At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in maintaining beautiful grounds and gardens at the University of Birmingham.
- Company: Be part of a leading global university with over 100 years of history in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days paid holiday, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while working outdoors in a vibrant campus community.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just a willingness to learn and a full, clean driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 23764 - 24855 € per year.
Position Details
Estates
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £23,764 to £24,855
Grade: 2
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 27th July 2025
Our offer to you
People are at the heart of what we are and do.
The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, andweare equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university.We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.
We are committed to helping the people who work here todevelopthrough our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programmewhichprovides allprofessionalservices staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential.With almost 5,000professionalservices jobs in a wide-range of functionsin Edgbaston andin our campus inDubai, there are plenty of opportunities foryou to be able to develop yourcareer at the University.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate.We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are,and how we work.
Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees andtothe success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer avarietyof flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working.In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 dayspaid holidaya year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries.
The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site.On campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops,places to eat and drink,our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.
Find out more about thebenefits of working for the Universityof Birmingham
Role Summary
Within a pattern of assigned duties, established work routines, and regular supervision, the post holder will carry out grounds maintenance and gardens work to an accepted standard.
Main Duties
Key Areas of Responsibility:
- Perform horticultural maintenance operations in the grounds, gardens and sports stadiums at the University.
- Operate horticultural machinery; carry out basic equipment maintenance, and transport goods and equipment, as directed. Drive vehicles, vans, road sweepers, tractors etc.
- Inform supervisor of stock levels for consumables/stores of basic equipment or similar to ensure availability to meet work requirements.
- Carry out routine record keeping. For example, record a job has been completed.
Customers & Suppliers
- Receive and respond courteously and helpfully to everyday enquiries from customers (staff, students, visitors) and colleagues. Where the enquiry is outside the post-holder\'s own knowledge or experience, refer it to the supervisor or appropriate person, to provide a timely and effective service , and promote a positive image of Estates and the University.
Our People
- Sometimesguideotherswithlessexperience.Forexample,newstaff.
Standards
- Ensure all work completed is to agreed performance and quality standards for maintenance tasks undertake, and follows standard procedures including those governing health and safety.
Other
- Carry out such duties as are required from time to time as are commensurate with the grade of the post to assist the Head of Section with sports and gardens operations.
- To be available out of hours for advice that will require on occasion attendance on site.
- To adhere to University and Estates Office Policies & Procedures.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- Ability to undertake manualwork outdoors.
- Ability to acquire the knowledge, technical understanding through on the job training and/or short formal training (perhaps including certification) to perform grounds and gardens work to relevant standards.
- Abilitytofollowinstructions,gainbasicknowledgeaboutroutines,andapplythiscorrectly.
- Abilitytoexchangebasicinformation.
- Abilitytolearnhowtooperategroundsequipmentand,ifnecessary,meetthestandardrequiredforcertification.
- Abilitytolearntocarryoutbasicequipmentmaintenance.
- Abilitytocarryoutroutinerecordkeeping,maintenanceofsimpledatabases,jobprogressreportsandsimilar.
- Abilitytolearnandapplyabasicunderstandingofrelevanthealthandsafetypoliciesandprocedures.
- Afull, clean driving licence is essential.
Informal enquiries to David O\'Driscoll, email: d.t.odriscoll@bham.ac.uk
View our staff values and behaviourshere
We believe there is no such thing as a \'typical\' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .
#J-18808-LjbffrSite Operative - Estates - 16706 - Grade 2 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the picturesque Edgbaston area. With a strong commitment to employee development through the Birmingham Professional programme, generous benefits including 40 days of paid holiday, and a focus on work/life balance, staff are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The campus boasts excellent facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and beautiful gardens, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Operative - Estates - 16706 - Grade 2 in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Birmingham's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability will help you align your approach during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some hands-on experience with horticultural maintenance or groundskeeping. Volunteering at local parks or gardens can provide you with practical skills and knowledge that will be beneficial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the University of Birmingham. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your ability to follow health and safety procedures. Familiarising yourself with basic health and safety regulations in grounds maintenance will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Site Operative - Estates - 16706 - Grade 2 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Site Operative position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in horticultural maintenance or groundskeeping. Mention specific tasks you've performed that relate to the job, such as operating machinery or maintaining gardens.
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to include any relevant skills that are mentioned in the job description, such as manual work capabilities, basic equipment maintenance, and health and safety knowledge. Use examples to demonstrate how you have applied these skills in past roles.
Personalise Your Application:Address your cover letter to the hiring manager if possible, and express your enthusiasm for working at the University of Birmingham. Mention why you are drawn to their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and how you can contribute to their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Horticultural Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of horticultural maintenance and the specific tasks you might be expected to perform. Familiarise yourself with common plants, gardening techniques, and the operation of horticultural machinery, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves interacting with staff, students, and visitors, be prepared to discuss how you would handle enquiries and provide excellent customer service. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully assisted others or resolved issues.
✨Highlight Your Safety Awareness
Understanding health and safety policies is crucial for this position. Be ready to talk about any relevant training you've had and how you ensure safety in your work environment, especially when operating machinery or working outdoors.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Teamwork
The role may involve guiding less experienced colleagues, so express your willingness to collaborate and support others. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team and contributed to a positive work environment.
