Multi-Skilled Grounds and Gardens Technician

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

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform and PPE provided

Company pension scheme

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Chester is seeking a proactive Multi-Skilled Grounds & Gardens Technician to maintain and enhance our extensive outdoor spaces across campus. You will operate both traditional and modern grounds equipment to keep lawns, borders, and sports surfaces in excellent condition.

We value practical horticultural knowledge, safe work practices, and the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team across a large estate.

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE level.
• NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture.
• PA1/PA6 Pesticide Certification is desirable.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations (COSHH, PUWER, HASAWA).
• Experience with mowing, hedge trimming and planting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lawns, gardens, borders and landscaped areas.
• Carry out grass cutting, strimming, edging, hedge trimming, pruning and planting.
• Operate and maintain grounds maintenance 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 follows health and safety procedures.
• Monitor and report defects, hazards and maintenance needs.
• Support wider estate and facilities maintenance activities as needed.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Horticulture knowledge

Independent work

Teamwork & communication

Driving license

Education

GCSE level

NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture

Tools

Pedestrian mowing equipment

Ride-on mowing equipment

Hedge cutters / Strimmers / Blowers

Basic equipment maintenance

Job description

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.

Essential

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, landscaping, or a similar role.
• Educated to GCSE level.
• NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture
• PA1/PA6 Pesticide Application Certificates.
• 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.

Desirable

• Experience working on a large estate.
• Basic equipment maintenance/repair knowledge.
• Experience maintaining sports pitches or amenity turf.
• IT skills
• Cross functional working

What We Offer

• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Company pension scheme.
• Uniform and PPE provided.
• Employee wellbeing support.
• 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.