Grounds and General Maintenance Operative

GBS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible Benefits

Perks@Work discounts

Wellbeing centre

Referral scheme

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

GBS is seeking a Grounds and Maintenance Operative to deliver comprehensive upkeep across Greenford Campus. The role covers grounds, gardens, building repairs, and safety checks to keep outdoor and indoor spaces safe and visually pleasing.

Based on a permanent, full-time contract, the position offers a competitive salary (£27,500 - £32,000) and benefits. Successful candidates will manage plants, perform general maintenance, and support the facilities team with safety and preventive tasks.

Qualifications

• Experience in grounds and general maintenance in commercial or institutional settings.
• Practical gardening knowledge and building maintenance understanding.
• Ability to safely operate a range of gardening tools and equipment.
• Familiarity with COSHH and safe chemical handling.
• Strong problem-solving, manual task capability, and safety awareness.
• Effective communication, able to work independently or in a team.
• Flexible, proactive attitude and positive approach.

Responsibilities

• Maintain outdoor grounds, green spaces, and manage seasonal planting.
• Perform general building maintenance: repairs, decorating, and fittings.
• Clean external areas and manage litter, debris, and cleanliness.
• Maintain and service gardening equipment and ensure safety compliance.
• Carry out health and safety checks and risk assessments.
• Assist with preventive maintenance and move furniture as required.
• Keep accurate records of completed work and inspections.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Gardening techniques

Tool safety

COSHH knowledge

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Flexibility

Job description

Role Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to deliver comprehensive maintenance services across the campus. This includes maintaining the grounds and green spaces surrounding the campus, as well as performing general maintenance tasks within the buildings to ensure both outdoor and indoor areas are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Department: Estates and Facilities

Location: Greenford Campus (On-site)

Type of Contract: Permanent / Full Time

Salary: £27,500 - £32,000

ROLE And RESPONSIBILITIES

Grounds Maintenance:

• Install, maintain, and manage seasonal plants, bushes, trees, and green spaces.


• Mow, trim, fertilise, mulch, and edge lawns and gardens.


• Prune and trim trees and shrubs to support healthy growth.


• Maintain clear and tidy green spaces, including car parks and pathways, removing debris, litter, and fallen leaves.

General Building Maintenance:

• Perform skilled maintenance tasks such as repairing and replacing ceiling and flooring tiles, painting, and decorating.


• Conduct minor repairs including unblocking toilets, changing locks, and replacing light bulbs.


• Handle basic electrical and plumbing maintenance, such as changing fuses and fixing leaks.


• Carry out routine checks and maintenance of building systems and equipment.

Cleaning And Upkeep

• Clean and maintain external areas including low-level windows, signage, benches, poles, and fences.


• Manage snow removal and gritting of car parks and pathways as needed.


• Empty external bins and ensure cleanliness of outdoor areas.

Equipment and Machinery Management:

• Maintain and service gardening and general maintenance equipment, such as mowers, trimmers, and tools.


• Ensure all equipment is in good working condition and adhere to safety standards.

Health and Safety Compliance:

• Conduct routine health and safety checks and risk assessments.


• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety & Wellbeing Policies and other relevant regulations.


• Support the facilities team with minor capital works and ensure safety protocols are followed.

Additional Duties:

• Assist the cleaning team with interior housekeeping duties as required.


• Support the facilities team with preventative maintenance checks and repairs.


• Assemble and move furniture as needed.


• Conduct testing of fire alarms and emergency lighting systems.


• Maintain accurate records and reports for completed work and inspections.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS And EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience in grounds and general maintenance roles within commercial or institutional settings.


• Practical knowledge of gardening techniques and general building maintenance


• Ability to use and maintain a range of gardening tools and equipment safely.


• Familiarity with COSHH requirements and safe handling of chemicals.


• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle manual tasks and repairs.


• Effective interpersonal skills and able to work independently and as part of a team.


• Flexible and proactive approach with a positive attitude.

Key Result Areas

• Maintain and enhance healthy, clean and aesthetically pleasing outdoor areas and green spaces


• Improving functionality and safety of buildings through efficient completion of building repairs and maintenance task


• Conduct regular checks and risk assessments to maintain a safe environment


• Regular inspect all tools to ensure they are safe and functional for use

Other Information

• The Grounds and Maintenance Operative will also be expected to demonstrate their commitment:


• to GBS values and regulations, including equal opportunities policy.


• to GBS’s Social, Economic and Environmental responsibilities and minimise environmental impact in the performance of the role and actively contribute to the delivery of GBS’s Environmental Policy.


• to their Health and Safety responsibilities to ensure their contribution to a safe and secure working environment for staff, students, and other visitors to the campus.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays


• 1-day extra leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days


• Workplace pension scheme


• Tuition reimbursement for career development courses


• Flexible Benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and much more


• Perks@Work discounts platform, wellbeing centre and much more


• Reward and recognition programme


• £500 award employee referral scheme


• Discretionary annual performance bonus