Grounds and Gardens Operative

Position:
Grounds & Gardens Operative – Grade band 2, Contract Permanent, Full Time 37.5 hours per week (with on‑call winter period). Salary: £25,272 per annum (pro‑rata).

Location:

RPH Town, Preston. Closing date: 23 July 2026.

Organisation:
One LSC – a collaborative partnership of NHS Trusts providing Estates and Facilities services across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The successful candidate will develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, contractors and service users, assist the Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative/Building Manager with day‑to‑day duties, and ensure compliance with health and safety legislation.

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, contractors and trust‑wide service users.
• Assist and support the Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative / Building Manager to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation, standards and procedures.
• Respond to grounds‑related incidents and advise on appropriate action.
• Assist with operational tasks within the waste recycling complex as required.
• Maintain adequate stock levels of chemicals, spares and equipment; request supply of goods in accordance with manufacturers’ product numbers.
• Undertake hard and soft ground maintenance work, including grass cutting (ride‑on and pedestrian), strimming, weeding, scarifying, pruning and hedge cutting, planting and maintaining borders, winter maintenance (gritting and snow clearing).
• Plan and construct new and renovated areas; flagging, kerbing, repair of tarmac, block paving and fences.
• Keep sites tidy and free from litter, leaves and debris.
• Inspect landscaping, footpaths and trees weekly to identify and rectify defects or dangerous areas.
• Maintain upkeep of internal courtyards and garden areas around hospital sites.
• Provide flexible cover across all Lancashire teaching hospital sites as required.
• Work respectfully, tactfully and diplomatically with all stakeholders.

• NVQ Level 2 or City & Guilds certificate in Horticulture, or equivalent grounds maintenance qualification; or substantial experience in a similar commercial role.
• Approved pesticide application PA1 & PA6 qualifications.
• Grounds machinery training.

• Experience working in horticultural environments.
• Demonstrated ability to follow detailed procedures and take instruction.
• Previous experience in a similar role.

• Health and safety regulations.
• All policies and procedures approved by the organisation.
• Trust Standing Financial Instructions.
• Data protection legislation, Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, and confidentiality requirements.
• Adherence to defined policies and procedures and active participation in development of electronic solutions.

The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to improving the working lives of all staff and operates a zero‑tolerance policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and welcome applications from everyone irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or social background.

We especially welcome applications from members of BAME communities, as we have identified under‑representation of BAME employees in the system.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. Requests for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process must be communicated with the recruitment services team promptly.

We recognise that barriers to recruitment may exist for some and will put in place measures to enable participation where necessary.

Full NHS employment benefits, pension scheme, and opportunities for career development within One LSC.