Grounds Maintenance Operative

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Greater London; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A grounds maintenance company in Greater London is looking for a Grounds Maintenance Operative to enhance the appearance and usability of outdoor spaces. You will perform various horticultural and landscaping tasks, ensuring aesthetic standards and safety while operating grounds maintenance equipment. Applicants should have experience in outdoor work, a reliable work ethic, and the ability to adhere to health and safety practices. This role requires physical fitness and includes the operation of ride-on mowers and other specialized equipment.

Qualifications

• Experience in grounds care, landscaping, or outdoor manual work.
• Ability to operate grounds maintenance machinery safely.
• Good physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors in all weather.

Responsibilities

• Mow grassed areas using pedestrian and ride-on mowers.
• Strim, edge, and blow paths and landscaped areas.
• Prune shrubs, hedges, and small trees as needed.

Skills

Experience in grounds care

Ability to operate grounds maintenance machinery

Good physical fitness

Understanding of basic health and safety practices

Ability to work independently

Reliable and punctual

Education

PA1 / PA6 pesticide application certificates

Tools

Ride-on mowers

Job description

Role Purpose

To maintain and enhance the appearance, safety, and usability of grounds, landscapes, and outdoor spaces. The Grounds Maintenance Operative performs a variety of horticultural, landscaping, and general grounds care tasks to ensure high standards are achieved at all times.

Key Responsibilities

Mow grassed areas using pedestrian and ride-on mowers.

Strim, edge, and blow paths, boundaries, and landscaped areas.

Prune shrubs, hedges, and small trees following seasonal requirements.

Weed, mulch, and maintain flower beds and planters.

Leaf clearing, litter picking, and waste removal from site.

Assist with planting, turfing, and soft landscaping jobs.

Apply herbicides / pesticides (if trained and certificated).

Maintain sports fields, playgrounds, or specialist features (where applicable).

Safely operate and maintain grounds maintenance equipment (mowers, hedge trimmers, strimmers, blowers, etc.).

Carry out basic maintenance checks and report defects.

Ensure all tools are stored securely and used in accordance with training.

Follow all site-specific risk assessments and safe systems of work.

Wear appropriate PPE at all times.

Report hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly.

Drive vehicles safely (if required) and comply with company and site regulations.

Represent the organisation professionally at all times.

Liaise courteously with clients, site users, and members of the public.

Work collaboratively with team members to complete tasks efficiently.

Support seasonal or emergency tasks (e.g., gritting, storm clean-up).

Requirements

Experience in grounds care, landscaping, or outdoor manual work.

Ability to operate grounds maintenance machinery safely (training may be provided).

Good physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Understanding of basic health and safety practices.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated.

PA1 / PA6 pesticide application certificates.

Experience with ride-on mowers or specialist equipment.

Knowledge of horticulture or sports turf maintenance.