Groundsperson

Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Generous holiday entitlement

Job summary

Northumbria University is seeking a permanent Grounds Maintenance operative to join the Facilities and Estates Grounds Team. The role covers City Campus and Coach Lane Campus, requiring hands-on discipline with a focus on safety and quality throughout the year.

You will work five days out of seven, including weekend shifts on a rota, handling grass cutting, planting, hedge trimming, litter control, and basic repairs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in grounds maintenance or horticultural services.
• Full UK driving licence held and used.
• PA1/PA6 spraying certificates or equivalent.
• Able to work independently and manage day-to-day workload.
• Manual outdoor work in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Carry out grounds maintenance tasks including grass cutting, edging, weeding and planting.
• Landscaping of flower beds and basic garden repairs as required.
• Maintain external areas via litter picking, sweeping, and waste bin emptying.
• Operate powered hand tools and university vehicles safely and perform basic maintenance checks.
• Prepare and apply chemicals in accordance with training and safety guidelines.
• Assist with winter maintenance such as snow clearance and gritting.
• Work in line with health and safety requirements and safe systems of work.
• Take on additional duties as operational needs arise.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Driving licence

Independent worker

Health and safety awareness

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture or Landscaping

PA1/PA6 spraying certificates

Job description

Job Description

This is a permanent, hands-on role forming a core part of the Grounds Team within Facilities and Estates. The post holder will support the delivery of a professional, year-round grounds maintenance service across City Campus and Coach Lane Campus.

The role requires an experienced and reliable individual who can work with minimal supervision, apply sound practical judgement, and contribute positively to day-to-day operations. The successful candidate will help maintain high standards across all external areas, responding to routine, seasonal, and reactive demands as required.

The role is full time, working 5 days out of 7, including weekend working on a rota basis.

Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Carrying out grounds maintenance tasks including grass cutting, edging, weeding, watering, planting, pruning, hedge trimming, and general upkeep of landscaped and hard areas
• Re-landscaping flower beds and garden areas and undertaking basic grounds repairs as required
• Maintaining external cleanliness through litter picking, sweeping paths, roads and hard areas, and emptying external bins
• Operating powered hand tools and equipment safely and carrying out basic maintenance checks
• Operating university vehicles as required to support service delivery
• Preparing and applying chemicals such as fertilisers and weed killers in accordance with training, manufacturer instructions, and safety guidelines
• Undertaking winter maintenance duties including snow clearance and gritting to ensure safe access across sites
• Working in accordance with health and safety requirements, risk assessments, and safe systems of work
• Carrying out additional duties appropriate to the role in response to operational needs

Further information is available in the role description.

About You

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Demonstrable experience in grounds maintenance or horticultural services, preferably in a similar environment
• Ability to work independently and manage day-to-day workload effectively
• Practical knowledge of grass, plants, and landscaped areas
• Confidence using grounds maintenance equipment, powered tools, and vehicles safely
• PA1/PA6 spraying certificates (or equivalent)
• Full, UK driving licence
• Physical ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake manual tasks, including lifting

Desirable Qualifications And Experience Include

• NVQ Level 2 (or higher) in Horticulture or Landscaping
• PASMA, First Aid, or similar relevant training
• Experience working across multiple sites or in a customer-facing environment

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.

About Us

Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power.

Discover more about us.

With over 37000 students from over 140 countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.

Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.

Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence.

We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.