At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain parks, sports pitches, and residential areas in Stevenage.
- Company: Stevenage Borough Council is dedicated to community welfare and environmental care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a supportive employee assistance programme.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing valuable skills in a friendly environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance is preferred; teamwork and problem-solving skills are essential.
- Other info: Part-time and job share options available; apply online by 31 July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 21994 - 25200 Β£ per year.
Β£25,992 to Β£28,624 pa β pro rata for hours worked
POST NUMBER 000560 012648 012656
WEEKLY WORKING HOURS 37
SALARY RANGE Β£25,992 to Β£28,624 pa β pro rata for hours worked
TYPE OF CONTRACT Permanent
LOCATION Stevenage
We are looking for enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Stevenage Direct Services team, undertaking varied and skilled tasks to complete grounds maintenance works within the town of Stevenage. Experience in the industry is desirable with an ability to build strong team relations, using initiative to problem solve and a keen eye for detail to ensure a high standard of work is completed.
Tasks undertaken include:
- Grass Cutting β residential areas, parks, highway verges and council owned flat blocks
- Shrub/Hedge Maintenance - residential areas, parks and council owned flat blocks
- Sports Pitch Management β football pitches, bowls greens and athletics facility
- Landscaping β Improvement schemes, seasonal bedding maintenance and design/planting
- Tractor Operation using side-arm flail, gang mowers and other implements
- Mechanical Sweeping β maintaining cycle tracks, garage compounds and retail areas
- Tree Works β maintaining the townβs 32,000 trees and woodland areas
OUR BENEFITS
- Pension Scheme: We offer a career average pension scheme, providing generous benefits upon retirement, as well as a lump sum and pension for dependants
- Flexible working: available upon request, subject to operational requirements.
- Part time and Job share opportunities - all our full-time vacancies are open to job share unless otherwise stated.
- A variety of different types of paid and unpaid leave covering emergency and planned leave, maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave.
- 25 days holiday rising to 31 days (depending on Local Government service)
- An extensive range of learning and development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme β 24/7 Confidential advice and support on personal, work, family and relationship issues
- Season ticket loans and discounts for public transport
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Stevenage Credit Union: secure savings, free life insurance and access to cheap loans.
- Employee Discounts: via monthly paid membership of the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC)
- Discounted Health and Fitness membership
- Trade Unions: For a small fee, all employees have the opportunity to join a Trade Union.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications must be made online - please visit https://jobs.stevenage.gov.uk/StevenageBorough/Home
For an informal discussion about this role please contact Ben Eagling β ben.eagling@stevenage.gov.uk or Darron Nicholson β darron.nicholson@stevenage.gov.uk
Closing date for receipt of applications: 31 July 2025
Please note that if we receive a large volume of applications for this role, we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the published closing date.
Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, volunteers and recruitment candidates to share this commitment. SBC shall take all reasonable steps to employ staff who are safe to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. For posts identified with regular contact with these groups applicants will be required to undertake a Value Based Interview. The council supports the legislative requirements for employing and maintaining safer staff and the guidance specified by Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board.
Stevenage Borough Council is committed to Equal Opportunities for All. For further information please click https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/about-the-council/jobs-and-careers/equal-opportunities
Stevenage Borough Council, Daneshill House, Danestrete, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 1HN
Contact Detail:
Stevenage Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Operative - Grounds
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, such as grass cutting and shrub maintenance. Being able to discuss your experience or knowledge in these areas during an informal chat can really set you apart.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show your enthusiasm for grounds maintenance by researching local parks and sports facilities in Stevenage. Mentioning specific locations or projects during your conversation can demonstrate your commitment to the community.
β¨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees or others in the industry to gain insights about the team culture and work environment. This can help you tailor your approach and show that you're a good fit for their team.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions to ask during your informal discussion that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquiring about their current projects or future plans can show that you're proactive and genuinely interested.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative - Grounds
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific tasks and responsibilities of the Operative - Grounds position. Highlight your relevant experience in grounds maintenance and any specific skills that align with the job requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, and any relevant machinery operation. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your CV stands out to recruiters.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to high standards of work. Mention specific examples of your previous work in similar roles and how you can contribute to the Stevenage Direct Services team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stevenage Borough Council
β¨Know Your Grounds Maintenance
Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, such as grass cutting and shrub maintenance. Being able to discuss your experience or knowledge in these areas will show your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
β¨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role requires strong team relations, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlight your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues in achieving common goals.
β¨Show Initiative and Problem-Solving Skills
Think of instances where you've had to use your initiative to solve problems in previous roles. Discussing these experiences will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to handle challenges effectively.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals. Consider asking about the types of projects you might work on or the team's dynamics.