Hard Grounds Operative

OCS; Brighton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP is recruiting a Grounds Worker to support the upkeep of external areas at the University of Sussex, Brighton. The role is based on the campus, Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00, performing hands-on maintenance and repairs to keep outdoor spaces safe and visually appealing.

The successful candidate will have experience in grounds maintenance, a UK driving licence, and a willingness to undertake a DBS check.

Qualifications

• Experience in grounds maintenance or external repairs.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather.
• Knowledge of paving, tarmac, and basic brickwork.
• Experience with pressure washing equipment.
• UK Right to Work and willingness to undertake a DBS.
• Valid UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Carry out paving repairs, including lifting and re-laying damaged slabs.
• Perform minor tarmac repairs and keep pathways safe.
• Undertake brickwork repairs and repointing as needed.
• Pressure wash external surfaces to maintain cleanliness.
• Complete day-to-day external repairs and maintenance promptly.
• Inspect outdoor areas to identify hazards.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Maintain tools and report defects.
• Assist with seasonal grounds maintenance tasks.
• Work independently and as part of a team.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Paving

Tarmac repairs

Brickwork basic

Pressure washing

Driving licence

Job description

About The Role

Days of Working: This position will be based at The University of Sussex, Brighton, working Mon - Fri 08:00 - 16:00 5 days a week.

We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Grounds Worker to support the upkeep, repair, and maintenance of external areas across our sites. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring all outdoor spaces remain safe, clean, and visually well-maintained. This is a hands‑on role requiring practical skills in surface repairs, cleaning, and general external maintenance.

This is a role that requires outdoor working, in all weather conditions, is physically demanding including lifting, bending and prolonged periods of standing and walking and may involve use of machinery and hand tools.

As part of your role, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Carry out paving repairs, including lifting, re-laying, and replacing damaged slabs to ensure safe and even surfaces.
• Perform minor tarmac repairs, such as patching potholes, sealing cracks, and maintaining pathways and roadways to a safe standard.
• Undertake brickwork repairs, including repointing, replacing damaged bricks, and maintaining structural integrity of walls and small structures.
• Conduct pressure washing of external surfaces including pathways, walls, driveways, and communal areas to maintain cleanliness and appearance.
• Complete day‑to‑day external repairs across the site, addressing wear and tear, damage, and general maintenance needs promptly.
• Inspect outdoor areas regularly to identify hazards, defects, or maintenance requirements.
• Ensure all work is completed in compliance with health and safety regulations and company standards.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and materials in good working order and report any defects.
• Support seasonal maintenance activities such as leaf clearance, basic drainage upkeep, and general grounds care.
• Work both independently and as part of a team to complete assigned tasks efficiently.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have Right to Work in the UK and willingness to undertake a DBS.
• UK Driving licence.
• Previous experience in grounds maintenance, construction, or external repairs preferred.
• Practical knowledge of paving, tarmac, and basic brickwork techniques.
• Experience using pressure washing equipment safely and effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high‑quality workmanship.
• Basic understanding of health and safety practices in a maintenance environment.
• Good time management and ability to prioritise tasks.

Pre-Employment Assessment

As part of our recruitment process, candidates will be asked to complete a short English and Mathematics assessment. This is to ensure that the essential skills required for the role can be demonstrated. The assessment is designed to reflect the practical requirements of the position and is applied consistently to all applicants.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to complete the assessment, please let us know in advance. We are committed to making the process accessible and will work with you to provide appropriate support or alternative arrangements where needed.

About The Company

This recruitment campaign is being managed by OCS Group UK on behalf of Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP ( SEF) - which is a partnership formed between OCS and the University of Sussex. SEF is the direct employer for this role and is responsible for delivering facilities management services across the University of Sussex estate.

OCS is proud to partner with the University of Sussex in this long‑term collaboration. With a workforce of over 50,000 colleagues and a turnover exceeding £2 billion, OCS is a market leader in delivering innovative and award‑winning services across facilities management, including hard services, cleaning, security, and catering. These strengths underpin our commitment to excellence in the SEF partnership.

Our shared mission is to enhance the University campus by ensuring it operates smoothly and efficiently, aligning with the University's values and commitment to sustainability. Together, we are dedicated to making the campus a better place for students, staff, and the broader community. The partnership is built on the core values of Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment, guiding how we work and deliver services.

Please note: The employing organisation for this role will be Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP.

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.