Grounds Operative

Somerset Council; Taunton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days’ annual leave

Job summary

Somerset Council seeks a Grounds Operative to carry out day-to-day grounds and horticultural work across highways, housing areas, cemeteries, parks and landscaped sites. The role delivers routine maintenance to agreed standards.

This permanent, full-time position (37 hours per week) is based at The Deane Depot with occasional travel across the county, offering hands-on duties with hand tools and ride-on machinery and opportunity to contribute to safe, tidy public spaces.

Qualifications

• COSHH regulations and Health and Safety at Work Act compliance.
• Understanding of Outlook, Word and Teams; ability to learn new systems.
• Full UK driving licence.
• A good general standard of education or equivalent experience.
• Outdoors manual working and ability to use hand-operated equipment for the role.
• Ability to evaluate environmental issues.
• Manual dexterity and physical coordination.
• Ability to manoeuvre heavy objects such as bagged materials and resources.
• Adapt working practices to changing weather and pedestrian volumes.

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-tipping to keep areas clean and safe.
• Use hand tools, powered tools and ride-on machinery with appropriate training.
• Support winter and flood work, including watercourse clearance, snow and ice clearance, sandbagging.
• Drive and look after company vehicles and trailers (up to 3.5t), performing daily checks.
• Work on housing and grounds contracts following service standards.
• Deal politely 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 flexible hours, including occasional work outside normal hours.

Skills

COSHH regulations

Outdoor manual work

Manual dexterity

Physical coordination

Weather adaptability

Education

Full UK driving licence

General education or equivalent

NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture

Level 2 Certificate of Competency - ride-on mowers

Routine Playground Inspection qualification

Chapter 8 Signing, Lighting and Guarding

Excavator 360 mini digger

PA1/PA6 Pesticide training

Hiab training

Tools

Outlook

Word

Teams

Job description

Closing date:

24 September 2026

Salary:

Grade 14 ranging from £25,185 to £25,989 per annum

This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in local communities. As a Grounds Operative, you’ll carry out hands‑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.

Role Summary

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

Essential

• 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
• PA1 and PA6 Pesticide training
• Hiab training

Additional Information

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• 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

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

A full job description can be found here: SCG1342 Grounds Operative - Job Description (1353).pdf