Description

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