Grounds Operative

Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL); Rochester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days leave

Private GP

Employee Assistance Programme

Retailer discounts

Job summary

Gov Facilities Services Limited (GFSL) is seeking a Grounds Operative at HMP Rochester to maintain outdoor areas and support a safe, secure prison environment. The role is full-time, 39 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Ideal candidates will have NVQ Level 3 in horticulture or equivalent, PA2/PA6 pesticides qualifications, and strong health and safety awareness. The position offers 25 days leave plus bank holidays and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Experience with grounds maintenance practices in grass areas.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements.
• Experience taking instructions and following procedures.
• Experience of supervision.
• NVQ Level 3 in horticulture or equivalent.
• Holding PA2 and PA6 pesticides qualifications.
• Good health & safety knowledge.
• Excellent organisational, time management and people skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds at HMP Rochester to ensure safe, well‑kept outdoor areas.
• Work with Facilities Maintenance Team to support safe operation of the site.
• Adhere to health and safety requirements and established procedures.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Health and safety

Instruction following

Supervision experience

People skills

Education

NVQ Level 3 in horticulture

PA2 and PA6 pesticides qualifications

Job description

Grounds Operative

Location: HMP Rochester - ME1 3QS

Salary: 27,505.80 Per Annum

Contract: Permanent Full-Time 39 hours per week Monday-Friday

We are seeking a dedicated Grounds Operative to join our team at HMP Rochester, a Category C & Male prison.

Join a team that is more than just a group of colleagues - we work Monday to Friday as a supportive and driven family, working together to create a safe and nurturing environment.

HMP Rochester runs like a self-contained town it takes hundreds of people to keep it functioning, and as the Facilities Maintenance Team we are committed and driving the smooth and safe operation, like a heart that pumps blood through the body, everything we do impacts every prisoner, employee, and visitor, and wider to the families and community.

As a Grounds Operative, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced and passionate colleagues who vary from Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters, Painters, to Cleaners, and Administrators, and others, who are all dedicated to making a positive difference, providing a safe and secure environment for all.

We are a Ministry of Justice business and provide critical and time-bound services to HMPPS, and are looking for a Grounds Operative with any combination of:

• Experience with grounds maintenance practices in areas of grass maintenance - Essential
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety requirements
• Experience of taking instructions and following processes and procedures
• Experience of supervision
• National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 qualification in horticulture or a recognised horticultural industry equivalent - Essential
• Holding of PA2 and PA6 pesticides qualifications
• Good Health & Safety knowledge.
• Excellent organisational, time management and people skills.

Welcome to careers at Gov Facilities Services Limited (GFSL). Joining us is your chance to help ensure prisons are secure and safe for prisoners and prison staff alike, and to play your part in helping prisoners reintegrate into society.

Holidays are 25 days per year plus Bank Holidays, and a range of non-contractual benefits are provided. These range from Death in Service at 4x salary, to access to private GP consultations and an Employee Assistance Programme that offers counselling and information services for preventative care and to help employees in a crisis. There are also a range of financial reward mechanisms and access to retailer discounts.

You will find a strong focus on safety, a supportive, inclusive workplace, a competitive benefits package, and real opportunity to build your skills and progress.

Pride In People.

We're passionate about promoting greater diversity and creating a workplace and culture where all of our employees have a voice that is heard, feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to be their true selves. We recognise the value that every single employee brings to the organisation. Everyone's needs at work are different and we are committed to doing our best to satisfy these differences whilst ensuring consistency and fairness for all. We promise to champion diversity and inclusion with ongoing learning and training, as well as career progression opportunities for everyone.

Pride in People - Do the Right thing - One Team

An ISO 9001 Certified Company