Grounds Maintenance Operative

We are one of the largest housing associations in the North of England, managing over 38,000 homes across the North of England. We are a non-profit organisation, meaning any money we make is invested back into the company for the benefit of our residents and local communities.

As an organisation we are committed to having a Diverse and Inclusive workforce. We would therefore welcome applications from candidates with any of the nine protected characteristics. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

We are looking for a Grounds Maintenance Operative to join the Environmental Services team. This is a fantastic opportunity where you will carry out grounds maintenance and repair work, driving community improvements.

Requirements

Outline of Key responsibilities for the Grounds Maintenance Operative...

• Carry out grass cutting and edging-off work using a combination of strimmers, small and large pedestrian mowers and ride-on mowers. Cut back and prune hedges, shrubs, bushes and low trees using hedge trimmers, loppers, pole-saws, (manual or mechanical), or chain saws, (ground based).

• Carry out seeding and turfing of grassed areas, planting or re-plating of shrub and flower beds, preparing and sowing wild flower beds and any other horticultural tasks.

• Carry out all disciplines of grounds maintenance work to empty properties as directed, including clear and tidy gardens if required, as part of the re-let process as set out in the Service Standard.

• Inspect, clear, tidy, mow, strim and, if necessary, make safe play areas and play equipment, including carrying out minor repairs. Inspect all areas for hazards, damage, defects and graffiti; make safe, carry out minor repairs and/or report any issues.

• Act as a point of contact for residents, responding to their queries, liaising with Together Housing colleagues where necessary & giving an excellent standard of customer service at all times.

• Work in a safe manner at all times, particularly when operating power tools and equipment, when driving and when using chemicals or volatile substances such as petrol, (refer to Health &Safety regulations, guidance, risk assessments and safe systems of work).

We are looking for someone who has...

• Full UK Driving License
• Practical experience of working in a grounds maintenance environment
• Experience working in a customer orientated environment. With a flexible approach to working hours in order to achieve work demands & priorities, including a willingness to go the extra mile for our customers
• Experience of using, strimmers, ride on mowers, large pedestrian mowers and hedge cutters
• Practical knowledge of and ability to operate Grounds Maintenance equipment and machinery
• Knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act and specific site safety
• A good standard of literacy and numeracy to enable accurate record keeping

Benefits

In return, we are offering the successful candidate in the Grounds Maintenance Operative:

• Salary of £23,088 per annum
• Based from our depot in Blackburn Depo
• 27 days holiday (rising to 32 over 5 years' service) + bank holidays
• A flexible working environment, with a range of family friendly policies

You will have a seasonal shift pattern with the following schedule:

• From March until the end of October, you will work from Monday to Thursday, starting at 7:30 am and finishing at 4:30 pm. On Fridays, your shift will end at 4:00 pm.
• During the winter hours (from October to March), you will work from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
• Wide range of professional, and personal development training opportunities
• Attractive pension scheme
• A range of financial, health and lifestyle benefits including cycle to work, vehicle leasing and financial advice
• We have a range of staff support networks, including menopause, culturally diverse, LGBTQ+ and disability.
• To view the full range of our benefits click on the Employee Benefits Link

THG reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient numbers of applicants are received. Therefore, please apply without delay!

Please ensure you fully answer the questions on the application form.