Grounds Maintenance Operative – AR

Job Details

Job Description

Job Title: Grounds Maintenance Operative

Grade: Band 1

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time

Hours: 37 hours per week (may include Monday–Sunday and bank holidays on a rota basis)

Location: Council Depot, Green Street

Job Purpose

To deliver high-quality grounds maintenance and related frontline environmental services across council-managed sites, ensuring public green spaces, parks, and open areas are clean, safe, and well maintained for residents and service users.

Key Responsibilities

Grounds Maintenance Duties

  • Carry out general grounds maintenance including:
    • Grass cutting using pedestrian and ride-on mowers
    • Strimming and edging
    • Hedge cutting and pruning
    • Weeding and planting
    • Litter picking and bin emptying
    • Sports pitch marking
    • Basic site inspections and upkeep

Health & Safety and Equipment Use

  • Operate tools, machinery, and vehicles safely and in line with training and procedures
  • Complete pre-use checks on vehicles and equipment
  • Wear appropriate PPE at all times
  • Report defects, hazards, or safety concerns immediately
  • Follow all relevant Health & Safety legislation and council policies

Service Delivery

  • Deliver a high standard of work to maintain public spaces
  • Work professionally with members of the public, colleagues, contractors, and stakeholders
  • Support frontline council services including waste and street scene operations when required
  • Work across different service areas as part of a flexible operational team

Administration and Reporting

  • Record completed work accurately using paper-based or electronic systems
  • Support monitoring and reporting of daily tasks and service delivery

Teamwork and Development

  • Work collaboratively as part of a multi-skilled operational team
  • Participate in training and development activities
  • Support new working practices and service improvements

Working Conditions

  • Outdoor manual work in all weather conditions
  • Physically demanding role involving walking, standing, lifting, and repetitive tasks
  • Early starts and potential weekend/bank holiday work on a rota basis (typically 7am–3pm)

Person Specification

Essential

  • Experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, or similar outdoor work
  • Ability to use or willingness to learn strimmers, pedestrian mowers, and similar equipment
  • Basic understanding of Health & Safety
  • Full UK driving licence
  • Good communication skills and ability to work with the public
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Good time management and ability to prioritise tasks
  • Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Physically fit for manual work
  • Basic IT skills (email, forms, simple systems)

Desirable

  • Experience operating ride-on mowers
  • NVQ Level 1 or equivalent in horticulture, landscaping, or related field

Behaviour and Values

The post holder is expected to work in line with council values by:

  • Working collaboratively as one team
  • Treating people fairly and with respect
  • Being reliable and accountable
  • Putting the needs of the community first

Additional Requirements

  • Compliance with all Health & Safety policies and procedures
  • Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Adherence to data protection and information security policies