Environmental Operative - Grounds

Peabody; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

Two volunteering days each year

Flexible benefits scheme and discount

Up to 10% pension contribution

Job summary

Peabody is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Operative to keep Thamesmead estates clean, green, and thriving. You’ll work outdoors across parks, waterways, and walkways to create safe, welcoming spaces for residents and visitors.

You’ll use a range of tools and machinery, maintain landscapes, and support safety across sites. There is daily outdoor activity, with a focus on reliability and teamwork within a friendly, values-driven team.

Qualifications

• Experience in grounds maintenance.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Skilled in using a wide range of tools, machinery and equipment.
• Specialist knowledge of horticultural practices.
• NVQ Level 1 or equivalent.
• A current UK driving licence.
• Physically fit and ready for hands-on work.
• Clear and polite communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain shrub beds through pruning, weeding, and leaf clearing using hand tools and machinery.
• Cut grass with hand-held and ride-on mowers.
• Remove litter, leaves, and debris from landscaped areas—including bins and drug-related waste.
• Carry out weed and pest control, graffiti removal, and snow clearance.
• Patrol parks, mark pitches, and check play areas for safety.
• Support tree maintenance teams and help keep waterways clean and clear.
• Follow health and safety procedures and wear all required PPE and uniform.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Outdoor work in all weather

Tool handling

Horticultural knowledge

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Diligence & safety

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 1 or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Mowers (ride-on/hand-held)

Powered tools/equipment

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Thamesmead

Vacancy Reference peabodygroup/TP/1231/1427

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Permanent Full Time

Monday - Friday 8 - 3.30pm

Working Hours:

35

Location:

Thamesmead

Closing Date:

09/10/2026

Vacancy Category:

Service Area:

Sustainable Places

Directorate:

Operations

Our Vacancy

Grounds Maintenance Operative – Help Keep Our Communities Green, Clean and Thriving

Love working outdoors? Enjoy making green spaces look their best? As a Grounds Maintenance Operative at Peabody, you’ll be part of a hands-on team that keeps our estates looking great all year round. From parks and play areas to waterways and walkways, you’ll help create safe, welcoming environments for our residents and visitors.

This is a role where your hard work is seen and appreciated every day. You’ll be out and about, using your skills and equipment to maintain beautiful landscapes and contribute to a cleaner, greener community.

What you’ll do

• Maintain shrub beds through pruning, weeding, and leaf clearing using hand tools and machinery
• Cut grass with hand-held and ride-on mowers
• Remove litter, leaves, and debris from landscaped areas—including bins and drug-related waste
• Carry out weed and pest control, graffiti removal, and snow clearance
• Patrol parks, mark pitches, and check play areas for safety
• Support tree maintenance teams and help keep waterways clean and clear
• Follow health and safety procedures and wear all required PPE and uniform

What you’ll need

• Experience in grounds maintenance
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Skilled in using a wide range of tools, machinery, and equipment
• Specialist knowledge of horticultural practices
• NVQ Level 1 or equivalent
• A current UK driving licence
• Physically fit and ready for hands-on work
• Clear and polite communication skills

Why Join Us?

When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values:
Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together.
We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

What We Offer

• 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Two paid volunteering days each year
• Flexible benefits scheme and discount portal
• Up to 10% pension contribution

Please read before applying

Interviews will be Thursday 15th October at our Hailey Road depot in Erith.

This is a physicallyactive, outdoor role. You’ll be working across multiple sites and using a variety of equipment.
You’ll need to be comfortable working in all weather conditions andconfident using powered tools and machinery.
This role requires a Basic DBS check and a full UK driving licence.

Got questions? Reach out to Mike Sugrue, Talent Specialist at [e-mail]