Grounds Maintenance/Cleansing Operative

VN Appointments; North Stifford; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

VN Appointments is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Operative to perform outdoor maintenance across parks, verges and public spaces. You will cut grass, trim hedges, control weeds and maintain landscaped areas while following safety rules and local policies.

The role requires practical, physically demanding outdoor work, the ability to work in various weather conditions and reliable timekeeping. A valid UK driving licence is preferred where duties require it.

Qualifications

• Experience in grounds maintenance and street cleansing.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Full UK driving licence where required for the duties.

Responsibilities

• Undertake grass cutting, mowing, strimming, edging and general horticultural maintenance.
• Maintain grassed areas, landscaped spaces and verges.
• Carry out weed control and remove unwanted vegetation.
• Cleanse streets, footpaths and public spaces; litter picking.
• Load, unload and transport equipment safely; follow safety procedures.

Skills

Outdoor work

Weather resilience

Timekeeping

Communication

Teamwork

Training willingness

Education

Horticultural qualification

Tools

Grass cutter

Strimmer

Hedge cutters

Leaf blower

Job description

To undertake grounds maintenance, street cleansing and environmental improvement activities, ensuring that parks, open spaces, highways, footpaths, verges, communal areas and other public spaces are maintained to a clean, safe and presentable standard.

The postholder will carry out a range of practical operational duties in accordance with organisational policies, service standards, health and safety requirements and environmental responsibilities, contributing to the cleanliness, appearance and overall quality of the local environment.

• Undertake grass cutting, mowing, strimming, edging, hedge trimming, pruning and general horticultural maintenance.
• Maintain grassed areas, landscaped spaces, gardens, verges and communal outdoor areas.
• Carry out weed control and remove unwanted vegetation using approved methods.
• Maintain paths, planted areas and other designated outdoor spaces.
• Operate grounds maintenance machinery, tools and equipment safely, following appropriate training and operating procedures.
• Assist with seasonal maintenance programmes, including leaf clearance and other weather-related activities.
• Undertake litter picking, sweeping and general cleansing of streets, footpaths and public spaces.
• Empty litter bins and designated waste receptacles and dispose of collected waste in accordance with established procedures.
• Remove litter, leaves, weeds and other debris from public areas.
• Assist with the clearance of fly-tipping and report incidents requiring additional resources or specialist intervention.
• Maintain the cleanliness and appearance of designated areas.
• Identify and report graffiti, damaged street furniture, overflowing bins, obstructions and other environmental issues.
• Support additional cleansing activities during seasonal operations, adverse weather or increased service demand.
• Carry out routine visual checks of tools, machinery, vehicles and equipment before use.
• Report defects, damage, faults and unsafe equipment promptly.
• Load, unload, transport and store equipment and materials safely.
• Operate vehicles or machinery only where appropriately authorised, trained and licensed.
• Maintain records of completed work, defects, incidents and other operational information as required.
• Work across different locations in accordance with daily schedules and operational priorities.
• Comply with health and safety policies, risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work.
• Wear and maintain the required personal protective equipment.
• Follow safe manual handling procedures and take reasonable care of personal safety and that of colleagues and members of the public.
• Work safely around pedestrians, traffic, machinery, waste and other environmental hazards.
• Report accidents, near misses, hazards and incidents in accordance with established procedures.
• Communicate courteously and professionally with members of the public, referring complaints or complex enquiries to the appropriate supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and other teams to deliver an effective service.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the role and operational requirements.

• Ability to undertake practical, physically demanding outdoor work.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and across different locations.
• Ability to follow instructions, work schedules, risk assessments and safe working procedures.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Good timekeeping, reliability and a responsible approach to work.
• Appropriate communication skills.
• Willingness to undertake a range of grounds maintenance, street cleansing and environmental duties.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety and service delivery.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and use equipment safely.
• Previous experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, street cleansing, waste collection, landscaping or a similar operational role.
• Experience using grass-cutting machinery, strimmer's, hedge cutters, blowers or other grounds maintenance equipment.
• Knowledge of safe working practices relating to outdoor maintenance and street cleansing.
• Relevant horticultural, grounds maintenance or health and safety qualifications.
• Experience in an environmental services or public-facing operational environment.
• Full UK driving licence, where required for the duties of the post.

The role involves regular outdoor manual work, walking and standing for extended periods, handling tools and equipment, and moving materials and waste using safe working methods.

The postholder may be required to work near roads and public footpaths, operate machinery following appropriate training, and work on uneven surfaces, around vegetation and in adverse weather conditions.

All duties must be undertaken in accordance with relevant risk assessments, manual handling guidance and health and safety requirements.