Grounds Operative - Wellington in Taunton

This fixed-term Grounds Operative post with Somerset Council runs until March 2028 and sits within its grounds maintenance service. The work covers grounds and horticultural maintenance across parks, cemeteries, housing land, highways and landscaped sites, from grass cutting to litter and graffiti removal. Days are varied and outdoor, with travel across Somerset, seasonal and emergency work such as flood response, and occasional out-of-hours cover. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, as no visa sponsorship is offered.

What the job involves

• Carry out grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, weeding and general upkeep
• Maintain highways, verges, housing areas, cemeteries, parks and landscaped sites
• Remove litter, leaves, graffiti and flyposting
• Use hand tools, powered equipment and ride-on machinery, with training where required
• Support seasonal and emergency work, including flood response, watercourse clearance, snow and ice clearance and sandbagging
• Drive council vehicles and trailers up to 3.5 tonnes, carrying out daily checks and reporting defects
• Report vandalism, fly-tipping and damage to supervisors
• Complete paperwork and electronic records accurately
• Provide a professional, courteous service to members of the public
• Work flexibly, including occasional work outside normal hours

Qualifications

• A good standard of general education or equivalent practical experience

Experience

• Outdoor manual work and using hand-operated equipment

Skills & knowledge

• Good understanding of health and safety, including COSHH
• Good physical fitness to lift and move materials and equipment
• Ability to work safely and effectively in varying weather conditions
• Basic IT skills in Outlook, Word and Teams, and ability to learn new systems
• Good teamwork skills and a flexible approach to work

Checks & eligibility

• Full UK driving licence
• Right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship

What's offered

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Health and wellbeing support, including confidential employee assistance
• Paid volunteering opportunities

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