At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain beautiful landscapes and essential water services across the South West.
- Company: Be part of South West Water, a leader in sustainable water solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Other info: Diversity is our strength; we celebrate uniqueness and foster inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working outdoors and learning valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Full UK Driving Licence and a positive attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes. We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife. Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Building & Grounds Maintenance Operative to join our friendly team. This is a hands-on role where you'll travel to various sites across the South West, carrying out essential maintenance activities to support our Drinking Water Services operations. During the spring, summer, and early autumn, your focus will primarily be on grounds maintenance. Outside of the growing season, you'll also support a range of building maintenance tasks, all under the guidance of the Building & Grounds Maintenance Team Leader.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out reactive and planned maintenance across South West Water assets
- Grounds maintenance activities including:
- Grass cutting and strimming
- Hedge trimming
- Tree work (ground level)
- Path repairs and maintenance (gravel, concrete, slabs, steps)
- Use of powered plant, hand tools, and chemicals
- Perform general building maintenance, including:
- Woodwork and door repairs
- Roof gutter maintenance
- Painting and decorating
- Provide accurate and timely updates on completed work
- Follow schedules, procedures, and business rules
- Liaise with the Team Leader and Central Support Administrator to optimise workloads
- Respond to customer enquiries professionally when required
- Ensure all work is conducted in line with Health & Safety regulations and safe systems of work
- Support periodic maintenance activities such as chemical tank cleaning
About You
Essential:
- Full UK Driving Licence (including BE classification)
- Ability to follow risk assessments and safe systems of work
- Good understanding of health & safety practices
- Flexible approach to working hours
- Basic maths and IT proficiency
- Positive, 'can-do' attitude and willingness to learn
Desirable:
- Experience operating grounds maintenance machinery
- Experience in general building maintenance and repairs
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
Closing Date: 14th July 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Locations
Building & Ground Maintenance Operative in Devon, Exeter employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth. As part of the Pennon Group, our employees benefit from opportunities to develop their careers while contributing to meaningful environmental initiatives in one of the UK's most beautiful regions. Join us as a Building & Grounds Maintenance Operative and enjoy a hands-on role with a positive team atmosphere, where your contributions directly support our mission for a greener future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Building & Ground Maintenance Operative in Devon, Exeter
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Building & Ground Maintenance Operative in Devon, Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch South West Water's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at South West Water. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at South West Water.
