Multi-Skilled Grounds and Gardens Technician

University of Chester; Chester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Uniform and PPE provided

Friendly and supportive working enviro

Job summary

University of Chester is seeking a Multi-Skilled Grounds & Gardens Technician to maintain and enhance landscaped areas across its sites. This hands-on role covers lawns, borders, sports surfaces, and outdoor facilities, with a focus on safety and quality.

You will bring experience in grounds maintenance and horticulture, hold GCSE and NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture, and have knowledge of COSHH, PUWER and HASAWA. A full driving licence is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in grounds maintenance or horticulture.
• GCSE level education and NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations (COSHH, PUWER, HASAWA).
• Full driving licence.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience maintaining sports pitches or amenity turf.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, gardens, borders, shrub beds, and landscaped areas.
• Carry out grass cutting, strimming, edging, hedge trimming, pruning, and planting.
• Operate and maintain grounds maintenance machinery and equipment.
• Perform seasonal horticultural tasks including fertilising, weed control, and irrigation.
• Maintain pathways, outdoor furniture, fencing, and site infrastructure.
• Ensure health and safety procedures are followed.
• Monitor and report defects, hazards, and maintenance requirements.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Horticulture

Mowing equipment operation

Health and safety (COSHH PUWER HASAWA)

Driving licence

Teamwork

Independent worker

Plant care

Seasonal horticulture

Sports surfaces maintenance

Estate maintenance

Education

GCSE level

NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture

Tools

Pedestrian mower

Ride-on mower

Hedge cutters

Strimmers

Blowers

Grounds maintenance equipment

Job description

Multi-Skilled Grounds and Gardens Technician

Multi-Skilled Grounds & Gardens Technician

Location: University of Chester
Salary: £24685 per annum
Hours: 36.5 per week
Contract: Permanent

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Multi-Skilled Grounds & Gardens Technician to join our team. This hands‑on role involves maintaining and enhancing a wide range of landscaped areas, gardens, sports surfaces, amenity grounds, and outdoor facilities to the highest possible standard at all our sites.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in grounds maintenance, horticulture, and the operation of landscaping equipment. They will take pride in delivering high‑quality work while ensuring a safe, attractive, and welcoming environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, gardens, borders, shrub beds, and landscaped areas.
• Carry out grass cutting, strimming, edging, hedge trimming, pruning, and planting.
• Operate and maintain grounds maintenance, machinery and equipment.
• Perform seasonal horticultural tasks including fertilising, weed control, and irrigation.
• Undertake sports surface maintenance where required.
• Carry out minor hard landscaping repairs and installations.
• Maintain pathways, outdoor furniture, fencing, and site infrastructure.
• Assist with tree maintenance and arboricultural works within competency levels.
• Ensure all work is completed in accordance with health and safety procedures.
• Monitor and report defects, hazards, and maintenance requirements.
• Support wider estate and facilities maintenance activities as needed.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, landscaping, or a similar role.
• Educated to GCSE level.
• NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture
• Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations (COSHH, PUWER, HASAWA)
• Competent in the use of pedestrian and ride‑on mowing equipment.
• Experience using hedge cutters, strimmers, blowers, and other grounds maintenance tools.
• Knowledge of plant care, pruning techniques, and seasonal horticultural practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Full clean driving licence.
• Experience working on a large estate.
• Basic equipment maintenance/repair knowledge.
• Experience maintaining sports pitches or amenity turf.
• Cross functional working

What We Offer

• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Company pension scheme.
• Uniform and PPE provided.
• Friendly and supportive working environment.
• Opportunity to work across a diverse and attractive estate.

About You

You will be a proactive individual who enjoys working outdoors in all seasons and takes pride in delivering exceptional grounds and garden standards. You will be dependable, safety‑conscious, and committed to maintaining a professional appearance across all aspects of the estate.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants.