Grounds Operative (x4 vacancies)

About the role

The Estates Division of the University of Cambridge is hiring four Grounds Operatives to help keep the university estate's grounds and gardens safe and presentable. The role holder supports the Grounds Maintenance team, helps implement the estate's Biodiversity Action Plan and takes part in its renewal, refresh and refurbishment projects. The post is site or mobile based, not hybrid.

Key responsibilities

• Support the planning and daily activities of the Grounds Maintenance team
• Occasionally manage a team of up to three staff when the supervisor is away
• Help develop environmental, sustainability and biodiversity policies and manage all grounds and garden areas
• Assist in the induction and training of new and temporary staff
• Prepare seasonal needs, including plants and materials, and help maintain records such as chemical usage
• Liaise with departments and external contractors such as tree works and grounds maintenance contractors
• Ensure safe storage and maintenance of equipment, tools and the building or vehicle used, and report hazards and incidents through risk assessments

Required profile

• GCSE level or equivalent education
• Experience, knowledge and understanding of tools and equipment, biodiversity and environmental techniques
• Ability to work outdoors in all weathers and to perform physically strenuous work for long periods
• Full driving licence, including towing capability
• Desirable: training certification for handheld and ride-on machinery

Required skills

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, PDAs and computer-aided facility management systems (Invida)
• Some plant knowledge and a wide range of grounds maintenance tasks
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork

Hours are Monday to Thursday 7 am to 3 pm and Friday 7 am to 2.30 pm, with breaks at 10 am to 10.30 am and 1 pm to 1.30 pm; occasional weekend and out-of-hours work may be required. Applications are made online quoting reference BA51614.