Grounds Operative

Somerset Council; Ham; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Grounds Operative to maintain and improve public spaces across Somerset. You’ll perform hands‑on outdoor work, grass cutting, hedge trimming and general upkeep to keep parks and streets welcoming.

The role involves driving, operating small machinery, and supporting winter work. A good education or equivalent experience, plus a UK driving licence, are required; NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture is desirable. Training and development are ongoing.

Qualifications

• A good general standard of education, or equivalent experience.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Outdoors manual working and the ability to use hand‑operated equipment.
• COSHH and Health and Safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Carry out grounds and horticultural work such as grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, weeding and general upkeep.
• Help maintain highways, verges, housing areas, cemeteries, public spaces and landscaped sites.
• Clear litter, leaves, graffiti and fly‑posting to keep areas clean and safe.
• Use hand tools, powered tools and ride‑on machinery with appropriate training.
• Support winter and flood work when needed, including watercourse clearance and sandbagging.
• Drive and look after company vehicles and trailers, carrying out daily checks.

Skills

Outdoor manual work

Manual dexterity

Physical coordination

Driving licence - UK

Education

General education or equivalent experience

NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture

Tools

Ride-on lawnmower operation

Excavator 360 mini digger

Job description

This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in local communities. As a Grounds Operative, you’ll carry out hand‑on outdoor work to maintain and improve public spaces across Somerset. From keeping areas clean and safe to ensuring they remain welcoming and well cared for, your work will have a visible impact on the places people use every day. By helping to create safe, tidy and enjoyable environments, you’ll play an important role in supporting both residents and visitors, making a positive difference where it truly matters. Don’t worry if you don’t tick every box-whether you’re just starting out or ready for a fresh challenge, what matters most is your attitude and willingness to learn. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.What will I be doing? The Grounds Operative carries out day‑to‑day grounds and horticultural work across highways, housing areas, cemeteries, parks and landscaped sites. The role supports the delivery of routine and seasonal maintenance to agreed standards. What you’ll do - Key Responsibilities

• Carry out grounds and horticultural work such as grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, weeding and general upkeep
• Help maintain highways, verges, housing areas, cemeteries, public spaces and landscaped sites
• Clear litter, leaves, graffiti and fly‑posting to help keep areas clean and safe
• Use hand tools, powered tools and ride‑on machinery as part of the job (with appropriate training)
• Support winter and flood work where needed, including watercourse clearance, snow and ice clearance and sandbagging
• Drive and look after company vehicles and trailers (up to 3.5t), carrying out daily checks and reporting faults
• Work on housing and grounds contracts, following agreed service standards
• Deal politely and professionally with members of the public when required
• Report issues such as damage, vandalism or fly‑tipping to supervisors
• Complete basic paperwork and electronic records
• Carry out other reasonable duties and work flexibly, including occasional work outside normal hours
• Competent knowledge to comply with COSHH regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act
• Understanding and knowledge of Outlook, Word and Teams, with the ability to learn new systems
• Full UK driving licence
• A good general standard of education, or equivalent experience
• Outdoors manual working and the ability to use hand‑operated equipment appropriate for the role
• Ability to evaluate environmental issues
• Manual dexterity and physical coordination
• Ability to manoeuvre heavy objects such as bagged materials and resources
• Ability to adapt working practices to changing circumstances such as weather conditions and volume of pedestrians

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture
• Level 2 Certificate of Competency in the safe use of ride‑on lawnmowers
• Routine Playground Inspection qualification
• Chapter 8 Signing, Lighting and Guarding qualification
• Excavator 360 mini digger qualification

Permanent position

• Full‑time hours (37 per week) based at The Deane Depot, Westpark, Chelston, Wellington TA21 9AD - with occasional travel across the county
• Ongoing training and development opportunities to support your growth
• The chance to work in a hands‑on, outdoor environment, whatever the weather