[ref. w48967021] Grounds and Gardens Maintenance Assistant - NHS
We are one of the largest NHS organisation in England. Our scale provides exciting opportunities for development, innovation, research, education and training.
Talk to us about our range of flexible working opportunities, apprenticeships and staff benefits
Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of all we do; and it forms part of the ESNEFT’s core activities. The Trust operates and relies on everyone treating each other with dignity and respect, to receive equitable and fair treatment in the implementation of Policies, Procedures and in its Practices, to foster positive work relationships, and finally to act with integrity as a professional within ESNEFT as well as a representative of the NHS as a whole.The EDI Agenda reflects the Trust values such as Optimistic, Appreciative and Kind. In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, People Plan, People Promise and a Model Employer intrinsic in the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Agenda, we consistently strive to improve, to take the learning into Action for a better ESNEFT.
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge then we are keen to hear from you.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen with ESNEFT to join the Estates Maintenance Team based at Colchester Hospital as an Grounds and Gardens Maintenance Assistant.
Reporting to the Estates Officer. the post holder will effectively maintain all grounds, gardens, paths, roadways etc. within East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) premises so as to provide a safe and pleasant environment for patients, staff and visitors.
The successful candidate will be self motivated, flexible and a relevant qualification. You will have previous 'in house' training associated with building services and a good general knowledge of maintenance and recording requirements including the use of relevant tools and equipment.If this sounds like you, this could be the perfect role for you.
Main duties of the job- Undertake grounds, gardens and building services maintenance duties including but not limited to road sweeping, waste collection, weeding, hoeing, grass cutting, pruning, strimming, planting, tree felling, gritting of roads and pathways etc.
- Duties will include provision of routine maintenance on a range of equipment, including the use of hand and power tools e.g. strimmer’s, mowers, hedge cutters, blowers, use of chemical spray methods for weed elimination, etc. and the post holder will be required to undertake user checks and minor routine maintenance of such tools, and to report any defects to their line manager.
- Required to assist other Estates craft staff in building services maintenance as required and organise daily routine to incorporate regular task requirements and schedule work requirements to the most efficient way, with guidance from line manager and senior colleagues. The post holder will sometimes be required to work with minimum supervision when carrying out tasks as directed by senior colleagues and must have the ability to work on their own initiative.
Working for our organisation
We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients’ own homes.
We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff.
We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options.
Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.
Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients.
We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what’s widely regarded as the world’s best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients.
If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you.
Find out about living and working here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A
Detailed job description and main responsibilities- Undertake grounds, gardens and building services maintenance duties including but not limited to road sweeping, waste collection, weeding, hoeing, grass cutting, pruning, strimming, planting, tree felling, gritting of roads and pathways etc.
- Duties will include provision of routine maintenance on a range of equipment, including the use of hand and power tools e.g. strimmer’s, mowers, hedge cutters, blowers, use of chemical spray methods for weed elimination, etc. and the post holder will be required to undertake user checks and minor routine maintenance of such tools, and to report any defects to their line manager.
- To learn new techniques and attend training courses as necessary, as required in this multi-skilled role.
- On completion of work ensure that the work area is maintained in a safe secure and tidy manner.
- Required to assist other Estates craft staff in building services maintenance as required and organise daily routine to incorporate regular task requirements and schedule work requirements to the most efficient way, with guidance from line manager and senior colleagues. The post holder will sometimes be required to work with minimum supervision when carrying out tasks as directed by senior colleagues and must have the ability to work on their own initiative.
- Complete works instruction dockets and time sheets using own initiative and make decisions and take appropriate actions for maintenance activities as they develop.
- To undertake overtime working by mutual agreement so as to ensure the needs of the service are satisfied and to be available for ‘on call’ for inclement weather e.g. snow clearance and salting of roads and footpaths.
- Identify and report to the line manager any item of plant or equipment that requires replacement or repair.
- Prior to use of any tools, machinery or equipment visually inspect the item, carry out any pre use checks and report all defects to their supervisor.
- Be prepared to undertake duties as a lone worker throughout ESNEFT.
- Respect and adhere to Health Board policies including patient confidentiality.
- Provide general non-clinical advice or information to staff, patients, carers or relatives and visitors.
- To drive/operate plant, machinery and ESNEFT vehicles as directed after appropriate CITB training and licensing and these will include tractors, mowers, tipper trailer, gritter, etc.
- Undertake their duties in a safe manner and working within Health Board and departmental Health & Safety policies and procedures, ensuring that working practices comply in both spirit and practice.
- Advise colleagues, contractors and other health care staff on operation of any restrictions on plant and services as necessary.
- To liaise with supervisors, colleagues and stores persons in the adequate provision of materials for the work in hand.
- To participate in the training, technical advice and support of peer groups, trainees and to pass on knowledge relating to their sphere of work.
- To have an understanding of the relationship of other craftsperson’s work to his/her own trade.
- Demonstrate a working knowledge of workshop safety practices.
- To work with ladders, cradles, zip-ups and scaffolding as and when required and after receiving the appropriate training.
- The post-holder is required to carry Trust communication devices such as two way radio, mobile phone etc. at all times while at work. This is to facilitate immediate response to emergencies and to improve the service delivery.
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Relevant NVQ level 1&2
- Previous “in-house” training associated with Building services
- Horticultural qualification such as C&G
- Certificate of Groundsmanship
Experience
Essential criteria- A good general knowledge of maintenance and recording requirements including the use of relevant tools and equipment.
- IT Literate
- A Basic Knowledge of workshop safety practices
- Substantial grounds maintenance experience
- Carrying out minor new landscaping work
- Previous experience in the waste handling sector
- Experience of working within the NHS
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria- Good communication skills
- Horticultural knowledge gained via experience or training or equivalent
- Able to operate a wide range of gardening machinery
Please note that where response levels are exceptional we may close the post before the specified date, therefore early application is recommended.
Please make sure that you read the Job Description and Person Specification attached and that your statement in support reflects this as your application will be judged against these criteria.
Secondment - if you are interested in undertaking a role on a secondment basis, please ensure that you have discussed this with your current line manager prior to submitting your application. Please note if you are already an employee of ESNEFT fixed term roles will only be offered on a secondment basis.
When providing reference details please provide email addresses so references can be sought promptly to cover the last 3 years of employment.
Successful candidates may be charged for their DBS check. Please ensure you read the information found in the attached DBS Information document
The Trust is committed to its staff and their development and to equal opportunities and diversity. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.
Whilst we welcome applications from all and your application will be considered on individual merit, if you are offered a position and require a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship we may not be able to process your application to the final stage due Home Office eligibility.
In submitting an application form, you authorise East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process should you be appointed to the post.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; we look forward to receiving your application for employment.