Grounds Maintenance Operative
Location: Merton, SM4 4AZ
Contract type: Full time, Temp-Perm
Pay rate: £14.80 per hour
Working hours: 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Job Overview

We are seeking a motivated and reliable Grounds Maintenance Operative to undertake a combination of horticultural and sports turf maintenance duties across the London Borough of Merton. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining high-quality sports facilities and public open spaces to the required standards.

The ideal candidate will have experience in fine turf management, sports pitch maintenance, and general horticultural operations, with a strong commitment to delivering excellent customer service and maintaining safe working practices.

Key Responsibilities

Sports Turf Maintenance

• Preparation and maintenance of bowling greens to a high standard.
• Cricket square and wicket preparation, including seasonal renovation works.
• Football pitch maintenance, including mowing, marking, aeration and repairs.
• Rugby pitch maintenance and presentation.
• Operation of specialist sports turf machinery and equipment.
• Monitoring and reporting turf health, drainage issues and maintenance requirements.

Horticultural Duties

• Weeding and cultivation of planted areas.
• Pruning and maintenance of shrubs, hedges and ornamental planting.
• Seasonal bedding preparation, planting and aftercare.
• General grounds maintenance within parks, recreation grounds and open spaces.
• Litter picking and maintaining site cleanliness where required.
• Assisting with planting schemes and landscape improvement projects.

Health & Safety

• Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures.
• Carry out daily vehicle and machinery checks.
• Ensure safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery.
• Report defects, hazards and incidents promptly.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, sports turf management or a related field.
• Experience working with fine turf surfaces.
• Practical knowledge of sports pitch and horticultural maintenance techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Physically fit and capable of undertaking outdoor manual work in all weather conditions.

Desirable Requirements

• PA1 and PA6 Pesticide Application Certificates.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Experience operating grounds maintenance machinery and equipment.
• Knowledge of current sports turf and horticultural best practices.
• Local knowledge of the London Borough of Merton.
• Residence within or close to the Borough would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and punctual.
• Positive and proactive attitude.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Flexible approach to work and seasonal demands.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality standards across all sites.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work within a diverse range of parks, sports grounds and open spaces.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Supportive team environment.
• Varied and rewarding role contributing to the borough's green spaces and sports facilities.

About our client

We are Europe's largest provider of grounds maintenance services and landscape creation, in the UK alone we're a community of over 3,000 passionate colleagues shaping the future of the green industry.

We understand what it means to grow. Our history dates back to 1919, and today, with a turnover of £250 million, we're more than just a company - we're a force for positive change. We offer a range of services to create, maintain, and manage landscapes across the UK.

Grow with us, and together we'll create a greener future for all.

If you receive suspicious outreach claiming to be from us, please contact us via the ManpowerGroup website.