On-Site Grounds & Estates Technician

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parking across campus

Cycle to work scheme

Discounts via benefits portal

On-site nursery (Ofsted Outstanding)

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Generous pension schemes

Job summary

Durham University is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Assistant to join the Estates and Facilities Directorate. The role is permanent, full-time (35 hours) with five days out of seven, some evenings and weekends, and on-call rota for winter maintenance.

The post is on-site only, with a salary of £24,752–£25,025, and closing date 5 October 2026. The department focuses on maintaining safe, sustainable estates and delivering diverse services to support teaching and campus life.

Qualifications

• Good spoken and written communication skills.
• Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills.
• Experience of working independently using own initiative, as well as in a team.
• Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions, written or spoken, accurately.
• Ability to follow health and safety guidelines.
• Experience of reactive, cyclical and planned grounds maintenance, projects and new landscaping schemes and winter maintenance.
• Good attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of plants and their uses, and of their appropriate maintenance in a diverse estate.

Responsibilities

• Provide an excellent, responsive service to students, colleagues and visitors by carrying out tasks using the relevant procedures (training provided).
• Follow health and safety regulations and wear protective clothing/equipment.
• Learn and apply risk assessments to ensure safe practice in different environments.
• Carry out tasks that may be physically demanding.
• Use and look after equipment for seasonal grounds and garden maintenance.
• Assist with stock control and purchasing materials as necessary.
• Support team activities and ensure timely delivery of grounds maintenance tasks.

Skills

Communication skills

Digital literacy

Numeracy

Independent and team work

Time management

Following instructions

Health and safety

Grounds maintenance

Attention to detail

Plant knowledge

Job description

Durham University is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Assistant to join the Estates and Facilities Directorate. The role is permanent, full-time (35 hours) with five days out of seven, some evenings and weekends, and on-call rota for winter maintenance.

The post is on-site only, with a salary of £24,752–£25,025, and closing date 5 October 2026. The department focuses on maintaining safe, sustainable estates and delivering diverse services to support teaching and campus life.