Grounds and Gardens Labourer - NHS

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

To carry out grounds and garden maintenance as required to Trust owned premises.

Responsible to the Grounds Supervisor for all delegated duties concerned with the maintenance of the grounds and gardens within the Directorate of Facilities & Estates, based at the Princess Royal Hospital site.

Ensuring the effective and efficient maintenance of grounds and gardens of the Princess Royal Hospital and Royal Sussex County Campuses, and various other premises for which the Trust is responsible.

Main duties of the job

Garden Maintenance:

Maintenance of shrub beds, bedding, lawns, paved areas, trees, hedges, boundaries and sports facilities as instructed

Ground clearance and minor fencing repairs where necessary.

Landscaping work when directed

Normal gardening, hoeing, staking, tying, planting, pruning etc.

Operates machinery for grass cutting, strimming and spraying weed killers

Grounds Maintenance:

Clears snow and carries out gritting works in the winter months

Maintains drains, gullies and gutters as required

Routine Maintenance/Inspections:

Execute Planned Preventive Maintenance inspections as per specification

Undertake cleaning, and minor servicing duties as may be directed from time to time.

See Job Description and Personal Specification for more information.

Working for our organisation

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Candidate Information Pack: candidate-information-pack-accessible-version-SEPT6-1.pdf

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Garden Maintenance:

Maintenance of shrub beds, bedding, lawns, paved areas, trees, hedges, boundaries and sports facilities as instructed

Ground clearance and minor fencing repairs where necessary.

Landscaping work when directed

Normal gardening, hoeing, staking, tying, planting, pruning etc.

Operates machinery for grass cutting, strimming and spraying weed killers

Grounds Maintenance:

Clears snow and carries out gritting works in the winter months

Maintains drains, gullies and gutters as required

Routine Maintenance/Inspections:

Execute Planned Preventive Maintenance inspections as per specification

Undertake cleaning, and minor servicing duties as may be directed from time to time.

Other duties:

Drive vehicles, including towing trailers, for the purpose of transporting tools, equipment, and personnel.

Works flexibly with other Estates staff to provide a comprehensive high quality service for the benefit of patients.

Perform other routine work including labouring, as necessary.

Provide cover for other grounds and gardens staff during periods of leave or other absence

To undertake additional duties and responsibilities as may be delegated by the Estates Manager.

Health Safety:

Ensure the proper operation of Trust policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety, promoting safe working practices within the grounds team, and complying with statutory requirements, Approved Codes of Practice and good working practices.

Preparation of a safe work area, checking tools and equipment, safe stacking and storing of re-useable materials, disposing of debris and implementing Estates Dept. procedures.

Emergency Work

Be prepared to respond to emergency work outside normal working hours

See Job Description and Personal Specification for more information.

Person specification

Experience and Qualifications

• Completed and passed City and Guilds in Grounds Maintenance / Gardening or substantial relevant experience, having demonstrated high versatility and flexibility
• Understanding of legislation, regulations, code of practice and Internal NHS Guidance governing, Health and Safety
• Good Operating and maintenance practice relating to grounds maintenance, including basic understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Employees responsibilities
• Knowledge of Operation of Ground Machines, Vehicles and Equipment

Communication Skills

• Understands the Issues relating to Clinical Staff where Estates works have an impact to clinical areas
• To be Enthusiastic, self motivated and have good communication skills

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.

Closing adverts early: Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for non medical vacancies only, please contact the Resourcing Team by Email: [email protected]