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- Tasks: Join us in delivering top-notch gardening and grounds maintenance across Kent.
- Company: Southern Housing is a leading housing provider, offering affordable homes to over 167,000 people.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like flexible working, healthcare cash plans, and discounts with retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening or grounds maintenance and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Work outdoors in all weathers and be part of a diverse, inclusive team.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
Reporting to our local Estate Services Manager, you will be delivering a high-quality gardening and grounds maintenance service. You'll be provided with tools and machinery to help you undertake your tasks and we will supply you with a new uniform, safety boots and personal protective equipment. You will need to have the ability to work outside in all weathers and be able to undertake physically demanding work. Your main base will be Maidstone, although you will be working across the Kent region; a company vehicle will be provided.
Some key duties will include:
- Carrying out a range of tasks required for grounds maintenance including, but not limited to, weeding, dead heading, hoeing, planting, pruning, cutting, and watering communal beds.
- Cutting and maintaining lawns and grass areas to a variety of finishes (fine to rough meadow type) using a variety of machines, including pedestrian operated, tractors & ride-on mowers, strimmers and brush cutters, and including fertilizer and pesticide application.
- Responding promptly to acts of vandalism, including graffiti, and reporting all incidents to the neighbourhood hub.
- Being a point of contact for residents, assisting where possible or referring enquiries to colleagues.
What you'll need:
- Experience in undertaking gardening/grounds maintenance duties.
- Experience of working in small teams.
- Basic knowledge and understanding of health and safety considerations as they apply to this role.
- A full UK driving licence with no more than 6 points and no serious motoring offences within the last 10 years. You must also have a minimum of 2 years driving experience.
In your supporting statement, it is important that you address how you meet the above criteria providing examples.
Closing date: 22nd April 2025 at 23:59pm (We may close the advert early if we receive a suitable number of applications).
About us: At Southern Housing, our residents are at the heart of everything we do. As one of the largest housing providers in the UK with over 77,000 homes across London, the Southeast, the Isle of Wight, and the Midlands, we give over 167,000 people somewhere affordable to call their own! We also understand the difference that safe, secure, and affordable homes can make to people's lives. A career at Southern Housing will allow you to make a difference every day you come to work. Working in the housing sector with us will bring fresh challenges and give you the opportunity to grow and develop, too.
What's in it for you:
- Pension
- Life assurance
- Healthcare cash plan
- Eyecare & dental
- Birthday leave
- Retailers discounts
- Cycle to work
- Buy & sell annual leave
- Season ticket loan
- In-house academy & career development
- Flexible working
Inclusion and Diversity: We work hard to create a diverse and inclusive culture and environment where people are respected for who they are. Encouraging inclusion is not just about protected characteristics, it's about celebrating differences of thought, opinion, experience and perspective of each individual. We're all different in our own way and we want our colleagues to feel comfortable, that they belong, and are safe to be themselves at work, without fear of being judged or excluded, but valued for their contribution to our One Team approach.
Grounds Maintenance Operative in Maidstone employer: Southern Housing
Contact Detail:
Southern Housing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific gardening and grounds maintenance tasks mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your experience with weeding, planting, and using various machinery will show that you understand the role and are prepared for the responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience working in small teams, as collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others to complete tasks efficiently, especially in outdoor settings.
✨Tip Number 3
Since you'll be a point of contact for residents, think about how you can demonstrate your customer service skills. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your ability to communicate effectively and assist residents with their inquiries.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure you understand health and safety regulations related to grounds maintenance. Being knowledgeable about these considerations will not only help you in the role but also impress the hiring manager during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Grounds Maintenance Operative position. Make sure you know what skills and experiences are essential.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, specifically address how your experience meets the criteria outlined in the job description. Use concrete examples from your past work to demonstrate your gardening and grounds maintenance skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise any previous experience in gardening or grounds maintenance, especially if you've worked in small teams or have knowledge of health and safety practices relevant to the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Housing
✨Show Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in gardening and grounds maintenance. Be ready to discuss specific tasks you've undertaken, such as weeding, planting, or using machinery like mowers and strimmers.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working in small teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past jobs. This could include resolving conflicts or contributing to team goals.
✨Understand Health and Safety
Familiarise yourself with basic health and safety regulations relevant to grounds maintenance. Be ready to discuss how you ensure safety while performing physically demanding tasks, especially when using machinery.
✨Prepare for Weather Conditions
As the job requires working outdoors in all weather, express your willingness and ability to work in various conditions. You might want to mention any past experiences that demonstrate your adaptability.
