Grounds Maintenance Operative

OCS Group Limited; Falmer; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A facilities management company is seeking a dedicated Grounds Maintenance Worker in Falmer, UK. This physically demanding role involves general grounds maintenance, operating machinery, and ensuring health and safety compliance. The ideal candidate will have practical experience, good education, a full UK driving licence, and a positive attitude. Experience within the farming industry and qualifications for powered equipment are advantageous. Join us in enhancing the University campus and supporting sustainability efforts.

Benefits

Opportunities for training and development

Qualifications

• Must have the right to work in the UK.
• Experience in grounds maintenance on a large estate is essential.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform general grounds maintenance to a high standard.
• Safely operate and maintain grounds machinery.
• Support biodiversity and sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Hands-on team working ability

Good knowledge of grounds maintenance operations

Ability to manage time effectively

Positive attitude and responsiveness

Education

Good basic education with English and numerical skills

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Overview

Please note: The employing organisation for this role will be Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP. Days of working: Monday – Friday, occasional weekends as required. Undertake general grounds maintenance duties – ensuring a very high standard of work is always maintained. Maintenance duties are to include both mechanical and manual operations and will cover the broad spectrum of grounds maintenance. Responsible for the health and safety of themselves, their work colleagues and others who may be affected by their activity, working in accordance with the safety policies of Sussex Estates Facilities. This is a highly physical roll, working in all weathers. The candidate will need to demonstrate a strong work ethic, common sense and a practical approach; experience of working within the farming industry and operating and servicing horticultural equipment would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Perform general grounds maintenance to a high standard, including both mechanical and manual tasks.
• Maintain amenity lawns, high‑profile areas, and off‑campus gardens.
• Carry out soil cultivation, planting, pruning, mulching, watering and weeding.
• Undertake weed and moss control and keep paths and borders clear of litter.
• Safely operate and maintain grounds machinery (ride‑on mowers, tractors, trimmers, leaf blowers).
• Empty litter bins according to schedules.
• Perform gritting and snow clearing duties when required.
• Ensure safe use, storage and disposal of pesticides.
• Maintain a clean and secure work area and yard.
• Promote health and safety and comply with SEF QSHE requirements.
• Support biodiversity and sustainability initiatives.
• Assist with manual tasks and other duties as directed.

Qualifications

• Must have right to work in the UK.
• A DBS will be completed for the successful candidate.
• Good basic education with English and numerical skills.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Practical experience in grounds maintenance on a large estate.
• Hands‑on team working ability.
• Good knowledge of grounds maintenance operations and safe equipment use.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work well in a team.
• Understanding the importance of maintaining high standards for campus users.
• Positive attitude, responsive to deadlines and customer requests.

Desirable

• Lantra/NPTC qualifications for powered and ride‑on equipment.
• Previous employment in land‑based industry.
• Advanced knowledge of grounds maintenance and machinery repair.
• Tractor driving experience.
• Experience working in educational, public or private sectors.

Recruiting Info

This recruitment campaign is being managed by OCS Group UK on behalf of Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP (SEF) – which is a partnership formed between OCS and the University of Sussex. SEF is the direct employer for this role and is responsible for delivering facilities management services across the University of Sussex estate.

About OCS

OCS is proud to partner with the University of Sussex in this long‑term collaboration. With a workforce of over 50,000 colleagues and a turnover exceeding £2 billion, OCS is a market leader in delivering innovative and award‑winning services across facilities management, including hard services, cleaning, security and catering. These strengths underpin our commitment to excellence in the SEF partnership. Our shared mission is to enhance the University campus by ensuring it operates smoothly and efficiently, aligning with the University’s values and commitment to sustainability. Together, we are dedicated to making the campus a better place for students, staff and the broader community. The partnership is built on the core values of Trust, Respect, Unity and Empowerment, guiding how we work and deliver services.