Grounds Operative
About the job
Interview Date - 11 March 2025
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a grounds person to provide estate maintenance on the university grounds across several sites. Duties in this post include;- To carry out, on a day-to-day basis, the routine operations necessary in maintaining the estate.
- To ensure completion of reactive duties in line with the help desk system, observing priorities set and working to scheduled timescales and with the minimum of disruption.
- Carry out and assist with the full range of “year-round” cyclical horticultural/grounds maintenance, landscape development and estate operations.
- Assisting the grounds supervisor in the delivery of all aspects of grounds maintenance to deliver a high-quality environment. This will include grass cutting, hedge and shrub pruning, some hard landscaping (repairs), artificial pitch management, weed management and biodiversity management.
We are an accredited Living Wage Foundation Employer and currently pay the real living wage, which is currently £24,309 per annum. In recognition of this, the starting salary for this post has been increased to pay this higher amount which currently supersedes the actual Grade 3 salary before living wage.
About you
Ideally the successful applicant will have the following;- Full UK driving licence (as it is essential to drive to and from university sites)
- Good knowledge of plants
- Experience in using a broad range of horticultural machinery and equipment
- Practical experience of gardening and grounds maintenance
Qualifications
Essential; *Able to demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills to a standard appropriate to the post
Desirable; *Qualification in either groundsman ship, gardening or other associated trades
About us
At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.
1st Degree Facilities is a trading name of UNEL which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Northampton and this vacancy is covered by UNEL Terms and Conditions of employment.
Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.
Our Values
Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.
Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.
Right to work
All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview. Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position.
Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.
Equality
We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.
The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.
Together @ UONOur Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.
Commitments Include:
Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.
UON’s Major Commitments:
Disability ConfidentStandalone Pledge
IHRA Working Definition
For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON