GROUNDS MAINTENANCE OPERATIVE - RUFFORD ABBEY BACKGROUND This is an outstanding career opportunity with a market leader committed to providing a diverse and meaningful range of leisure and culture-related activities for the local communities in which we serve. Rufford Country Park is a beautiful country park in Nottinghamshire steeped in history, we are seeking an innovative, committed individual with boundless energy to take this `Jewel in the Crown' in Nottinghamshire to the next level in terms of Grounds Maintenance standards and build upon the successes already implemented since Parkwood Leisure took over the contract in 2017. The Opportunity This is an exceptional career opportunity to lead a strategically significant contract, overseeing the full spectrum of grounds and maintenance services at Rufford Abbey Country Park. The role primarily focuses on ensuring the highest standards of Grounds maintenance and care across the park's extensive grounds and infrastructure. THE ROLE The main purpose of this role is to provide an effective grounds maintenance service. The Grounds maintenance Operative will be required to have an understanding in garden maintenance and have an understanding of the machinery used to carry out grounds maintenance tasks. Key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to: General maintenance of areas to include both cut and collect and cut and drop using both ride-on and pedestrian machinery. Undertake horticultural operations; hedge trimming, shrub bed maintenance and planting, strimming and blowing, hard surface maintenance, tree maintenance, chemical application, garden clearance and general landscape works, Removing litter, emptying litter / dog bins and clearing leaves. Carryout Groundsman duties in accordance with best practice. Ensure that lower graded members of staff understand instructions from you and your Line Manager and you work together as a team Undertake activities utilising craft skills, e.g. site preparation and construction. Operate ride-on mowers and pedestrian mowers. Use a range of tools and equipment, including power tools and light plant. Drive company vehicles/tow trailers as required. Assisting the GM Manager to carry out the requirements of the contract In absence of the GM Manager to collect, complete any relevant paperwork, and to return within the stated deadline. Aid the GM Manager to ensure that the issued work is completed within the set time schedule, to the required quality and standard of the contract specifications. Work with the GM Manager to engender a sense of pride in the company and the work and help them to develop a professional attitude. Assist apprentices and fixed term operatives with their duties and communicate with the Chargehand all matters relating to maintenance work. Communicate effectively with both the Chargehand and managerial teams. Following all matters relating to workforce discipline. To wear the correct uniform and PPE while at work. To be responsible for the correct inputting of site visit data information onto the Glendale Live 2.0 work management system or equivalent in accordance with company procedures and requirements. Carrying out operations in compliance with Health and Safety Procedures. To be aware of the requirements of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 and, where possible, ensure that the requirements are achieved and adhered to. Assisting in the development of a good working relationship between colleagues, the client and customers. Following instructions relating to vehicles and to ensure all equipment is used in safe working condition, in accordance with the Company's Health Safety and Welfare, Operational Systems Manual and all associated procedures. In absence of the GM Manager, and if a driver, daily monitoring and recording of the condition of all the vehicles and work equipment and report any damage, wear or neglect to the Contract Manager/ Supervisor To ensure that machinery and tools are looked after and minimise damage. That the work equipment used is fit for purpose Machine Maintenance & security to ensure that you are aware of your tasks and targets for each day and to ensure that you are fully aware of the standard required for each task. To monitor and maintain your work output to a satisfactory level and standard. To ensure that you conduct yourself in a polite and friendly manner at all times. To ensure that any associated administration is completed and returned to the office within the required timescales. Previous knowledge of Grounds Maintenance skills and horticulture are desirable, however training will be provided. Previous experience of handheld machinery is desirable, however full training will be given. The Grounds Maintenance Operative must hold a full, clean UK driving licence Among the personal characteristics sought: Competitive salary Generous annual leave entitlement Free gym membership for you and a designated partner Employee health cash plan Access to an employee discount portal, offering savings on travel, high street shopping, cinema tickets, and more Cycle to work scheme Pension scheme Company sick pay Genuine opportunities for career progression Continuous professional development Parkwood is a well-established and growing company that values and invests in its people. Successful applicants will join an organisation that offers not just a job, but a pathway to a fulfilling career.