Grounds Maintenance Operative

Job overview

Please note that this role is advertised on behalf of Atlas BFW Management Ltd (Atlas), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and as such, successful applicant(s) will be on Atlas Terms and Conditions. For further information about Atlas, please visit: www.bfwml.co.uk

The post holder will be responsible for the upkeep and continual improvement works within the Grounds Maintenance team. The Grounds Maintenance Operative will provide an effective, efficient, and comprehensive Grounds maintenance service delivered to a high standard across the full portfolio of buildings and properties managed by Atlas and its clients.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for the upkeep and continual improvement works within the Grounds Maintenance team. The Grounds Maintenance operative will provide an effective, efficient, and comprehensive Grounds maintenance service delivered to a high standard across the full portfolio of buildings and properties managed by Atlas and its clients.

This involves, but is not limited to, the site supervision & maintenance of all external areas of the estate including the maintenance of green spaces and courtyards. Design, installation, and maintenance of seasonal displays including landscape projects. Application of pesticides and herbicides. Assist with winter gritting, litter picking and repair of roads, footpaths and hard standing, drains / gully’s street furniture and signage, identification of pest’s diseases & potential hazards.

The post holder will provide management support to the Grounds maintenance supervisor and Head of Estates and will have the necessary skills to ensure the safe and continuous delivery of the Grounds maintenance service to properties situated within the Atlas Portfolio and those organisations that have contractual arrangements with Atlas.

The post holder will carry out condition surveys of the estate and identify maintenance requirements prioritise and schedule works.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will be based at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and will undertake their duties largely independently and is expected to be flexible in relation to working hours in order for Atlas to deliver its services efficiently. This may include for example frequent traveling between sites, working outside of normal hours or being flexible with start and finish times. Due to the nature of the role, it will be a requirement for the post holder to hold a full, current driving licence including the towing of trailers as and when required.

You will possess and be able to apply significant Horticultural knowledge and have experience of working to a high standard to demonstrate a good understanding and a commitment to Health and Safety in relation to Grounds Maintenance activities.

This may involve working with other trade groups and contractors to provide an effective Grounds maintenance, service, which is responsive to the client’s needs and will involve problem solving and making changes as necessary to ensure the effective delivery of the service.

• Responsibility as Grounds Maintenance operative within the Atlas Grounds Maintenance team, ensuring that all work undertaken is compliant with relevant legislation and guidance including British Standards, European Standards and current best practice
• The Grounds Maintenance operative will provide an effective, efficient, and comprehensive Grounds maintenance service delivered to a high standard across the full portfolio of buildings and properties managed by Atlas and its clients and will be required to drive fleet vehicles (including trailers), use all relevant tools, power tools and the application of herbicides whilst being compliant with COSHH legislation.
• Maintain close working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and clients including Directors, ward managers, clinical managers, heads of departments, local authorities and others providing support and technical guidance where required or requested.
• Assist with development and exploit commercial opportunities to sell the service to new clients.
• To provide specialist knowledge and contribute to the review and feedback in support of the maintenance programme.
• Maintain regular contact with Grounds Maintenance Supervisor and other department managers through formal meetings and informal discussions with regards to employee matters and site/task management.
• Provide and receive complex information and give expert and specialist advice on areas within your remit in response to government, national and local directives as appropriate.
• To proactively manage and control the planned maintenance schemes including the implementation of any changes to current schedules of work, process or new process. Ensuring that any changes comply with current regulations and guidance.
• To work alongside contractors who undertake works on site ensuring all such work is undertaken in accordance with Health and Safety legislation, British Standards & Good Practice and conforms to specifications.
• Carryout research to identify potential changes to equipment or procedures in order to improve the quality of the service.
• To provide skilled technical support to senior managers on Grounds Maintenance matters.
• To undertake training as necessary to maintain current skill level and learn new techniques and skills and keep up to date with all mandatory training and any training required for changes in legislation.
• Be proficient with and significant use of computer hardware and familiarity with a full range of Microsoft Office applications as well as all facility and estates related specialist computerised systems.
• Promote and develop a culture of responsiveness, ownership and customer care within the team.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grading of the post.

Please read the attached Job Description & Person Specification, for further information.