Grounds Operative

Slough Borough Council; Slough; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days leave

LGPS

Wellbeing programs

Tax-free childcare

Season ticket loan

Job summary

Slough Borough Council is seeking 8 Grounds Operatives to maintain parks, gardens, open spaces and roadside areas across the borough. This hands-on role requires careful handling of keys and access points, ensuring they are relocked after works while upholding high standards of service and public-facing presentation.

We support training and progression, encourage additional horticultural qualifications, and offer flexible/hybrid working concepts alongside a competitive salary.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the borough’s parks, gardens, open spaces and roadside landscapes.
• Unlock premises, gates and barriers and re-lock after work, safeguarding keys.

Job description

• Directorate: Regeneration, Environment and Planning
• Pay Level: 4, £28,790 - £29,694 (fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week
• Location: Slough Cemetery (Cross site)
• DBS requirement: Basic
• Number of hire: 8

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis commencing from the week of 14th September 2026

What You’ll Be Doing

We're looking for 8 enthusiastic and hardworking Grounds Operative to join our team maintaining the borough’s parks, gardens, open spaces, and roadside landscapes.

You will ensure that where premises, gates, barriers etc are unlocked to gain access that they are relocked after work has been completed, paying particular attention to the safeguarding of keys. You will provide a high standard of service delivery and customer care. Present a caring and professional image to the general public, including wearing of prescribed uniform and PPE at all times.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys hands‑on work, takes pride in their surroundings, and wants to make a real difference to the local environment every day.

Slough Borough Council actively supports training, development, and internal progression. Team members are encouraged to gain additional horticultural and machinery qualifications (e.g. PA1/PA6, chainsaw, tractor driving, trailer towing, etc.), as well as opportunities to progress into Team Leader, Supervisor, or Arborist roles.

Our Council

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives.

What We Offer

We offer a supportive place to grow your career, where your input is valued and heard. You will join a friendly, collaborative environment where ambition and innovation are encouraged.

We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work‑life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April, subject to six months’ service and satisfactory performance, until the maximum spinal column point is reached.

Alongside a Competitive Salary, We Provide

• 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years’ service.
• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality.
• Tax‑free childcare and childcare services
• Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work.

Accessibility and Support:

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. If you need support during the application process or reasonable adjustments for interview, please contact our Recruitment Team: [e-mail].

Information shared will be treated confidentially and used only to provide appropriate support throughout recruitment and beyond.

Our staff networks represent diverse colleague groups and help make the Council a place where people feel included and can thrive.

Right To Work And Checks

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Appointments are subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks.

How We Recruit At Slough Borough Council

Our 8 Core Skills

At Slough Borough Council, we are moving Forward Together. Our core skills reflect what we value and will form part of your interview.