subject to six months service in the post, until the maximum spinal column point of the level has been reached. The payment of annual increments is not automatic and is subject to satisfactory performance as assessed by your director.

Alongside a competitive salary, we provide

  • 26 days annual leave (not including Bank holidays), rising to 30 days between 2 – 5 years\’ service and 33 days after 5 years\’ service.
  • The Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Ability to engage with wellbeing initiatives and the opportunity to be a member of our various employee networks, which are key to ensuring we celebrate and promote equality.
  • Tax-free childcare and childcare services
  • Season loan ticket to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey to and from work

Accessibility and Support

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. We are keen to support you to feel comfortable throughout the application and interview process. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments for the interview, please contact our Recruitment Team at Recruitment@slough.gov.uk. This information will be treated confidentially and used solely to ensure we provide appropriate support throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Right to Work and Checks

All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please contact Recruitment@slough.gov.uk before submitting an application. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If appointed, all posts will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

How We Recruit

Our 8 core skills are provided for reference. At Slough Borough Council, we are moving forward together. We believe in our people, our purpose, and our progress. We encourage you to apply to join our team and help accelerate our journey of transformation and growth.

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Grounds Operative employer: Slough Borough Council

As a Grounds Operative, you will thrive in a supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to equality and diversity, our company fosters a culture of inclusivity and respect. Located in a vibrant community, we offer unique benefits such as tax-free childcare and travel assistance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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Contact Detail:

Slough Borough Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Grounds Operative

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research their values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversation during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being a Grounds Operative with them.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local job fairs. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for practical assessments! As a Grounds Operative, you might be tested on your skills. Brush up on your grass cutting techniques or hedge maintenance knowledge so you can impress them with your hands-on abilities.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Operative

Grass Cutting
Hedge and Shrub Maintenance
Litter Collection
Ornamental Planting Maintenance
Sports Pitch Preparation
Weed Killer Application
Minor Tree Works
Landscaping
Playground Inspection
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Physical Fitness
Teamwork
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Grounds Maintenance: When you're writing your application, let us know why you love working outdoors and maintaining beautiful spaces. Share any relevant experience you have with grass cutting, hedge maintenance, or even just your enthusiasm for keeping things tidy!

Be Specific About Your Skills: We want to see what you can bring to the table! Mention any specific skills you have related to landscaping, playground maintenance, or sports pitch preparation. The more details you provide, the better we can understand how you'd fit into our team.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your experience with ornamental planting features and any minor tree works you've done. This shows us that you’ve read the job details and are genuinely interested in the role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!

How to prepare for a job interview at Slough Borough Council

✨Know Your Grounds

Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Grounds Operative. Brush up on your knowledge of grass cutting techniques, hedge maintenance, and ornamental planting. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in landscaping, playground maintenance, or any relevant minor tree works. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.

✨Ask Smart Questions

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the types of projects you might work on or how the team approaches seasonal changes in maintenance. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the job is right for you.

✨Demonstrate Team Spirit

Grounds work often involves collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you’ve worked effectively in teams before. Highlight your communication skills and willingness to support colleagues, as this is crucial in maintaining high standards across various tasks.

Grounds Operative
Slough Borough Council
Location: Slough
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