At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Grounds Services team to maintain beautiful outdoor spaces and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: South Lanarkshire Council, committed to equality and community support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous leave, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse applicants and offering career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, make a difference in your community, and enjoy a flexible work schedule.
- Qualifications: HGV driving licence and experience in grounds maintenance required.
The predicted salary is between 15.54 - 15.66 £ per hour.
ACTUAL CLOSING DATE: Applications must be received by Thursday 3 September 2026 at 11:55pm. Please ensure that you read the full advert text and do not submit a CV, as these will be disregarded as they do not form part of SLC application process. If you require to submit additional information to support your application, please upload this under supporting documents.
Location: Forrest Street Depot, 18 Forrest Street, Blantyre.
Hours: 37 hours per week
Work Pattern: 4 days on and 4 days off - 6:30am - 6:00pm
Hourly Rate: £15.54 - £15.66
Community and Enterprise Resources are seeking to appoint a Grounds Operative (HGV Driver) within our Grounds Services team based in Forrest Street Depot, Blantyre. Do you enjoy working outside? We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our Grounds Service Teams working throughout South Lanarkshire. Our teams provide a varied grounds maintenance service for the council throughout the year which includes:
- Grass cutting
- Shrub bed maintenance
- Hedge cutting
- Formal planting maintenance
- Soft landscaping
- Cemetery maintenance
- Other associated horticultural operations
One of the main responsibilities of this job is to provide excellent customer service by assisting in providing an effective grounds maintenance service. Our services include:
- Mechanical Sweeping both large and small
- Working with different teams on all aspects of grounds maintenance.
A full UK HGV driving licence and previous experience of working in a grounds/streetscape maintenance environment are essential. Experience operating Johnston road sweepers or similar equipment is required. A good understanding of vehicle checks and maintenance procedures is necessary. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is important, along with a commitment to safety, efficiency, and high-quality service delivery.
If you require to submit any further additional information to support your application (not a CV), please upload this under supporting documents. Please apply online - All correspondence will be via your email address.
Preferred candidates identified after the selection event process will be required to assist the recruitment team, if need be, to ensure timely completion of recruitment checks. If recruitment checks are not completed within a reasonable timescale, you may automatically be withdrawn from this position. Canvassing of Elected Members or employees of South Lanarkshire's Council directly or indirectly in connection with any appointment within the Council shall disqualify the applicant.
An Overseas Criminal Records Check is required where applicants born outside the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or who have lived or worked outside the UK for a continuous period of 12 months in the past 10 years. Applicants are responsible for providing evidence of the Overseas Criminal Record Check. The check must be translated into English and should come from the police, judicial authority, government department or home embassy of the country or countries concerned. The check must include an official statement confirming that the applicant does not have any history of or pending criminal record proceedings. Checks may be carried out to authenticate the documents provided.
The Council is committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Therefore, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community, including under-represented groups within our workforce. We are keen to receive applications from candidates who have a disability, who are from a care experienced background, who are from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background, from a military service background and from those who are new Scots.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile for this position. As proud holders of the UK Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, the Council is also committed to supporting members of the armed forces community, including service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. In line with this commitment, service leavers, their close family members, veterans and reservists will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria as outlined in the job profile.
As an employee of South Lanarkshire Council, you would also receive a wide range of benefits including:
- Enrolment in award winning local government pension scheme
- To increase the value of their pension pot, Local Government Employees can opt to join the Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme.
- Up to 33 days annual leave
- Public holiday entitlement (up to 10 days)
- Occupational sick pay
- Family friendly policies - flexible working and leave, maternity/paternity leave enhanced leave.
- Employee Discounts – including discounts at the cinema.
- Range of benefits to support you (Cycle to Work Scheme, Physiotherapy, Employee Assistance Program which offers practical and emotional support)
COMM ENT 5408 G1 - Grounds Operative (HGV Driver) Hamilton employer: South Lanarkshire Council
South Lanarkshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises equality and inclusivity. With flexible working hours and a commitment to employee well-being, including a local government pension scheme and family-friendly policies, this role provides meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth in the community-focused environment of Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land COMM ENT 5408 G1 - Grounds Operative (HGV Driver) Hamilton
✨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 South Lanarkshire Council.
✨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 South Lanarkshire Council.
✨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 South Lanarkshire Council; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace COMM ENT 5408 G1 - Grounds Operative (HGV Driver) Hamilton
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 South Lanarkshire Council.
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 COMM ENT 5408 G1 - Grounds Operative (HGV Driver) Hamilton.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what South Lanarkshire Council 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 South Lanarkshire Council a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Lanarkshire Council
✨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 South Lanarkshire Council might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
