At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful green spaces through grass cutting, weed management, and sports field prep.
- Company: Join Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council's Grounds and Estate Maintenance team.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience and develop skills in horticulture and machinery operation.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that enhances your community's outdoor spaces while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and experience with commercial mowing machinery required.
- Other info: Fixed term role from March to October 2026 with potential for growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Grounds Maintenance Operative role at WMJobs. This post is Fixed Term from 16 March 2026 to 23 October 2026. Previous applicants need not apply. The Grounds and Estate Maintenance team, based at Taylors Lane, Oldbury, provides a broad range of horticultural services throughout the Borough of Sandwell.
Duties include:
- Grass cutting and mowing across a variety of sites.
- Weed management and general yard maintenance.
- Bed and shrub upkeep.
- Sports field preparation and maintenance.
Qualifications:
- Full UK driving licence with at least 12 months of driving experience, capable of operating a 3.5 tonne, manual, pickup style vehicle.
- Experience using commercial mowing machinery, both pedestrian and ride‑on.
Training & Assessment:
- Ride‑on and pedestrian mowing machinery.
- Horticultural equipment including strimmer, hedge trimmer, and leaf blowers.
- Health and safety procedures.
Successful candidates must pass a driving assessment (if not already completed) and a competency assessment covering mowing and horticultural equipment usage.
Driving Requirements:
- Drive a manual 3.5 tonne vehicle.
- Hold the licence category required to operate these vehicles.
Interview Details:
Interviews will be held on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th January 2026 at Taylors Lane Depot, Taylors Lane, Oldbury, West Midlands, B69 2BW.
Hours: 37 hours per week.
We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to the advertised date if we receive a large number of applications; therefore, we encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
Application Process:
Download the application from the Sandwell Council website and return it to hr_resourcing@sandwell.gov.uk. For more information about working for Sandwell Council, the recruitment process, and the offer to you, visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/counciljobs.
Contact for Disability Assistance:
If you have a disability and require assistance making an application, or have experienced a problem while applying, contact the Resourcing Team on 0121 569 3300 or via e‑mail at hr_resourcing@sandwell.gov.uk.
Legal and Equality:
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is an equal opportunities employer and will consider all qualified applicants. For further details, see the Council's EEO statement.
Grounds Maintenance Operative in Oldbury employer: WMJobs
Contact Detail:
WMJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Maintenance Operative in Oldbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Grounds and Estate Maintenance team. Understanding their work and values can help you connect during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Brush up on your skills with the mowing machinery and other horticultural equipment. If you can demonstrate your competence during the interview, it’ll give you a solid edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the driving assessment! Since a full UK driving licence is required, make sure you’re comfortable driving a manual 3.5 tonne vehicle. Practising beforehand can help ease any nerves and ensure you pass with flying colours.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of landing that Grounds Maintenance Operative role!
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Maintenance Operative in Oldbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Understand what the Grounds Maintenance Operative role involves and think about how your experience aligns with those duties. This will help us see why you're a great fit!
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially with mowing machinery or horticultural tasks. We want to know what makes you stand out, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills in your application!
Keep It Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your qualifications shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get a lot of applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your knowledge of horticultural practices, especially grass cutting and weed management. Be ready to discuss your experience with different types of mowing machinery and how you’ve used them in past roles.
✨Show Off Your Driving Skills
Since a full UK driving licence is essential, be prepared to talk about your driving experience. If you've operated a 3.5 tonne vehicle before, share specific examples of when and how you did this safely and effectively.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with health and safety procedures related to grounds maintenance. Be ready to explain how you ensure safety while using equipment like strimmers and hedge trimmers, as this shows you take the role seriously.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team and the work environment. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Think about asking about the types of sites you'll be working on or the training provided.