Outdoor Grounds & Public Spaces Technician

Somerset Council; Ham; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Grounds Operative to maintain and improve public spaces across Somerset. You’ll perform hands‑on outdoor work, grass cutting, hedge trimming and general upkeep to keep parks and streets welcoming.

The role involves driving, operating small machinery, and supporting winter work. A good education or equivalent experience, plus a UK driving licence, are required; NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture is desirable. Training and development are ongoing.

Qualifications

• A good general standard of education, or equivalent experience.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Outdoors manual working and the ability to use hand‑operated equipment.
• COSHH and Health and Safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Carry out grounds and horticultural work such as grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, weeding and general upkeep.
• Help maintain highways, verges, housing areas, cemeteries, public spaces and landscaped sites.
• Clear litter, leaves, graffiti and fly‑posting to keep areas clean and safe.
• Use hand tools, powered tools and ride‑on machinery with appropriate training.
• Support winter and flood work when needed, including watercourse clearance and sandbagging.
• Drive and look after company vehicles and trailers, carrying out daily checks.

Skills

Outdoor manual work

Manual dexterity

Physical coordination

Driving licence - UK

Education

General education or equivalent experience

NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture

Tools

Ride-on lawnmower operation

Excavator 360 mini digger

Job description

Somerset Council is seeking a Grounds Operative to maintain and improve public spaces across Somerset. You’ll perform hands‑on outdoor work, grass cutting, hedge trimming and general upkeep to keep parks and streets welcoming.

The role involves driving, operating small machinery, and supporting winter work. A good education or equivalent experience, plus a UK driving licence, are required; NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture is desirable. Training and development are ongoing.