At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful outdoor spaces and ensure gardens are safe and tidy.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Fortescue Zero HQ, part of Sodexo.
- Benefits: Earn £15.85 per hour, enjoy free meals, gym access, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Full training provided with opportunities for career growth in an inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, make a difference, and develop your skills in horticulture.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and a valid pesticide application qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 15.85 - 15.85 £ per hour.
Location: Fortescue Zero HQ, Oxford Spires Business Park, Kidlington, OX5 1GB
Salary: £15.85 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 4:00pm
Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time
We're looking for an experienced Grounds Maintenance Technician to join our team at Fortescue Zero HQ in Kidlington. This is an excellent opportunity to work at a modern, high-profile site where you'll be responsible for maintaining attractive outdoor spaces to the highest standard. If you take pride in your work, enjoy working outdoors and have experience in grounds maintenance or horticulture, we'd love to hear from you.
Working as part of the Sodexo team, you'll help ensure the site's gardens and landscaped areas remain safe, tidy and professionally presented throughout the year.
What you'll do:
- Carry out planned grounds maintenance across the site
- Maintain lawns, borders, shrubs, hedges and landscaped areas
- Operate grounds maintenance equipment safely and effectively
- Undertake seasonal gardening and planting tasks
- Apply pesticides in line with legislation and best practice
- Complete routine inspections and report any maintenance issues
- Work safely and follow Health & Safety procedures at all times
- Maintain a professional standard while delivering excellent customer service
What you'll bring:
- PA6A (or PA6) Hand-held Pesticide Application qualification (or equivalent) – essential
- Full UK driving licence (minimum age requirement 21 years)
- Previous experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping or horticulture
- Experience using grounds maintenance machinery and equipment
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- A reliable and proactive approach with excellent attention to detail
Desirable qualifications:
- Level 2 Horticulture or Amenity Horticulture
- Brushcutter and Strimmer (Lantra or NPTC)
- Hedge Trimmer qualification
What we offer:
- £15.85 per hour
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- Free onsite parking
- Free meal while on duty
- Access to the onsite gym
- Full training and ongoing development opportunities
- Sodexo Rewards Programme
- 24-hour virtual GP service
- Employee discounts for you, your friends and family
About Sodexo:
Working with Sodexo is more than just a job. You'll be part of a team that values your contribution and supports your development, with opportunities to build a long-term career while making a real difference every day. We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
Grounds Maintenance Technician in Kidlington employer: Sodexo Group
Sodexo Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture at their Unilever R&D location in Bebington. As a Front Desk & Visitor Experience Coordinator, you will benefit from competitive pay, access to a staff shop, and a virtual GP service, all while being part of a team that values your contributions and fosters professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Technician in Kidlington
✨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 Sodexo Group.
✨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 Sodexo Group.
✨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 Sodexo Group; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Technician in Kidlington
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 Sodexo Group.
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 Technician.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Sodexo Group 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 Sodexo Group a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo Group
✨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 Sodexo Group might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
