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Job Title: Grounds Maintenance Operative
Location: Babraham, Cambridge
Salary: 26,000 to 28,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week
The role is for a Grounds Maintenance Operative working within a team responsible for the upkeep and management of the formal gardens, landscaped areas, and wider estate grounds of the campus. The post holder will ensure a comprehensive grounds maintenance service is delivered to maintain the estate to a high standard.
You must hold a valid UK driver's license.
All employment offers are subject to security screening and may require health screening. The organisation operates as a non-smoking site.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform seasonal grounds maintenance tasks in line with the estate's programme of works as directed by the Grounds & Gardens Manager, including grass cutting, hedge trimming, weeding, watering, leaf clearance, path edging, road sweeping, gritting, and waste collection.
- Operate and maintain a variety of grounds maintenance machinery such as ride-on and walk-behind mowers, tractors, and other estate vehicles, undertaking specialist training as required.
- Carry out formative and rejuvenate maintenance of trees, shrubs, climbers, and hedges.
- Maintain hard landscaped areas including roads, pathways, fencing, and other estate infrastructure.
- Support health and safety compliance across the grounds and gardens to ensure safety for staff and visitors.
- Use pesticides and herbicides safely and appropriately following training and certification.
- Assist the Waste Team with waste collection duties on campus when needed.
- Be on-call during winter months (November to April) to respond to adverse weather conditions, including snow clearing and gritting of paths, car parks, roads, and building access areas.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by management.
Experience
- Hold P.A.1 and P.A.6 spraying certificates; however this is not essential.
- Previous experience in grounds maintenance or a similar role, including use of garden machinery such as ride-on mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, and experience with UTVs, trailers, tractors, and telehandlers.
- Competent in tool and machinery maintenance, including sharpening and servicing.
- Committed to health and safety practices, including use of PPE.
- Able to communicate effectively in English and work independently or as part of a team.
- IT literate for online training, leave requests, and internal communications.
- Able to prioritise tasks and adapt to changing work demands with a positive, flexible attitude.
- Willing to work flexible hours as required, including winter gritting and autumn leaf clearance.
Company Benefits:
- Pension Scheme: A Group Personal Pension Scheme with a company contribution of 10.5% of salary, contingent on a staff contribution of 3%.
- Holiday Entitlement: 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and 3 additional privilege days for the Christmas shutdown.
- Discretionary Annual Bonus: Employees may qualify for a performance-related bonus based on discretion.
- Employee Well-being Service: Access to confidential support, expert advice, and specialised counselling services for all employees.
- Dining Facilities: On-site restaurant available for employee use.
- Accommodation Options: Various hostels, flats, and houses available for rent (currently with a waiting list).
- Social Activities: Membership in a Sports & Social Club and access to an on-site gym.
- Childcare Services: Nursery and holiday play-scheme available on-site, subject to demand.
- Parking: Free car parking available on the campus, with a commitment to a green transport policy.
