Job summary We are looking to appoint a motivated individual as a Grounds and Gardens Maintenance Operative to work within the Estates External Environment Team. The team are a small group who work trust wide across a number of sites; the new post holder will be predominantly based at the St James University Hospital Grounds workshop. The position is 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday (7.5 hour days) and the post holder will be required to participate in the 22 week winter on call rota for gritting and snow clearing between November and March each year. The role will involve assisting in the day to day maintenance of the grounds and gardens as part of a small mobile team, the work includes cleanliness and tidiness of grounds, gardens, roads, paths and paved areas, the care of lawns, flower beds, trees and shrubberies, maintenance of roads, footpaths and other external areas as well as surface water drains and to ensure the external environment is free from hazards. The candidate will be required to operate vehicles and machinery as part of the post including but not restricted to Tractors, ride on mowers, chain saws, hedge trimmers and strimmers. Essential qualifications - NVQ level 2 in Horticulture and a Current Drivers licence. Expected Shortlisting Date 17/03/2025 Planned Interview Date 07/04/2025 Main duties of the job he Successful candidate will be part of an 8 person team working trust wide. The role is to ensure the Trusts site grounds and gardens are maintained to a high standard in accordance with legislation and codes of practice. The work will include routine and planned gardening duties including weed control, propagation and the maintenance of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and hedges as necessary. As well as a full range of landscaping duties, including paving, walling etc. undertake snow clearing, and gritting and other routine winter duties. Maintain external and roof surface water drain gullies and carry out minor repairs to roads and paths. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake all monitoring procedures for hand arm vibration and noise exposure in accordance with the Health & Safety executive requirements including completion of exposure logs. They will be responsible for tools, plant and materials which are used within the scope of their work within the Estates Department. The candidate will be required to operate vehicles and machinery as part of the post including but not restricted to Tractors, ride on mowers, chain saws, hedge trimmers and strimmers. This job can involve prolonged periods of physical activity in extreme weather and therefore the post holder must be capable of undertaking such duties. The successful candidate will be required to drive the trust vehicles so will need to have a full current British drivers licence. Training is available About us The External Environment team are a small group within the operational estates department; it includes site clearance and grounds maintenance operatives as well as a head Gardener and Estates Officer. This is a hard working team who have a physically demanding role working in all weather conditions including working out of hours to keep the hospital open in adverse weather. The team are based at St James but use trust provided transport to travel to all the main and several satellite sites operated by the Trust. Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions. Date posted 24 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £24,071 to £25,674 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number C9298-EST-310 Job locations St. James's University Hospital Beckett Street Leeds LS9 7TF Job description Job responsibilities To ensure the Trusts site grounds and gardens are maintained to a high standard To work to the appropriate level of their core skills, as a member of the Estates External Building & Environment Team, to maximise efficiency in the delivery of a safe and high quality Horticultural, Arboreal & Environmental service to the Trust. To continue to develop elements of other skills, reaching levels of flexibility and competence to enable them to apply abilities where required. Responsible for the inspection and day to day maintenance of plant and equipment they and others may use. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Essential Qualifications Formal Qualifications (CSE/GCSE) NVQ or equivalent to minimum level 2 in Horticulture/Arboriculture City & Guilds P.A Licence In Categories 1, 2 & 6 (Hand held & vehicle mounted units) City & Guilds Chainsaw Licence In Categories 30 & 31 (Fell & process small Trees) City & Guilds Chainsaw Licence In Category 38 (Access a Tree using rope & harness & Aerial rescue) City & Guilds Chainsaw Licence In Category 39 (Aerial cutting using free fall Techniques) City & Guilds certification for use of Tractors, Tractor loader & Ride-on Mowers Current British Full Driving Licence Essential Experience and Skills Completion of recognised registered apprenticeship Significant (post apprenticeship) relevant experience having demonstrated high versatility and flexibility Knowledge of Health Technical Memorandum 04 Legionella Knowledge of Legal Responsibilities with Application of Pesticides Within the Environment and the Personal Ownership of Acts &/or Omissions Where Personal Failure to Adhere Applies. Knowledge of Legal Responsibilities to Protect All Fauna & Flora Covered by, but not limited to, The Wildlife And Countryside Act 