Grounds Maintenance Operative

Housing Diversity Network; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Birthday leave

Health cash plan

Flexible benefits pot

Funding for qualifications

Job summary

Karbon is seeking two Grounds Maintenance Operatives to work outdoors using a broad range of horticultural equipment across Byker and Chester-le-Street. A full UK driving licence is essential, and you will join a team dedicated to high safety and customer-focused service.

The role involves cyclical maintenance, gardening duties, and compliance with site instructions, with 37 hours per week. Salary is £26,020 per annum, with benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience with ride-on mower operation is essential.
• Strong health and safety knowledge is required.
• Commitment to customer service and teamwork is expected.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Karbon sites and external contracts across the footprint.
• Perform garden clearances, grass cutting, fly tipping and waste removal as directed.
• Follow site maps and instructions, work with initiative.

Skills

Ride on Mower operation

Health & safety

Customer service

Teamwork

Pesticide application

Job description

Come and make a difference at Karbon as a Grounds Maintenance Operative

We’re looking to appoint 2 suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the role of Grounds Maintenance Operative . Working outdoors in all weathers using a broad range of horticultural and arboricultural equipment across Karbon to keep our customers’ neighbourhoods well maintained.

About The Role

You’ll operate and be responsible for a variety of ride on and other horticultural equipment and drive an allocated Karbon vehicle. With relevant experience in a similar role, you’ll have a strong commitment to and knowledge of health and safety, quality service delivery and a high level of customer care and be able to work as part of a team as well as using your own initiative. Ride on Mower experience and accreditation in particular would be advantageous.

Our Grounds Maintenance Operatives are responsible for the upkeep of Karbon sites and external contracts across the entire Karbon footprint. We work in any and all weathers using a variety of horticultural and arboricultural plant and equipment to provide a service incorporating cyclical maintenance, garden clearances, grass cutting, fly tipping and waste removal and associated works as directed by the Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative.

We’re looking for an experienced Operative to join and support our Grounds Maintenance team in providing an already excellent service, delivered to our customers in a way that that promotes high levels of customer focus, performance, safety, and quality, with a strong emphasis on innovation, forward thinking and continuous improvement. This position is based in Chester le Street.

A FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE IS ESSENTIAL.

About You

We’re looking for candidates with a strong drive and initiative committed to continual improvement and with a resilient outlook.

Candidates should have a good working knowledge of a modern ground maintenance service and the challenges it faces with experience of improving and maintaining areas.

You’ll need to be able to follow instructions and interpret site maps whilst also being able to think on your feet.

Experience of Ride on Mower operation would be an advantage as would experience of pesticide application and using a PDA.

This must all be combined with a strong commitment to teamwork and delivering excellent customer service and continued learning and development.

Working With Us

You’ll be part of our Grounds Maintenance team led by the Grounds Maintenance Team Leaders If you require further information about the role, please contact Gareth Gooding 07772 44153.

• Grounds Maintenance Operative - Permanent role


• Salary is £ 26,020 per annum


• Location: Based in Byker and Chester le Street


• 37 hours per week


• Byker working hours: Monday – Thursday 37 hours per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:30am till 15:45pm and Friday’s 07:30am till 14:00pm)


• Chester le Street working hours: Monday –Thursday 37 hours per week

  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:00am till 15:00pm and Friday 07:00am till 14:30pm

  
  

  We recognise the contribution people with criminal records can make as colleagues and we welcome all applications. A criminal record will not exclude a candidate from being appointed because of offences that are irrelevant to, and do not place them at, or make them a risk in the role they’re applying for.

  
  

  The role you're applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). The successful candidate(s) will be asked to submit a basic disclosure and barring check application during pre-employment checks.

Why Join Us

We offer a generous benefits package to support your wellbeing and development, including:

• 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after 3 years)


• Birthday leave


• Health cash plan


• Flexible benefits pot


• Access to funding for qualifications, conferences, and learning events.

Key Dates

Closing date for applications

Thursday 1 October 2026

We may close the advert early if we receive a high volume of strong applications—so don’t wait too long to apply!

Interview date

To be confirmed

We’re Inclusive

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you’ll be guaranteed an interview. Need a reasonable adjustment to apply? Contact us at [e-mail]

Job Summary

• Location

  North East - Byker and Chester-le-Street

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