Grounds Operative

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, creating a community where colleagues feel respected and valued. We aim to reflect the diversity of our students and communities, and to strengthen our university through collaboration and diverse perspectives, across all roles at the University.

The grounds and gardens are one of the main selling features of the University of Hull and as such they require a high standard of maintenance all year round. The Grounds and Gardens Team’s efforts have been rewarded on several occasions over the last few years with Gold in the Yorkshire In Bloom competition, a record that we would like to continue.

The Grounds and Gardens Team form part of the Maintenance Section, which includes joiners, electricians, fitters and plumbers.

The Grounds and Gardens Team are responsible for all the grass cutting, weed control, tree work, litter & bins, internal floral displays, annual bedding, snow clearing & gritting, as well as the provision of 66 acres of artificial and natural turf for sports. We also offer advice on landscape design and construction to colleagues, students and visitors.

The role holder will:

• Have sufficient knowledge of the work gained through experience and on-the-job training.
• Work within existing established routines and procedures and will prioritise tasks within a given set of duties.
• Not be required to plan beyond prioritisation of the work.

Main Work Activities

Communication

• Respond to any general enquiries from staff, students and visitors to the University.

Teamwork

• Under the guidance of a team leader, where necessary provide day-to-day support to other members of staff and members of staff new to the work area.
• Assist other maintenance trades as directed.

Service Delivery

• To carry out daily grounds maintenance operations including, but not exclusively, the operation of mowing machinery, pruning, planting of all types, weeding, litter picking, emptying binds, soil cultivations, etc.
• To undertake arboricultural operations.
• To undertake the application of pesticides.
• To carry out routine maintenance of natural and synthetic sports facilities including marking out, pitch preparation and renovations.
• To undertake salt and gritting duties as directed.
• To participate in the clearance and cleaning of roof gullies, flat roofs & fall pipes which may involve working at height.

Planning and Organisation

• To be responsible for the care and daily maintenance and operation of horticultural vehicles, tools and equipment.
• To organise their working routine in an efficient manner to carry out the set tasks.
• To advise the supervisor of any additional tasks noticed as part of duties being undertaken or complete these within given routines and advise supervisor.

Work Environment

• To work outside in periods of rain/sleet/snow etc.
• To work from any of the grounds and gardens site across the University estate.

Please upload a CV and cover letter describing how you meet the person specification for this job in the Resume/CV section of the online application form.