1982 and the Personal Ownership of Acts &/or Omissions Where Personal Failure to Adhere Applies. Knowledge of Legal Responsibilities to Protect all Trees Covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and/or those within Conservation Areas, to Carry Out Only That Work as Specified Within Any Planning Consent and the Personal Ownership of Acts &/or Omissions Where Personal Failure to Adhere Applies. Knowledge of Health & Safety, Moving & Handling, COSHH Hand held Power tool certification for but not limited to, hedge trimmers and bush cutters/trimmers Use of building & ground maintenance power & hand tools, machinery & equipment including strimmers, rotavators etc. Ability to complete legal records as required including but not limited to, pesticide application, vibration exposure, noise exposure & vehicle use Ability to communicate both verbally & written Ability to use electronic work management systems for but not limited to, the receiving of work orders, the signing off of completed work & the sourcing of relevant required data. Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team Ability to carry out strenuous physical tasks and work in adverse, occasionally severe, weather conditions Desirable Experience and Skills Experience of Working in an Acute Hospital Environment Shows enthusiasm in regard to personal development Dedicated to support the development of a high quality service Limited knowledge of the following Plant watering systems Diesel & Petrol engine service Vehicle Electrical Systems Vehicle Lighting Maintenance Hydraulics Block Paving Fence & post erection Concreting Roof Drainage Systems Road Drainage Systems CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS Maintain effective communication with colleagues in all working areas via appropriate technology Display a working knowledge and understanding of service users needs and requirements Undertake any training required to enhance the delivery of the service A genuine interest in working in amenity grounds and estate maintenance Good communication skills It is normal to work independently and without supervision, operational duties are managed by a Team Leader Adaptable to change To ensure that the uniform and protective personal equipment supplied by the Trust is worn correctly and is regularly laundered To maintain high standards of personal hygiene and appearance at all times whilst on duty To ensure that the Trust supplied I.D. badge is worn at all times Carry Trust communication devices to facilitate immediate response to urgent requests and emergency breakdowns CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING To be responsible for working with colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. Ensure that all tasks are carried out in compliance with relevant statutory legislation and local policies and codes of practice including Health and Safety, Asbestos, COSHH and in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system. The post holder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development and training and organise and undertake all mandatory training required for the role particularly attending refresher training on an annual basis. To undertake on or off site training when necessary and learn new techniques where appropriate. To plan, organise and prioritise their own work to provide an efficient service to all wards and departments in accordance with set Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures. To complete all relevant daily documentation in compliance with relevant statutory legislation and local codes of practice and quality control procedures. To have an understanding and be aware of the impact and risks of maintenance delivery in an acute hospital environment. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Ensuring the timely and correct performance of routine and periodic duties. Undertake all monitoring procedures for hand arm vibration in accordance with the Health & Safety executive requirements including completion of exposure logs. Undertake all monitoring (including health monitoring) for noise exposure in accordance with the Health & Safety Executive requirements Ensure that all safety procedures are observed in the use of plant, equipment, materials and working procedures to ensure safe working environment is retained at all times in accordance with the Health & Safety Regulations. Learn new techniques and undergo training as necessary. To participate in an induction programme, hand over and acceptance of new assets, attend training courses in field of work and off site residential training to keep abreast of new technology, legislation and working practices. Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, and are smart in their appearance and wear the correct form of uniform/protective clothing. Ensuring that all information is collected and recorded in the event of any accident and that appropriate action is taken to prevent any similar occurrences. Plan own on-going maintenance work including problem solving of technical issues, including undertaking risk assessments. To plan, organise and prioritise own work to provide an efficient service to the Trust in accordance with set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures. Make all necessary arrangements, with user Departments, to effectively plan and deliver their work in compliance with the departments workload. Observe statutory and other relevant requirements in particular to Health & Safety and Codes of Practice applicable to Operational Services. Carry out PPM (Planned Preventative Maintenance) and Day to Day duties involving the maintenance of all types of building construction, fabric, finishes, fixtures, fittings and installations. To be responsible for tools, plant and materials which are used within the scope of the Estates Department. To keep line management abreast of matters affecting the delivery of the service and to make recommendations on improvement. Pest recognition, treatment and recording in accordance with current regulations Maintain amenity and fine turf. Carry out a full range of landscaping duties, including paving, walling etc. Installation and maintenance of irrigation systems with a knowledge of Legionella precautions Interpret and work from all instructions, drawings and specifications appropriate to their core trade without supervision, to deal with new situations as they arise and pass on knowledge to others Utilise the Works Management System for recording, updating and auditing Estates records. To undertake snow clearing, and gritting and other routine winter duties. Use of and maintenance of mechanical equipment such as ride on mowers, street sweeper, utility vehicles, tractor and trailers and 360. To liaise with the manager on staff welfare and related problems. To promote good housekeeping to ensure that the external hospital environment is kept clean and tidy ensuring timely removal of any refuse/rubbish including pressure washing and removal of blood, vomit, excreta and discarded hypodermic syringes and needles. Ensure that all equipment, machinery and materials are kept clean, properly maintained and in a good state of repair, reporting any defects immediately enabling use to maximum efficiency. Participate in appropriate on-call/shift rotas, subject to appropriate negotiations, and be prepared to work such hours that may be required in an emergency. Carry out routine and/or planned gardening duties including weed control, propagation and the maintenance of annuals, perennials, shrubs and hedges as necessary Following training undertake work for maintenance of trees including tree surgery and trimming by rope access. Maintain external and roof surface water drain gullies. Other criteria e.g. practical skills Have a thorough knowledge, across a wide range of horticultural procedures, underpinned by relevant practical experience. Job description Job responsibilities To ensure the Trusts site grounds and gardens are maintained to a high standard To work to the appropriate level of their core skills, as a member of the Estates External Building & Environment Team, to maximise efficiency in the delivery of a safe and high quality Horticultural, Arboreal & Environmental service to the Trust. To continue to develop elements of other skills, reaching levels of flexibility and competence to enable them to apply abilities where required. Responsible for the inspection and day to day maintenance of plant and equipment they and others may use. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Essential Qualifications Formal Qualifications (CSE/GCSE) NVQ or equivalent to minimum level 2 in Horticulture/Arboriculture City & Guilds P.A Licence In Categories 1, 2 & 6 (Hand held & vehicle mounted units) City & Guilds Chainsaw Licence In Categories 30 & 31 (Fell & process small Trees) City & Guilds Chainsaw Licence In Category 38 (Access a Tree using rope & harness & Aerial rescue) City & Guilds Chainsaw Licence In Category 39 (Aerial cutting using free fall Techniques) City & Guilds certification for use of Tractors, Tractor loader & Ride-on Mowers Current British Full Driving Licence Essential Experience and Skills Completion of recognised registered apprenticeship Significant (post apprenticeship) relevant experience having demonstrated high versatility and flexibility Knowledge of Health Technical Memorandum 04 Legionella Knowledge of Legal Responsibilities with Application of Pesticides Within the Environment and the Personal Ownership of Acts &/or Omissions Where Personal Failure to Adhere Applies. Knowledge of Legal Responsibilities to Protect All Fauna & Flora Covered by, but not limited to, The Wildlife And Countryside Act 1982 and the Personal Ownership of Acts &/or Omissions Where Personal Failure to Adhere Applies. Knowledge of Legal Responsibilities to Protect all Trees Covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and/or those within Conservation Areas, to Carry Out Only That Work as Specified Within Any Planning Consent and the Personal Ownership of Acts &/or Omissions Where Personal Failure to Adhere Applies. Knowledge of Health & Safety, Moving & Handling, COSHH Hand held Power tool certification for but not limited to, hedge trimmers and bush cutters/trimmers Use of building & ground maintenance power & hand tools, machinery & equipment including strimmers, rotavators etc. Ability to complete legal records as required including but not limited to, pesticide application, vibration exposure, noise exposure & vehicle use Ability to communicate both verbally & written Ability to use electronic work management systems for but not limited to, the receiving of work orders, the signing off of completed work & the sourcing of relevant required data. Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team Ability to carry out strenuous physical tasks and work in adverse, occasionally severe, weather conditions Desirable Experience and Skills Experience of Working in an Acute Hospital Environment Shows enthusiasm in regard to personal development Dedicated to support the development of a high quality service Limited knowledge of the following Plant watering systems Diesel & Petrol engine service Vehicle Electrical Systems Vehicle Lighting Maintenance Hydraulics Block Paving Fence & post erection Concreting Roof Drainage Systems Road Drainage Systems CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS Maintain effective communication with colleagues in all working areas via appropriate technology Display a working knowledge and understanding of service users needs and requirements Undertake any training required to enhance the delivery of the service A genuine interest in working in amenity grounds and estate maintenance Good communication skills It is normal to work independently and without supervision, operational duties are managed by a Team Leader Adaptable to change To ensure that the uniform and protective personal equipment supplied by the Trust is worn correctly and is regularly laundered To maintain high standards of personal hygiene and appearance at all times whilst on duty To ensure that the Trust supplied I.D. badge is worn at all times Carry Trust communication devices to facilitate immediate response to urgent requests and emergency breakdowns CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING To be responsible for working with colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. Ensure that all tasks are carried out in compliance with relevant statutory legislation and local policies and codes of practice including Health and Safety, Asbestos, COSHH and in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system. The post holder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development and training and organise and undertake all mandatory training required for the role particularly attending refresher training on an annual basis. To undertake on or off site training when necessary and learn new techniques where appropriate. To plan, organise and prioritise their own work to provide an efficient service to all wards and departments in accordance with set Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures. To complete all relevant daily documentation in compliance with relevant statutory legislation and local codes of practice and quality control procedures. To have an understanding and be aware of the impact and risks of maintenance delivery in an acute hospital environment. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Ensuring the timely and correct performance of routine and periodic duties. Undertake all monitoring procedures for hand arm vibration in accordance with the Health & Safety executive requirements including completion of exposure logs. Undertake all monitoring (including health monitoring) for noise exposure in accordance with the Health & Safety Executive requirements Ensure that all safety procedures are observed in the use of plant, equipment, materials and working procedures to ensure safe working environment is retained at all times in accordance with the Health & Safety Regulations. Learn new techniques and undergo training as necessary. To participate in an induction programme, hand over and acceptance of new assets, attend training courses in field of work and off site residential training to keep abreast of new technology, legislation and working practices. Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, and are smart in their appearance and wear the correct form of uniform/protective clothing. Ensuring that all information is collected and recorded in the event of any accident and that appropriate action is taken to prevent any similar occurrences. Plan own on-going maintenance work including problem solving of technical issues, including undertaking risk assessments. To plan, organise and prioritise own work to provide an efficient service to the Trust in accordance with set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures. Make all necessary arrangements, with user Departments, to effectively plan and deliver their work in compliance with the departments workload. Observe statutory and other relevant requirements in particular to Health & Safety and Codes of Practice applicable to Operational Services. Carry out PPM (Planned Preventative Maintenance) and Day to Day duties involving the maintenance of all types of building construction, fabric, finishes, fixtures, fittings and installations. To be responsible for tools, plant and materials which are used within the scope of the Estates Department. To keep line management abreast of matters affecting the delivery of the service and to make recommendations on improvement. Pest recognition, treatment and recording in accordance with current regulations Maintain amenity and fine turf. Carry out a full range of landscaping duties, including paving, walling etc. Installation and maintenance of irrigation systems with a knowledge of Legionella precautions Interpret and work from all instructions, drawings and specifications appropriate to their core trade without supervision, to deal with new situations as they arise and pass on knowledge to others Utilise the Works Management System for recording, updating and auditing Estates records. To undertake snow clearing, and gritting and other routine winter duties. Use of and maintenance of mechanical equipment such as ride on mowers, street sweeper, utility vehicles, tractor and trailers and 360. To liaise with the manager