Grounds Maintenance Operative

Come and make a difference at Karbon as a Grounds Maintenance Operative

We’re looking to appoint 2 suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the role of Grounds Maintenance Operative . Working outdoors in all weathers using a broad range of horticultural and arboricultural equipment across Karbon to keep our customers’ neighbourhoods well maintained.

You’ll operate and be responsible for a variety of ride on and other horticultural equipment and drive an allocated Karbon vehicle. With relevant experience in a similar role, you’ll have a strong commitment to and knowledge of health and safety, quality service delivery and a high level of customer care and be able to work as part of a team as well as using your own initiative.

Ride on Mower experience and accreditation in particular would be advantageous.

Our Grounds Maintenance Operatives are responsible for the upkeep of Karbon sites and external contracts across the entire Karbon footprint. We work in any and all weathers using a variety of horticultural and arboricultural plant and equipment to provide a service incorporating cyclical maintenance, garden clearances, grass cutting, fly tipping and waste removal and associated works as directed by the Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative.

We’re looking for an experienced Operative to join and support our Grounds Maintenance team in providing an already excellent service, delivered to our customers in a way that that promotes high levels of customer focus, performance, safety, and quality, with a strong emphasis on innovation, forward thinking and continuous improvement. This position is based in Chester le Street.

A FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE IS ESSENTIAL.

We’re looking for candidates with a strong drive and initiative committed to continual improvement and with a resilient outlook.

Candidates should have a good working knowledge of a modern ground maintenance service and the challenges it faces with experience of improving and maintaining areas.

You’ll need to be able to follow instructions and interpret site maps whilst also being able to think on your feet.

Experience of Ride on Mower operation would be an advantage as would experience of pesticide application and using a PDA.

This must all be combined with a strong commitment to teamwork and delivering excellent customer service and continued learning and development.

You’ll be part of our Grounds Maintenance team led by the Grounds Maintenance Team Leaders If you require further information about the role, please contact Gareth Gooding .

• Grounds Maintenance Operative - Permanent role
• Salary is £ 26,020 per annum
• Location:
  
  Based in Byker and Chester le Street
• 37 hours per week
• Byker working hours:
  Monday – Thursday 37 hours per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:30am till 15:45pm and Friday’s 07:30am till 14:00pm)
• Chester le Street working hours:
  Monday –Thursday 37 hours per week

  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 07:00am till 15:00pm and Friday 07:00am till 14:30pm

  We recognise the contribution people with criminal records can make as colleagues and we welcome all applications. A criminal record will not exclude a candidate from being appointed because of offences that are irrelevant to, and do not place them at, or make them a risk in the role they’re applying for.

  The role you're applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). The successful candidate(s) will be asked to submit a basic disclosure and barring check application during pre-employment checks.

We offer a generous benefits package to support your wellbeing and development, including:

• 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after 3 years)
• Birthday leave
• Health cash plan
• Flexible benefits pot
• Access to funding for qualifications, conferences, and learning events.

Closing date for applications

Thursday 1 October 2026

We may close the advert early if we receive a high volume of strong applications—so don’t wait too long to apply!

To be confirmed

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you’ll be guaranteed an interview. Need a reasonable adjustment to apply? Contact us at

• Location

  North East - Byker and Chester-le-Street

Would you like to speak to a member of our team?

Just submit your details and we will be in touch shortly.