Grounds Operative

Closing Date: 24/05/2026

Salary: Grade 14 ranging from £25,185 to £25,989 per annum

This is an opportunity to make a real difference to local communities. As a Grounds Operative, you will carry out practical outdoor work to help look after public spaces across Somerset, helping to keep areas safe, clean and well‑maintained for the people who use them every day. Through practical outdoor work, you will help keep local environments safe, clean and welcoming for residents and visitors.

Role Summary 

The Grounds Operative carries out day‑to‑day grounds and horticultural work across highways, housing areas, cemeteries, parks and landscaped sites. The role supports the delivery of routine and seasonal maintenance to agreed standards.

What you'll do - Key Responsibilities

• Carry out grounds and horticultural work such as grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, weeding and general upkeep
• Help maintain highways, verges, housing areas, cemeteries, public spaces and landscaped sites
• Clear litter, leaves, graffiti and fly‑posting to help keep areas clean and safe
• Use hand tools, powered tools and ride‑on machinery as part of the job (with appropriate training)
• Support winter and flood work where needed, including watercourse clearance, snow and ice clearance and sandbagging
• Drive and look after company vehicles and trailers (up to 3.5t), carrying out daily checks and reporting faults
• Work on housing and grounds contracts, following agreed service standards
• Deal politely and professionally with members of the public when required
• Report issues such as damage, vandalism or fly‑tipping to supervisors
• Complete basic paperwork and electronic records
• Carry out other reasonable duties and work flexibly, including occasional work outside normal hours

What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Essential

Knowledge

• Competent knowledge to comply with COSHH regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act
• Understanding and knowledge of Outlook, Word and Teams, with the ability to learn new systems
• Full UK driving licence
• A good general standard of education, or equivalent experience

Skills

• Outdoors manual working and the ability to use hand‑operated equipment appropriate for the role
• Ability to evaluate environmental issues
• Manual dexterity and physical coordination
• Ability to manoeuvre heavy objects such as bagged materials and resources
• Ability to adapt working practices to changing circumstances such as weather conditions and volume of pedestrians

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture
• Level 2 Certificate of Competency in the safe use of ride‑on lawnmowers
• Chapter 8 Signing, Lighting and Guarding qualification
• PA1 and PA6 Pesticide training

Any Additional Information 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 37 hours per week role, Monday to Friday, based at our Bridgwater Depot (although working elsewhere within the county may be required)
• Generous pension scheme and employee benefits
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• This role involves working outdoors in all weather conditions

Regretfully, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Julian Grant on 01984 600172 or at julian.grant@somerset.gov.uk.

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.