Grounds Maintenance Operative - Hardley or Ringwood Depot

New Forest District Council; England; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the United Kingdom is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Operative for full-time work at either Hardley or Ringwood depot. The role involves diverse tasks such as grass cutting, shrub maintenance, and supporting high service levels across various environments. Candidates should have substantial experience in grounds maintenance and a valid driver’s license. Benefits include competitive salary, leave, and a local government pension scheme.

Benefits

23–24 days leave plus extra days after 5 years

Local government pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Wide range of employee discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a grounds maintenance role.
• Valid driver’s license with trailer entitlement.
• Desirable PA1 and PA6 herbicide certification.

Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds per council standards.
• Perform grass cutting and hedge trimming.
• Work across diverse environments.
• Adhere to health and safety standards.
• Support high service levels throughout the year.

Skills

Grounds maintenance experience

Valid driver’s license with trailer entitlement

Herbicide certification (PA1 and PA6)

Education

NVQ Level 1 or equivalent qualification

Job description

Grounds Maintenance Operative – Hardley or Ringwood Depot

• Posting date: 25 November 2025
• Salary: £24,817 to £30,372 per year
• Hours: Full time
• Closing date: 07 December 2025
• Location: SO45 3AE
• Remote working: On‑site only
• Company: New Forest District Council
• Job type: Permanent

Summary

Do you enjoy working outside and across diverse grounds? We have two posts available, based at either Ringwood or Hardley depot. Please indicate your preferred location in your application.

As part of our Grounds Maintenance Team, you will provide a varied service for the council throughout the year. Tasks include grass cutting, shrub bed and hedge maintenance, formal planting care, soft landscaping, cemetery maintenance, burials and other horticultural and arboricultural operations.

You will work across a wide range of locations – woodland, SSSI sites, clifftops and formal gardens – and must be highly motivated to meet targets, schedules and deliver work to a high standard.

Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds and greening per council standards.
• Perform grass cutting, hedge trimming, shrub maintenance, planting, soft landscaping and cemetery duties.
• Work across diverse environments (woodland, SSSI, clifftops, formal gardens).
• Adhere to health and safety, environmental and quality standards.
• Support the team in driving high service levels throughout the year.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in a grounds maintenance role.
• Valid driver’s licence with trailer entitlement.
• Desirable PA1 and PA6 herbicide certification.
• NVQ Level 1 or equivalent qualification, ticket or licence.
• Subject to pre‑employment health check and Enhanced DBS.
• Will provide details of reserved convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings.

Benefits

• £24,817 – £30,372 per annum (career grade).
• 23–24 days leave plus an extra 5 days after 5 years continuous service.
• Local government pension scheme and AVC provision.
• Employee Assistance Programme (free 24‑hour legal, financial and personal advice).
• Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, supermarkets, stores and restaurants.
• Cycle to Work scheme saving around 40% on cycles and accessories.

About the New Forest District Council

As one of the largest districts in the country with six towns, we foster a supportive environment that drives our aims. We encourage a trusting, open culture where every employee is respected and supported equally.

We celebrate ambition, passion and a drive to deliver. We provide career development support and promote a healthy work/life balance.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme – giving all applicants with a disability that meet the minimum criteria an interview opportunity.