Grounds Maintenance Operative - AR

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