At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful outdoor spaces and ensure properties look their best.
- Company: Join Sovereign Network Group, a leading housing association making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, tool allowance, and flexible benefits like buying extra holiday.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a chance to contribute to thriving communities.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, make an impact, and be part of a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and a valid driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 28039 - 28500 £ per year.
Here at Sovereign Network Group we provide quality, affordable homes in happy, successful places. What we do makes a real difference to people's lives, and you'll share the satisfaction of doing something that really matters in an environment where your health and safety is important to ensure you and your colleagues stay safe and well, everywhere, every day.
We are now the 6th largest housing association by size - with almost 3000 colleagues, over 85,000 homes and over 200,000 customers across London and the South.
We are looking for a Grounds Maintenance Worker to join our Property Maintenance Team in the Blandford Forum/Dorset area on a permanent basis. You'll be completing grounds maintenance works at Sovereign Network Group's properties so you'll need a passion to work outdoors whatever the weather!
What you'll be doing:
- General grounds maintenance on estates, play areas and properties
- Grass cutting and strimming including the use of ride on mowers
- Pruning, weeding and spraying
- Hedge cutting
- Turfing and seeding
- Sweeping and clearing paths and hard standings
To make sure we can deliver an excellent service to our customers you'll take 60% of your annual leave from November to March and 40% from April to October.
What we need from you:
- You should have some experience of carrying out general grounds maintenance to a high standard, and be able to deliver an excellent service to our customers.
- Ride on Mower and trailer experience is preferable.
- Have a strong health and safety mindset with knowledge of health & safety best practices.
- Enjoy working as part of a team.
- You'll also need a valid driving licence with a minimum of 1 years driving experience in order that you have the ability to drive a company van on occasion.
- This role is subject to a satisfactory DVLA licence check.
We have some great benefits at SNG, including:
- Tool Allowance
- Uniform & PPE
- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (with an extra day every year up to 30 days)
- Chance to buy or sell holiday as part of our flexible benefits package
- 3 additional wellbeing days and 2 paid volunteering days
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay
- Generous matched pension scheme up to 12% and Life cover at 4x salary
- A van and fuel card for business travel
- iPhone and iPad
- SmartTech - Buy an electrical item and pay it off through your salary over 12 months
Please note a Basic DBS check will be undertaken for the successful candidate.
Our purpose is to provide good, affordable homes that are the foundation for a better life - and our vision is thriving communities, over generations. We provide over 85,000 homes and invest in communities across London, the South East, South West and East of England, as well as aiming to create thousands of new affordable homes every year. Working for us is so much more than just a job. Whatever your role, you'll help us provide homes and services for those who need them - and make a real difference to people’s lives.
Grounds Maintenance Operative in Blandford Forum employer: Sovereign Network Group
At Sovereign Network Group, we pride ourselves on being a leading housing provider in the South of England, dedicated to creating thriving communities and offering meaningful employment. As a Workday Platform Manager, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises inclusion, professional growth, and employee wellbeing, alongside an attractive benefits package including generous holiday allowances and a matched pension scheme. Join us in making a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in a forward-thinking environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative in Blandford Forum
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
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✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
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✨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 Sovereign Network Group; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative in Blandford Forum
Some tips for your application 🫡
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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 Operative.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Sovereign Network 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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Sovereign Network 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 Sovereign Network Group might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
