At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain grounds and create a safe environment at HMP Rochester.
- Company: Join Gov Facilities Services Limited, a supportive team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private GP access, and financial rewards.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to promote rehabilitation and positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and relevant health & safety knowledge required.
- Other info: Strong focus on diversity, inclusion, and career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 26575 - 37205 £ per year.
Location: HMP Rochester
Salary: £26,575.65
Contract: Permanent - Full-Time - 39hrs
We are seeking a dedicated Grounds Operative to join our team at HMP Rochester, a CATEGORY C & Male prison. Join a team that is more than just a group of colleagues – we work MONDAY – FRIDAY as a supportive and driven family, working together to create a safe and nurturing environment.
As a Grounds Operative, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced and passionate colleagues who vary from Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters, Painters, to Cleaners, and Administrators, all dedicated to making a positive difference, providing a safe and secure environment for all.
If you are looking for a role where you can use your skills to create a better future for others, we encourage you to apply for this compelling opportunity and join us in our mission to promote rehabilitation and positive change.
We are looking for a Grounds Operative with any combination of:
- Experience with grounds maintenance practices in areas of grass maintenance – Essential
- Knowledge of relevant health and safety requirements
- Experience of taking instructions and following processes and procedures
- Experience of supervision
- National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 qualification in horticulture or a recognised horticultural industry equivalent – Essential
- Holding of PA2 and PA6 pesticides qualifications
- Good Health & Safety knowledge
- Excellent organisational, time management and people skills
If this sounds like you, we would like to hear from you! Explore a varied and rewarding career at GFSL.
Holidays are 25 days per year plus Bank Holidays, and a range of non-contractual benefits are provided. These range from Death in Service at 4x salary, to access to private GP consultations and an Employee Assistance Programme that offers counselling and information services for preventative care and to help employees in a crisis. There are also a range of financial reward mechanisms and access to retailer discounts.
You will find a strong focus on safety, a supportive, inclusive workplace, a competitive benefits package, and real opportunity to build your skills and progress.
Pride In People. We’re passionate about promoting greater diversity and creating a workplace and culture where all of our employees have a voice that is heard, feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to be their true selves. We recognise the value that every single employee brings to the organisation.
GFSL has been notified by its shareholder (MOJ) that the provision of FM services will in future be delivered by the private sector. This means that following a successful procurement process, GFSL’s services will transfer to a private sector provider/providers in Spring 2026.
Grounds Operative Rochester employer: UK Gov Facility Services
Contact Detail:
UK Gov Facility Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Operative Rochester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on HMP Rochester and its Facilities Maintenance Team. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, highlight your experience in grounds maintenance and any relevant qualifications. Make sure to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask about the team dynamics and what a typical day looks like. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you figure out if it's the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and helps us keep track of all candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Operative Rochester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a positive difference in the lives of others, especially in a setting like HMP Rochester.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for grounds maintenance experience and knowledge of health and safety, so don’t hold back on showcasing what you’ve got!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and get straight to the heart of why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Gov Facility Services
✨Know Your Grounds
Familiarise yourself with grounds maintenance practices, especially grass maintenance. Be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with the role at HMP Rochester. Showing that you understand the importance of maintaining a safe and pleasant environment will impress the interviewers.
✨Health & Safety First
Brush up on relevant health and safety requirements. You might be asked about specific protocols or situations where safety is paramount. Demonstrating your knowledge in this area shows that you take the role seriously and prioritise the well-being of everyone involved.
✨Team Player Mindset
Since you'll be working closely with a diverse team, highlight your ability to take instructions and follow processes. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles. This will show that you're not just a skilled operative but also a supportive colleague.
✨Show Your Passion for Change
Express your enthusiasm for making a positive difference in the lives of others. Talk about why you want to work in a prison environment and how you can contribute to rehabilitation efforts. This passion can set you apart from other candidates who may not connect as deeply with the mission.