Grounds Maintenance Operative – AR

Job Details

Job Description

Job Title

Grounds Maintenance Operative

Department

Operational Services

Location

The Depot, Green Street

Salary Band

Band 1

Hours

37 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, 7:00am–3:00pm, with occasional weekend and bank holiday working as required.

Contract Type

Permanent, Full Time

Job Purpose

To undertake a range of grounds maintenance and operational service duties to maintain high-quality public spaces across Wyre Forest. The role involves the safe and effective operation of grounds maintenance machinery, tools and equipment to deliver front-line services to residents, visitors and customers.

The post holder will work as part of the Operational Services Team and may be required to support wider operational activities, including Waste and Street Scene Services, depending on service requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Grounds Maintenance Duties

  • Carry out general grounds maintenance activities including:
    • Grass cutting using pedestrian and ride-on mowers
    • Strimming and grass edging
    • Hedge cutting and pruning
    • Weeding and planting
    • Maintenance of parks, open spaces and public areas
    • Sports pitch preparation and line marking
    • Litter picking and bin emptying
    • Site inspections and reporting issues
  • Operate a range of grounds maintenance tools, machinery and equipment safely and effectively.
  • Complete assigned tasks to a high standard while maintaining service quality and efficiency.

Equipment and Vehicle Responsibilities

  • Carry out daily pre-start checks on vehicles, machinery and equipment.
  • Ensure tools and machinery are safely loaded, transported, stored and maintained.
  • Use all equipment in accordance with safe operating procedures, risk assessments and method statements.
  • Report any defects, damage or safety concerns to supervisors or relevant departments.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

  • Follow all council health and safety policies, procedures and guidance.
  • Wear the correct uniform and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to each task.
  • Identify hazards and risks associated with work activities and report concerns promptly.
  • Work safely to protect yourself, colleagues, members of the public and other stakeholders.

Customer and Community Service

  • Provide professional and courteous service when interacting with:
    • Members of the public
    • Council employees
    • Contractors
    • Site managers and other stakeholders
  • Represent the council positively by delivering reliable and high-quality services.

Working Practices

  • Record completed work using manual documentation or electronic systems.
  • Participate in training and development activities to support a multi-skilled workforce.
  • Adapt to changing priorities and support new ways of working.
  • Work collaboratively as part of a team while also completing tasks independently.
  • Undertake other reasonable duties as requested by supervisors or managers.

Essential Skills and Experience

  • Previous experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, gardening, or similar outdoor maintenance work.
  • Experience using grounds maintenance machinery, including:
    • Strimmers
    • Pedestrian mowers
    • Ride-on mowers (desirable)
  • Basic understanding of workplace health and safety requirements.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Physically fit with the ability to undertake manual work, including prolonged periods of standing, walking and operating equipment.
  • Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively.
  • Good communication skills and the ability to work professionally with colleagues and members of the public.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Flexible approach with the ability to adapt to changing tasks and service requirements.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

  • NVQ Level 1 or higher in Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping, or another relevant land-based qualification.
  • Previous experience working within a local authority, parks, estates or commercial grounds maintenance environment.

Driving Licence Requirements

Essential:

  • Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable:

  • Class 2 LGV Licence

Physical Requirements

This role involves regular physical activity and may include:

  • Walking and standing for extended periods
  • Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Operating powered grounds maintenance equipment
  • Manual handling of tools, materials and equipment

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Reliability and commitment to delivering quality services.
  • A positive attitude and willingness to support colleagues.
  • Ability to work safely and responsibly.
  • Pride in maintaining clean, safe and attractive public spaces.
  • Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills.

Council Values and Behaviours

The post holder is expected to demonstrate the council’s values:

We are Working Together

  • Work collaboratively as one team towards shared goals.

We are Fair

  • Treat everyone with dignity, respect and inclusion.

We are Dependable

  • Deliver on commitments and provide reliable services.

We put Communities First

  • Focus on delivering services that benefit residents and local communities.

Additional Requirements

  • Ability and willingness to undertake occasional weekend, bank holiday or shift working where required.
  • Compliance with council policies relating to equality, diversity, safeguarding, information security and confidentiality.