Job Details

Area Operative (Grounds Maintenance) – Thurrock Council

Location: Oliver Close, West Thurrock, Essex, RM20 3ED
Employer: Thurrock Council
Pay Rate: £13.76 per hour PAYE
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: 23rd November 2026 – 21st November 2027
Employment Type: Temporary, Full-Time

About the Role

Thurrock Council is looking for a reliable, hardworking and physically fit Area Operative to join its Clean and Green – Grounds Maintenance team. This is a hands-on outdoor role supporting the maintenance, cleanliness and appearance of public spaces across the Thurrock area.

You will play an important part in keeping parks, green spaces, communal areas and other public environments clean, tidy, safe and well-maintained for local residents and visitors.

The successful candidate will undertake a variety of manual duties, including grounds maintenance, general labouring, litter picking, clearing vegetation and assisting with the upkeep of outdoor areas. This is an active role suited to someone who enjoys working outdoors, is comfortable undertaking physical work and takes pride in maintaining public spaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out general grounds maintenance and outdoor cleaning duties across designated areas.

• Maintain parks, green spaces, communal areas and public spaces to a high standard.

• Undertake litter picking and remove rubbish and debris from public areas.

• Assist with grass cutting, strimming, hedge trimming and general vegetation maintenance, where required.

• Clear leaves, weeds, overgrown vegetation and other obstructions.

• Assist with planting, seasonal maintenance and general landscaping activities.

• Operate basic grounds maintenance tools and equipment safely, following appropriate training.

• Carry out manual handling duties, including lifting, moving and transporting materials and equipment.

• Ensure public areas are kept clean, tidy and free from potential hazards.

• Follow all relevant health and safety procedures, including the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Report damaged equipment, hazards, fly-tipping or maintenance issues to the appropriate supervisor.

• Work effectively as part of a grounds maintenance team and complete allocated tasks within agreed timescales.

• Provide a professional and helpful service when dealing with members of the public.

Essential Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Previous experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, gardening, street cleansing, waste management or general manual labour.

• Good physical fitness and the ability to undertake outdoor, hands-on work throughout the working day.

• Ability to carry out manual handling, lifting and repetitive physical tasks.

• A practical, hardworking and reliable approach to work.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.

• Good awareness of health and safety procedures when working outdoors.

• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks to a satisfactory standard.

• A flexible approach to duties and willingness to work in different outdoor environments.

• Good timekeeping, attendance and a positive attitude.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working for a local authority or within a council grounds maintenance team.

• Experience using grounds maintenance machinery, such as lawnmowers, strimmers, hedge cutters or leaf blowers.

• Knowledge of basic gardening, landscaping and horticultural practices.

• Experience in street cleansing, parks maintenance or environmental services.

• Understanding of safe working practices and the correct use of PPE.

Who Would Be Suitable?

This opportunity would suit candidates who have previously worked as:

• Grounds Maintenance Operative

• Groundsworker

• Gardener

• Landscape Operative

• Parks Maintenance Operative

• Street Cleansing Operative

• Environmental Services Operative

• General Labourer

• Garden Maintenance Assistant

• Horticultural Operative

• Waste and Cleansing Operative

• Council Maintenance Operative

Candidates from construction, landscaping, gardening, waste management and other manual labour backgrounds may also be suitable.

What We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates who are dependable, physically capable and happy to work outdoors in all weather conditions. You do not necessarily need extensive grounds maintenance experience, but you must be comfortable undertaking practical manual work, following instructions and working as part of a team.

If you are hardworking, reliable and enjoy working outdoors, we would like to hear from you!

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