Grounds and SuDS Maintenance Operative

Working Hours:

35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type:
Full-Time, Permanent

Closing Date & Closing time: 11.59pm, 26 August 2026

Interview Method:
Face to Face

Legal Right to Work:
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action

This role is subject to -

2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.

Driving Licence
- The successful candidate must always hold a full valid driving licence as you will be required to drive a vehicle adhering to council regulations.

Manchester City Council is recruiting a Grounds & SuDS Maintenance Operative to help deliver clean, green, safe and climate‑resilient neighbourhoods across the city. This is an exciting new hybrid operational role that combines traditional grounds maintenance with the specialist care of rain gardens, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), highways biodiversity areas and green‑infrastructure drainage features.

You will play a key part in maintaining Manchester’s growing network of SuDS assets, including rain gardens, tree pits, wildflower areas and refined roadside verges. These features help manage surface water, improve water quality, support biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience across the city.

Alongside this specialist work, you will also contribute to wider grounds maintenance across parks, public realm and neighbourhood green spaces, supporting integrated delivery with local teams.

• Inspecting and maintaining SuDS features, rain gardens and tree pits
• Supporting biodiversity through habitat creation and ecological planting
• Carrying out grass cutting, strimming, edging and general horticultural tasks
• Maintaining planted areas, seasonal displays and wildflower habitats
• Removing weeds, litter and invasive species to keep sites clean and safe
• Sweeping and cleaning hard‑landscape areas, paths and steps
• Working with colleagues, partner services and the public to maintain high standards

• Practical experience in grounds or environmental maintenance
• Ability to carry out SuDS and rain‑garden maintenance tasks
• Understanding of Health & Safety and safe tool use
• Ability to use mobile devices for recording work
• Experience working in highways or public‑realm environments
• Ability to read simple site plans or maintenance schedules
• Experience using horticultural tools and small machinery
• Good communication skills and a positive, team‑focused
• Preferable qualifications include:
• RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
• Lantra Basic Tree Inspection (awareness level)
• Highway Safety Awareness (e.g., Chapter 8 - Operative level)
• NPTC/City & Guilds PA1/PA6
• Introductory SuDS or green‑infrastructure training

Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city that leads change and improves lives. Whether you’re supporting communities or improving public services, you’ll help create opportunities and shape a better future for everyone

• Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service
• Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave
• Up to 3 days’ volunteering leave
• A 35-hour work week for full-time roles
• We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions
• The UK’s largest local government pension scheme
• Enhanced parental and carers leave
• Employee discounts and perks
• Good Employment Charter member

For more information about working for Manchester Council, please visit Careers
- Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects…