Grounds Operative

Staffordshire University; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction and training

Skills development opportunities

Contribute to a vibrant campus

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Staffordshire University is hiring two Grounds Operatives to join our Grounds and Facilities team. You will help maintain lawns, trees, shrubs and beds, operate maintenance machinery, and support landscaping projects on campus.

We value safe working practices, reliability, and teamwork. A full UK driving licence is required, and we offer induction, training, and opportunities to develop your skills while contributing to a welcoming campus for thousands of students, staff, and visitors.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of safe working practices and health and safety requirements.
• Experience using grounds maintenance machinery or similar equipment.
• A practical and reliable approach to work.
• Good teamwork and communication skills.
• A full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, grassed areas and ornamental beds.
• Operate grounds machinery including tractors and ride-on mowers.
• Support sports pitch maintenance and landscaping projects.
• Carry out general external maintenance work and site inspections.
• Inspect, clean and maintain equipment; report faults.
• Keep outdoor areas clean, safe and welcoming.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Outdoor environments

Teamwork

Driving licence

Education

Level 2/3 horticultural qualification

Tools

Mowers/tractors

Job description

We're looking for two Grounds Operatives to join our Grounds and Facilities team at the University of Staffordshire. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in maintaining high-quality environments and wants to make a visible difference every day. As part of our team, you'll help create safe, attractive and welcoming outdoor spaces for students, colleagues and visitors. Your work will contribute directly to the experience of everyone who uses our campus.

What You'll Be Doing

• Maintaining lawns, grassed areas, trees, shrubs, planted areas and ornamental beds
• Operating grounds maintenance machinery and equipment, including tractors and ride-on mowers
• Supporting sports pitch maintenance and landscaping projects
• Carrying out general external maintenance work
• Inspecting, cleaning and maintaining equipment and reporting any faults
• Keeping outdoor areas clean, safe and welcoming through litter collection and site inspections
• Following health and safety procedures and contributing to a positive customer experience

What You'll Bring

• Experience maintaining outdoor environments, such as grounds, landscapes, parks, estates or similar settings, At the University of Staffordshire, you'll be part of a supportive team that takes pride in maintaining an environment where people can learn, work and thrive.

We offer:

• A supportive and welcoming team environment
• Induction and ongoing training
• Opportunities to develop your skills and experience
• The chance to contribute to a campus used by thousands of students, staff and visitors

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and career paths. We recognise that valuable skills and experience can be gained in many different settings. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, we'll work with you to provide appropriate support.

This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship.

Requirements

• Knowledge of safe working practices and health and safety requirements
• Experience using grounds maintenance machinery or similar equipment
• A practical and reliable approach to work
• Good teamwork and communication skills
• A full UK driving licence

It Would Be Great If You Also Have

• A Level 2 or Level 3 horticultural qualification, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience maintaining sports pitches
• Knowledge of turf management
• Experience with ornamental planting and landscape maintenance

If you don't meet every desirable requirement but feel you have relevant skills or transferable experience, we'd still like to hear from you.