Job Details

Grounds Operative

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Grounds Operative to provide a high-quality grounds maintenance service across public parks, schools, playing fields, landscaped areas and other open spaces.

The successful candidate will carry out a range of practical grounds maintenance, horticultural and environmental duties, ensuring allocated areas are maintained to the required standards. You will work both independently and as part of a team, operating a range of hand tools, powered equipment, light plant and tractors.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake general grounds maintenance across allocated areas, including grass cutting, hedge trimming and maintenance of landscaped areas.
• Maintain sports pitches and playing fields, including natural, artificial and synthetic surfaces.
• Carry out basic setting out and marking of sports areas.
• Undertake practical craft and landscaping activities, including site preparation, construction and interpretation of plans.
• Clean and maintain public facilities including changing rooms, toilets, parks, playgrounds and open spaces.
• Apply pesticides safely and appropriately in accordance with manufacturer instructions, COSHH requirements and current legislation.
• Operate hand tools, powered vibrating machinery, light plant, tractors and tractor-mounted equipment.
• Carry out visual inspections of playground equipment and record findings in accordance with the relevant Playground Inspection Policy.
• Ensure all machinery and equipment is safe, roadworthy and in good working order, with appropriate safety guards fitted.
• Work in accordance with departmental Health & Safety policies, safe systems of work and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Use all issued personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and at all times.
• Work with minimal supervision and use initiative to complete allocated tasks within required timescales.
• Provide direction and support to trainees and other employees where required.
• Undertake other appropriate duties as instructed within the Environment Department.

Essential Experience

• Previous experience in gardening, grounds maintenance or grounds operative duties.
• Experience using a range of hand tools, powered equipment and light plant.
• Experience working safely in an outdoor environment.
• Ability to work independently and manage allocated tasks within set timescales.

Essential Skills & Knowledge

• Good understanding of Health & Safety legislation and safe working practices.
• Knowledge of COSHH Regulations.
• Ability to safely operate grounds maintenance machinery and equipment.
• Ability to drive and tow trailers.
• Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good communication skills and the ability to liaise professionally with colleagues and members of the public.

Qualifications & Training

Essential:

• Relevant training in the safe use of grounds maintenance machinery.

Desirable:

• NPTC PA6A pesticide application qualification.
• First Aid qualification.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be:

• Reliable and responsible.
• Practical and hands-on.
• Able to work independently and use initiative.
• A strong team player.
• Safety-conscious.
• Comfortable working outdoors in a range of conditions.
• Able to communicate effectively with colleagues and members of the public.

Working Environment

This is a physically active, outdoor role involving work across parks, schools, playing fields, landscaped areas, playgrounds and other public open spaces. The role requires regular use of grounds maintenance machinery, hand tools, light plant and tractors.

The post holder will be responsible for significant equipment and resources and must ensure that all work is completed safely and to the required standard.

Reporting To

Grounds Environmental Supervisor