Grounds Maintenance Operative

**Grounds Maintenance Operative**:
**Position Overview**

Reporting directly into the Grounds Maintenance Supervisor the post holder will form part of the Grounds Maintenance team responsible for achieving high standards of service to the Newcastle Estates Project sites (NEP) situated in the North East of England.

The Estate is made up of three sites within 15 miles of Newcastle upon Tyne city centre.

The primary tasks relating to this role are to perform Grounds maintenance during the summer and winter months to both the Hard and Soft landscape. The standard working hours are 40 hours per week however the shift patterns will change depending on the season.

**Responsibilities**
- Undertake general grounds maintenance duties as directed by the Grounds Manager/Team Leader to ensure a high standard of work are maintained at all times in accordance with the contractual obligations.
- Maintenance duties are to include both mechanical and manual operations and will cover the broad spectrum of grounds maintenance both in the summer and winter months. Duties will include but are not limited to soil cultivation, digging, forking, watering, edging, grass cutting, planting trees/shrubs, bed preparation, seasonal bedding, pruning, tree surgery,
- Road/car Park /pathway gritting/snow clearance including unsociable hours
- Undertake weed and moss control around the Estate as required and directed.
- To keep boarders, thoroughfares and footpaths clear and free from litter at all times.
- Empty litter bins on the Estate in accordance with appropriate schedules.
- The safe use of ride on mowers, tractors and grounds maintenance machinery, including hand tools and light machinery and use of cylinder and rotary mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters and leaf blowers/collectors.
- To carry out gritting and snow clearing duties of road and pavements on site to meet the set contractual standards.
- To carry out daily/routine checks on equipment and machinery to British Standards.
- To carry out tasks relevant to grade relating to water hygiene.
- Responsibility for the Health and Safety of themselves, their work colleagues and others who may be affected by their activities, working in accordance with the Companies safety procedures.
- Ensure the safe use, storage, calibration and disposal of pesticides and other similar substances.
- Respond to emergencies.
- Ensure your work area and grounds maintenance yard is kept clean, tidy and secure at all times.
- To liaise with Mitie staff and management on the day to day running of the Ground Maintenance activities including the reporting of issues relating to operation and appearance.
- Address any acute external issues for example blocked drains/minor spillages/painting.
- To carry out general Building relating Services cleaning activities.
- To make the Supervisor aware of any problems/faults identified whilst carrying out duties.
- To perform any other duties relevant to grade which might be specified from time to time by your Supervisor.
- To participate in training programs.
- To work to specific Maintenance Program's and to complete appropriate paperwork.
- To be aware of business continuity processes via Line Manager

**What we are looking for**

Knowledge skills & experience
- Commercial grounds maintenance experience (desirable)
- Working to good horticultural practice.(desirable)
- Working British Standards and procedures.
- Previous experience in a customer facing environment.
- Physical / Dexterity.
- Manual Handling ability.
- Good Communication skills.
- Must be able to use/handle tools.
- Must have a UK driving licence.
- It is a condition of employment that you will not use or disclose any confidential information obtained during the course of your duties.
- HGV Licence - _Not essential but would be advantageous_.
- City & Guilds National Certificate in Horticulture - _Not essential but would be advantageous_.

Person
- Must be able to work in a team.
- Must be flexible with work hours especially in the winter periods to ensure grounds obligations are achieved.
- Must be able to actively participate in snow clearance activities during the winter periods.
- Able to project a Professional business image.
- Willing to work unsociable hours.
- Good time keeper.
- Basic H&S knowledge.
- Friendly and approachable manner.
- Good customer service skills
- Ability to work on their own with mínimal supervision.
- Driven to complete tasks above expectations.
- Diligent, professional and intuitive.
- Follow Group and company policies and procedures at all times.