Grounds Maintenance Operative

Join Ocean Housing as a Grounds Maintenance Operative

Location: Stennack House, St Austell
Hours: 40 per week (Mon-Fri)
Salary: £27,976 per annum
Contract: Permanent

Do you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in keeping spaces looking their best, and want to make a real difference to local communities? We’re looking for a Grounds Maintenance Operative to join our friendly and professional team, helping us maintain safe, attractive and welcoming neighbourhoods for our residents.

About the role:

As a Grounds Maintenance Operative, you’ll deliver high‑quality grounds maintenance across our communal estates. From grass cutting and shrub maintenance to planting and site checks, you’ll play a vital role in keeping our outdoor spaces well cared for all year round.

You’ll work both independently and as part of a team, engaging positively with residents, estate monitors and colleagues, while always working safely and to a high standard.

Key responsibilities:

• Carry out grass cutting, strimming, weeding and general horticultural works
• Maintain and plant shrubs, trees and bedding displays
• Safely operate and maintain tools, plant and machinery
• Complete routine vehicle, equipment and site safety checks
• Identify and report health & safety hazards or estate issues
• Prepare accurate records, reports and inspections as required
• Provide a friendly, professional service to residents and stakeholders
• Work flexibly across multiple sites, sometimes lone working

What we’re looking for:

You don’t need to meet every single requirement to apply – we’re keen to hear from people who are motivated, reliable and keen to learn.

Essential

• Experience in grounds maintenance or gardening work
• Understanding of health & safety in a working environment
• NVQ Level 1 (or equivalent) and English/Literacy qualification
• Full UK driving licence
• Ability to work outdoors in a physically demanding role year‑round
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Pride in delivering work to a high standard

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture or similar
• Experience using machinery (mowers, hedge cutters, brash cutters)
• PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates
• Experience of working in social housing
• Experience of towing trailers containing heavy mechanical equipment

What are our benefits?

We offer a supportive, flexible, and forward-thinking work environment with fantastic benefits:

27 days holiday + bank holidays
Professional membership fees paid
Company sick pay scheme
Workplace pension with death in service benefit
Medicash health plan (including dental & optical)
Cycle to work scheme
Rewards & recognition programme
On-site parking
Employee assistance programme
Family-friendly policies

📅 Key Dates:

Closing Date: Tuesday 22nd of September 2026 at Midnight

Interview Date: Tuesday 29th of September 2026 and Wednesday 30th of September 2026 at Stennack House, St Austell

📩 Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're committed to supporting communities and want a role full of purpose, we’d love to hear from you.

Please be aware - we may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications—so apply soon!