Groundsperson

Lancashire; Preston; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

24/7 online GP

Employee benefits platform

Job summary

The University of Lancashire is seeking a proactive Grounds Maintenance Operative to join a small team, delivering turf, shrub and hedge care across campus. You will work in all weathers and hold a valid driving licence with minimal penalty points.

Experience in amenity horticulture and plant identification, along with GCSEs and horticultural qualifications, is essential. The role includes waste management and supporting sports arena grounds as required.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including English Language and Maths at Grade C/4 or above, or appropriate equivalent experiential learning.
• Horticultural qualifications or equivalent experiential learning.

Responsibilities

• Grass cutting, shrub and hedge maintenance, upkeep of wildflower areas and herbaceous planting schemes.
• Maintain tidiness of the campus; waste management and recycling activities.
• Support grounds maintenance at the University’s sports arena as required.

Skills

Driving licence

Education

GCSEs including English Language and Maths

Horticultural qualifications

Job description

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

About the role:

Working under direction and as part of a small grounds maintenance team, this role involves all aspects of amenity horticulture. Core duties include grass cutting, shrub and hedge maintenance, the upkeep of wildflower areas and herbaceous planting schemes, and maintaining the general tidiness of the campus. Additional responsibilities include waste management and recycling activities, as well as supporting grounds maintenance at the University’s sports arena as required.

We have two vacancies available for this role.

About you:

The post holder will require a range of GCSEs, including English Language and Maths at Grade C/4 or above, or appropriate equivalent experiential learning, as well as horticultural qualifications or equivalent experiential learning.

Recent experience in all aspects of amenity horticulture, sound plant identification skills and environmental awareness are essential.

You must hold a driving licence (with no more than 3 penalty points and no unspent record of disqualification) and be able to work in all weathers, physically fit and healthy in compliance with Health & Safety Legislation and Regulations, and willingness to undergo appropriate health surveillance.

Use of AI in applications:

We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience and the written elements of your application should accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience.

What we can offer you:

We have a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform which includes a 24/7 online GP.

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives.

About us:

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.