Grounds Operative

This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in local communities. As a Grounds Operative, you'll carry out hands-on outdoor work to maintain and improve public spaces across Somerset. From keeping areas clean and safe to ensuring they remain welcoming and well cared for, your work will have a visible impact on the places people use every day. By helping to create safe, tidy and enjoyable environments, you'll play an important role in supporting both residents and visitors, making a positive difference where it truly matters. Don't worry if you don't tick every box-whether you're just starting out or ready for a fresh challenge, what matters most is your attitude and willingness to learn. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.What will I be doing? The Grounds Operative carries out day-to-day grounds and horticultural work across highways, housing areas, cemeteries, parks and landscaped sites. The role supports the delivery of routine and seasonal maintenance to agreed standards. What you'll do - Key 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 help keep areas clean and safe
• Use hand tools, powered tools and ride-on machinery as part of the job (with appropriate training)
• Support winter and flood work where needed, including watercourse clearance, snow and ice clearance and sandbagging
• Drive and look after company vehicles and trailers (up to 3.5t), carrying out daily checks and reporting faults
• Work on housing and grounds contracts, following agreed service standards
• Deal politely and professionally with members of the public when required
• Report issues such as damage, vandalism or fly-tipping to supervisors
• Complete basic paperwork and electronic records
• Carry out other reasonable duties and work flexibly, including occasional work outside normal hours
  
  Competent knowledge to comply with COSHH regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act
• Understanding and knowledge of Outlook, Word and Teams, with the ability to learn new systems
• Full UK driving licence
• A good general standard of education, or equivalent experience
• Outdoors manual working and the ability to use hand-operated equipment appropriate for the role
• Ability to evaluate environmental issues
• Manual dexterity and physical coordination
• Ability to manoeuvre heavy objects such as bagged materials and resources
• Ability to adapt working practices to changing circumstances such as weather conditions and volume of pedestrians
Desirable
• NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture
• Level 2 Certificate of Competency in the safe use of ride-on lawnmowers
• Routine Playground Inspection qualification
• Chapter 8 Signing, Lighting and Guarding qualification
• Excavator 360 mini digger qualification
  
  Permanent position
• Full-time hours (37 per week) based at The Deane Depot, Westpark, Chelston, Wellington TA21 9AD - with occasional travel across the county
• Ongoing training and development opportunities to support your growth
• The chance to work in a hands-on, outdoor environment, whatever the weather