on staff welfare and related problems. To promote good housekeeping to ensure that the external hospital environment is kept clean and tidy ensuring timely removal of any refuse/rubbish including pressure washing and removal of blood, vomit, excreta and discarded hypodermic syringes and needles. Ensure that all equipment, machinery and materials are kept clean, properly maintained and in a good state of repair, reporting any defects immediately enabling use to maximum efficiency. Participate in appropriate on-call/shift rotas, subject to appropriate negotiations, and be prepared to work such hours that may be required in an emergency. Carry out routine and/or planned gardening duties including weed control, propagation and the maintenance of annuals, perennials, shrubs and hedges as necessary Following training undertake work for maintenance of trees including tree surgery and trimming by rope access. Maintain external and roof surface water drain gullies. Other criteria e.g. practical skills Have a thorough knowledge, across a wide range of horticultural procedures, underpinned by relevant practical experience. Person Specification Experience Essential Completion of recognised registered apprenticeship Significant (post apprenticeship) relevant experience having demonstrated high versatility and flexibility Desirable Working in an Acute Hospital Environment Shows enthusiasm in regard to personal development Knowledge and experience with block paving, fence and post erection, concreting, roof drainage systems, road drainage systems. Qualifications Essential Current British Driving License NVQ or equivalent to minimum level 2 in Horticulture/Arboriculture City & Guilds P.A Licence In Categories 1, 2 & 6 (Hand held & vehicle mounted units) Desirable City & Guilds Chainsaw Licence In Categories 30 & 31 (Fell & process small Trees) or prepared to work towards City & Guilds certification for use of Tractors, Tractor loader & Ride-on Mowers City & Guilds Chainsaw Licence In Category 38 (Access a Tree using rope & harness & Aerial rescue) or prepared to work towards Skills & Behaviours Essential Use of building & grounds maintenance power & hand tools, machinery & equipment including strimmers, rotavators etc. Ability to complete legal records as required including but not limited to, pesticide application, vibration exposure, noise exposure & vehicle use Able to carry out strenuous physical tasks and work in adverse, occasionally severe, weather conditions Desirable Ability to use electronic work management systems for but not limited to, the receiving of work orders, the signing off of completed work & the sourcing of relevant required data. Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team Additional Requirements Essential Have a thorough knowledge, across a wide range of horticultural procedures, underpinned by relevant practical experience To plan, organise and prioritise their own work to provide an efficient service to all wards and departments and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures. To complete all relevant daily documentation in compliance with relevant statutory legislation and local codes of practice and quality control procedures. Person Specification Experience Essential Completion of recognised registered apprenticeship Significant (post apprenticeship) relevant experience having demonstrated high versatility and flexibility Desirable Working in an Acute Hospital Environment Shows enthusiasm in regard to personal development Knowledge and experience with block paving, fence and post erection, concreting, roof drainage systems, road drainage systems. Qualifications Essential Current British Driving License NVQ or equivalent to minimum level 2 in Horticulture/Arboriculture City & Guilds P.A Licence In Categories 1, 2 & 6 (Hand held & vehicle mounted units) Desirable City & Guilds Chainsaw Licence In Categories 30 & 31 (Fell & process small Trees) or prepared to work towards City & Guilds certification for use of Tractors, Tractor loader & Ride-on Mowers City & Guilds Chainsaw Licence In Category 38 (Access a Tree using rope & harness & Aerial rescue) or prepared to work towards Skills & Behaviours Essential Use of building & grounds maintenance power & hand tools, machinery & equipment including strimmers, rotavators etc. Ability to complete legal records as required including but not limited to, pesticide application, vibration exposure, noise exposure & vehicle use Able to carry out strenuous physical tasks and work in adverse, occasionally severe, weather conditions Desirable Ability to use electronic work management systems for but not limited to, the receiving of work orders, the signing off of completed work & the sourcing of relevant required data. Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team Additional Requirements Essential Have a thorough knowledge, across a wide range of horticultural procedures, underpinned by relevant practical experience To plan, organise and prioritise their own work to provide an efficient service to all wards and departments and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures. To complete all relevant daily documentation in compliance with relevant statutory legislation and local codes of practice and quality control procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Leeds Teaching Hospitals Address St. James's University Hospital Beckett Street Leeds LS9 7TF Employer's website https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)