Estates Operative

Settle; Letchworth, Baldock; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + Christmas closure

Generous pension – up to 9.5% employer

Health cash plan

Life cover and income protection

Hybrid working – flexible options + EV

Job summary

SettleParadigm is seeking an Estates Operative to maintain our estates across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. You’ll deliver grounds-maintenance, bulk waste removal and cleaning in partnership with the Estate Services team.

The role requires practical, team-focused individuals with a clean driving licence. You’ll work across sites, prioritise safety, and contribute to a welcoming environment for residents.

Qualifications

• Experience in grounds-maintenance or estate services.
• Knowledge of health and safety at work.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A full clean driving licence.
• Physical fitness to carry out manual handling tasks.
• Ability to identify risks, hazards and support emergency planning.
• Good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality grounds-maintenance and bulk waste removal services.
• Carry out grass cutting, hedge maintenance, edging, moss clearance, pruning, planting and spraying.
• Support land clearance for areas identified for development.
• Remove bulk waste and assist in identifying responsible parties for re-charging.
• Work with residents to report estate issues promptly.
• Complete scheduled inspections to keep estates safe and well maintained.
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver a consistent service.
• Support up‑cycling and community give‑back days.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in line with procedures.
• Complete other site-based or resident-related tasks as required.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Health & Safety at work

Teamwork

Full clean driving licence

Physical fitness

Risk identification

Communication skills

Education

Recognised horticultural qualification

Job description

Salary: £29,397 + Excellent Benefits

Location of office: Baldock, Letchworth Garden City

Location of work: Various sites across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire

Contract: Permanent

We are looking for an Estates Operative to help keep our estates clean, safe and welcoming for our residents. This role is an important part of our Estate Services team, delivering grounds‑maintenance, bulk waste removal and cleaning services across our communities. You will work both independently and as part of a team, using your skills, initiative and customer‑focused approach to maintain high standards across our estates.

The Estate Services team operates remotely across our geographical areas, delivering services that directly impact the land we manage and the residents who live there. This includes grounds‑maintenance, bulk waste removal, cleaning and wider estate‑based tasks.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Deliver high-quality grounds‑maintenance, litter picking and bulk waste removal services
• Carry out grass cutting, hedge maintenance, lawn edging, moss clearance, pruning, plant and shrub maintenance, spraying and gritting
• Support land clearance for areas identified for development
• Remove bulk waste and assist in identifying responsible parties where re‑charging may be appropriate
• Work with residents to ensure estate issues are reported promptly
• Complete scheduled inspections and checks to ensure estates remain safe and well maintained
• Work closely with colleagues to deliver a consistent and reliable service
• Support up‑cycling and community give‑back days
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in line with procedures
• Complete other site‑based or resident‑related tasks as required

What we’re looking for

You Will Have

• Experience in grounds‑maintenance or estate services
• Knowledge of health and safety at work
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• A full clean driving licence
• Physical fitness to carry out manual handling tasks
• Ability to identify risks, hazards and support emergency planning
• Good communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Willingness to support social purpose goals and community‑focused activities
• Flexibility to work additional hours or respond to emergency call‑outs when required
• Desire to develop skills in horticulture and broaden experience
• PA1 / PA6a spraying certification
• Experience towing trailers
• A recognised horticultural qualification

Benefits

At SettleParadigm, we believe in creating an environment where our people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow. Our comprehensive benefits and rewards package reflects this commitment.

• annual salary: £29,397 per annum
• 25 days holiday, increasing with service, plus Christmas closure and buy options
• Generous pension scheme – up to 9.5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice
• Family-friendly leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Health cash plan – claim up to £1,800 for everyday health costs (plus free kids’ cover)
• Life cover and income protection
• Flexible working – hybrid options, modern offices, free parking & EV charging

And that’s just the beginning! We’re also thrilled to provide:

• Mental Health First Aiders available to support
• Car leasing via salary sacrifice (for permanent colleagues subject to conditions)
• Funded training, qualifications & apprenticeships
• 3 paid volunteering days in the local communities
• Peer-recognition rewards platform
• Paid professional subscription (one per year)

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, by reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds; people who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people from underrepresented groups.

Accessibility and Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in advance of any suitable arrangements required.

Due to the nature of some of our roles involving work with vulnerable members of society, this post may be subject to a basic or enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be carried out when a conditional offer is made.

Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.

Closing Date: 31/08/2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.