Grounds Maintenance Operative

Job overview

Your NHS needs YOU!  We're on the lookout for individuals fuelled by passion, determination, and a desire to contribute. As part of our Estates Grounds and Gardens team, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our Trust Estate which requires maintaining 365 days a year. Join our close-knit team and help us deliver top-notch maintenance and repair services, all while making a real difference in our community.

We know it can be scary to take a chance on a new role and this may feel like a big step, but for the right candidates who display all the attributes we are looking for, there will be support available to help with your growth and development.

What are the benefits?

• Further training and support including formal pesticide qualifications (PA1 & PA6) and grounds machinery training e.g. ride on mowers.
• Approx £2340 per annum on-call availability payment over the winter (figure based on 13 weeks per year), plus variable overtime and call-out payments.
• Our annual leave entitlement starts at 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service (pro rata).
• NHS Pension.
• Enhanced rates for nights and bank holidays
• Salary sacrifice and high street/online retailer discount schemes
• Uniform/ PPE will be provided

Main duties of the job

Assist and support the Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative /Building Manager in undertaking day-to-day maintenance of all LTH sites, Including:

• Grass cutting using both ride-on and pedestrian equipment.
• Strimming, weeding & scarifying.
• Pruning & hedge cutting using handheld equipment.
• Planting and maintaining of borders including internal courtyards and enhanced garden areas around the hospital sites.
• Winter grounds maintenance including gritting & snow clearing.

In addition to the above you will carry out planned preventative maintenance in accordance with Trust policies, procedures and schedules. You will be responsible for managing your own workload on a day-to-day basis and assist other trades and contractors, in accordance with service need.

Please note that you will be required to obtain a C1 category Driving Licence (self-funded but we can give you time off for training). A C1 driving licence means that you can drive a rigid vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes and tow a trailer up to 750 Kg. So, if you obtain a C1 driving licence category then you can drive a medium-size vehicle over 3,500 kg up to 7,500 kg.

This role is permanent and full time working 37.5 hours per week. Typical shift pattern for 6 month summer season will be 7am-3pm Mon-Fri followed by 6 months Winter season 8am-4pm Mon-Fri with an expectation to work flexibly throughout the seasons.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Follow routine maintenance schedules and procedures for the grounds and gardens, vehicles and equipment across all the Hospital sites.
• Carry out planned preventative maintenance in accordance with Trust policies, procedures and schedules.
• Assist and support the Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative /Building Manager in undertaking day-to-day maintenance of the Hospital grounds, in a way which minimises risk to self, others and complies with relevant legislation, policies, procedures.
• Be competent in the use of all relevant tools and equipment and work within safety guidelines current legislation and manufacturers recommendations as necessary for the completion of reactive and planned works.
• Identify and prioritise own workload and actively complete all documentation in a timely manner.
• Assist with operational tasks within the waste recycling complex as and when required.
• On an ad-hoc basis undertake site cleanliness and litter picking duties across all sites.
• Safely and correctly prepare, clean, use and store securely equipment, tools, materials and work areas leaving them in a suitable condition for future use.
• Hold a valid current driving licence and safely and legally drives the Trusts vehicle fleet (Including the towing of trailers) as and when required.
• Actively take part in the on-call rota and attends site at short notice for snow/frost clearance during the months when inclement weather may prevail.

• Keep the sites tidy and generally free from the accumulation of litter, leaves and debris.
• Inspect landscaping, footpaths and trees on a weekly basis to identify defective or dangerous areas and rectify any faults or advise Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative.
• Undertake pesticide spraying in accordance with statutory guidance and regulations.
• Assist and support the Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative/ Building Manager in project work, surveys, and other similar duties.