Grounds Operative

<div><h2>Overview</h2><p>Salary: £23,500-£24,300 per annum<br/>Contract Type: Permanent<br/>Employment Type: Full Time<br/>Hours: 37.5 hours per week<br/>Location: HM Naval Base, Devonport Royal Dockyard, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 4SG</p><p>Reporting to the Grounds Manager, the post holder will be a key member of the Grounds Maintenance Team, delivering high standards of service across the Armada Project estate, including HMS Drake, Thanckes Tanks (Torpoint), and various schools across the South West. This role involves undertaking a range of grounds maintenance tasks throughout the year, with additional duties during the winter gritting season. Overtime opportunities are available, and an on‑call allowance is provided for winter gritting activities. Applicants should ideally live within a reasonable commuting distance of Plymouth. An Enhanced DBS check is required for this position.</p><h2>Key Responsibilities</h2><ul><li>Carry out a full range of mechanical and manual grounds maintenance duties across all seasons, including: watering, grass cutting, tree planting, hedge cutting, seasonal planting, pruning, and weed/road/car park spraying.</li><li>Monitor and maintain stock levels of consumables and spare parts, planning replenishment as required.</li><li>Ensure all vehicles, tools, and equipment are maintained to routine operating standards and report defects or requirements for repair/replacement.</li><li>Undertake weed and moss control across the site.</li><li>Empty litter bins in line with site schedules.</li><li>Safely operate grounds maintenance machinery and equipment including ride‑on mowers, tractors, cylinder and rotary mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, leaf blowers and collectors. (Training will be provided.)</li><li>Carry out winter gritting and snow‑clearing duties to meet contractual standards, including early mornings or weekends when required.</li><li>Complete daily and routine equipment safety checks in line with British Standards.</li><li>Take responsibility for personal and team Health & Safety, working in accordance with company policies and procedures.</li><li>Maintain a clean, tidy, and secure work area and maintenance yard at all times.</li><li>Liaise with management regarding daily operations, reporting any issues relating to performance, safety or appearance.</li><li>Notify the Grounds Manager of any faults, hazards or concerns identified during duties.</li><li>Undertake any other duties as reasonably required by the Grounds Manager.</li><li>Maintain awareness of business continuity procedures as directed.</li><li>Support activities across schools, nurseries, community centres, and the Naval Fuel Depot when required.</li></ul><h2>Knowledge, Skills & Experience</h2><ul><li>Experience in grounds maintenance (preferred but not essential - full training provided).</li><li>Understanding of good horticultural practice.</li><li>Experience in a customer‑facing environment (desirable).</li><li>Good physical fitness and dexterity.</li><li>Competent in manual handling tasks.</li><li>Strong communication skills.</li><li>Ability to use and handle tools safely and effectively.</li><li>Full UK Driving Licence (essential).</li><li>Commitment to maintaining confidentiality in all aspects of work.</li><li>Willingness to adapt to changes in duties as service needs evolve (in consultation with the post holder).</li></ul><h2>Person Specification</h2><ul><li>Ability to work effectively as part of a team.</li><li>Flexibility to work varied hours, particularly during winter, to ensure grounds obligations are met.</li><li>Willingness and capability to carry out gritting and snow‑clearing duties.</li><li>Professional and reliable demeanour.</li><li>Willingness to work occasional unsociable hours.</li><li>Excellent time‑keeping.</li><li>Basic Health & Safety knowledge (training available).</li><li>Friendly, approachable, and customer‑focused.</li><li>Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.</li><li>Motivated to complete tasks to a high standard.</li><li>Diligent, professional, and proactive.</li><li>Commitment to following company and Group policies and procedures.</li><li>Willingness to undertake on‑site training.</li><li>Full PPE and uniform will be provided.</li></ul></div> #J-18808-Ljbffr

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