Grounds Operative

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for Grounds Operatives to support the Estates Division in keeping the university estate grounds safe and presentable.

You will assist in biodiversity initiatives, contribute to environmental policies, and help with seasonal preparations, plant stock, and equipment maintenance.

This site-based role operates Monday-Thursday 7 am–3 pm and Friday 7 am–2:30 pm, with occasional weekend or out-of-hours work by arrangement.

Qualifications

• GCSE level education or equivalent.
• Full driving licence with towing capability is desirable.
• Knowledge of biodiversity and environmental techniques is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist planning and daily activities of Grounds Maintenance.
• Support development of environmental, sustainability and biodiversity policies.
• Assist in induction and training of new staff.
• Prepare seasonal needs for plants and materials; maintain records (chemical usage).
• Liaise with departments and external contractors when needed.
• Maintain high standards on nominated sites with team.
• Ensure safe storage and maintenance of equipment and vehicles.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Biodiversity knowledge

Education

GCSE or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Invida CAFM system

PDA devices

Job description

Three exciting opportunities have arisen for Grounds Operatives to join the Estates Division.

About the Role:

• The role holder will assist the Grounds Maintenance team with keeping the grounds and gardens of the University estate in a safe and presentable state.
• University has a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the estate, which includes managing with biodiversity in mind and engaging staff, students and visitors with the changes. The role holder will help to implement this across the estate.
• The Grounds Maintenance team have started a renewal, refresh and refurb of the grounds and gardens of the estate and the role holder will with this on the sites they will be specifically looking after.

Key Responsibilities:

• The role holder will support the planning and activities of the Grounds Maintenance team daily.
• The role holder will have some input in developing environmental, sustainability and biodiversity policies and for the management of all areas of grounds and garden across the University’s estate.
• The role holder may assist with the induction and training of new Grounds staff and temporary staff.
• The role holder will assist in preparing the teams needs for the forthcoming seasons, including plants and materials required. They will help to maintain any records such as chemical usage.
• The role holder may on occasions liaise with departments and other external contractors such as tree works, ground prep, grounds maintenance contractors.
• The role holder working with their team/teams on nominated sites and areas, to a high standard.
• The role holder will ensure the safe storage of and maintenance of equipment and tools including the building and/or vehicle they operate from. And the sites they assigned to maintain.
• The role holder will assist in ensuring Health & Safety regulations and relevant codes of practice are implemented and observed in the day-to-day work of the section. Undertake risk assessments associated with the Team's work as and when issues or changes in situation arise, reporting any hazards or sudden incidents.
• The role is site or mobile based and not hybrid. Monday to Thursday 7 am to 3 pm, Friday 7 am to 2.30 pm. Breaks are 10am to 10.30 am and 1 pm to 1.30 pm. There may be occasional weekend work and out of hours working with prior arrangement.

About you:

• For this role you will need strong interpersonal skills, which will help you with your ability to work within a team.
• You are able to demonstrate experience, knowledge and understanding of tools and equipment, of biodiversity and environmental techniques.
• It would be an advantage if you have some plant knowledge and the relevant skills and knowledge across a wide scope of tasks related to grounds maintenance. Knowledge of using Microsoft office, PDAs and Computer-Aided Facility Management systems (Invida)

Qualifications:

• Educated to at least GCSE standard or equivalent.

Additional requirements will include:

• A full driving licence, including towing capability.
• Certification of training of various handheld machines and ride-on machines used in the grounds maintenance sector is desirable but not essential.
• The ability to work in a wide range of environments, and highly changeable conditions working outdoors in all weathers, adapting and adjusting working practices to ensure safety of self and others.
• The ability to maintain long periods of physically strenuous activity when the task requires it.To have highly detailed and developed skills to undertake precise physical movements involving fine degrees of control.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.