Grounds Operative Standford Hill

Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL); Sheerness; On-site; GBP 22,589 - 30,562; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Bank Holidays

Death in Service (4x salary)

Private GP consultations

Employee Assistance Programme

Retailer discounts

Job summary

Gov Facilities Services Limited (GFSL) is recruiting a Grounds Operative for HMP Standford Hill. The role focuses on grass maintenance, safety compliance, and following defined procedures within a prison environment.

You will work Monday to Friday as part of a supportive Facilities Maintenance Team, gaining experience alongside tradespeople to keep outdoor areas secure and well-maintained.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Maintain Grounds at HMP Standford Hill to ensure safe, clean and functional outdoor areas.
• Coordinate with facilities team to support secure and compliant estate operations.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Horticulture

Health & Safety

Leadership

PA2/PA6 pesticides

NVQ Level 3 horticulture

Education

NVQ Level 3 in horticulture

Job description

Job Role

Location: HMP Standford Hill

Salary: £26,575.65

Contract: Permanent - Full-Time - 39hrs

We are seeking a dedicated Grounds Operative to join our team at HMP Standford Hill, a CATEGORY D & Adult Male prison.

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

HMP Standford Hill 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.

• 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.

Explore a varied and rewarding career at GFSL.

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.

Explore facilities careers where you can make difference.

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.

GFSL has been notified by its shareholder (MOJ) that the provision of FM services will in future be delivered by the private sector. This means that following a successful procurement process, GFSL’s services will transfer to a private sector provider/providers in Spring 2026. As the programme unfolds, we will learn more.

Pride in People - Do the Right thing - One Team