Job summary Please note that this role is advertised on behalf of Atlas BFW Management Ltd (Atlas), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and as such, successful applicant(s) will be on Atlas Terms and Conditions. For further information about Atlas, please visit: www.bfwml.co.uk The post holder will be responsible for the upkeep and continual improvement works within the Grounds Maintenance team. The Grounds Maintenance Operative will provide an effective, efficient, and comprehensive Grounds maintenance service delivered to a high standard across the full portfolio of buildings and properties managed by Atlas and its clients. Main duties of the job The post holder will be responsible for the upkeep and continual improvement works within the Grounds Maintenance team. The Grounds Maintenance operative will provide an effective, efficient, and comprehensive Grounds maintenance service delivered to a high standard across the full portfolio of buildings and properties managed by Atlas and its clients. This involves, but is not limited to, the site supervision & maintenance of all external areas of the estate including the maintenance of green spaces and courtyards. Design, installation, and maintenance of seasonal displays including landscape projects. Application of pesticides and herbicides. Assist with winter gritting, litter picking and repair of roads, footpaths and hard standing, drains / gully's street furniture and signage, identification of pest's diseases & potential hazards. The post holder will provide management support to the Grounds maintenance supervisor and Head of Estates and will have the necessary skills to ensure the safe and continuous delivery of the Grounds maintenance service to properties situated within the Atlas Portfolio and those organisations that have contractual arrangements with Atlas. The post holder will carry out condition surveys of the estate and identify maintenance requirements prioritise and schedule works. About us The Company, which began trading in March 2017, was established as a wholly owned subsidiary company of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and provides fully managed healthcare facilities services, including medical devices management, capital and estates services and facilities management, to clients across the Fylde Coast and North West region. Over the last four years we have developed and strengthened the services we provide, with an aim to provide the best high quality cost-effective property and facilities services across the North West. Our profits are used to both help grow the business and to enhance our clients' service provision and during the recent COVID-19 pandemic we have been proud to support our clients' front line clinical services by helping to provide the best possible environment for their patients, service users, customers, staff and visitors. Atlas enjoys the opportunities to develop and grow which it is afforded as an independent company; however, as a wholly owned subsidiary of an NHS organisation, the Company also remains committed to upholding the NHS core values of ethics, honesty and integrity. In addition, we use our unique position to develop and enhance collaborative integrated working with partners across the local health economy wherever possible. Date posted 21 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £22,378 to £25,382 a year Per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 382-ATL07-25 Job locations Blackpool Victoria Hospital Whinney Heys Road Blackpool FY3 8NR Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will be based at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and will undertake their duties largely independently and is expected to be flexible in relation to working hours in order for Atlas to deliver its services efficiently. This may include for example frequent traveling between sites, working outside of normal hours or being flexible with start and finish times. Due to the nature of the role, it will be a requirement for the post holder to hold a full, current driving licence including the towing of trailers as and when required. You will possess and be able to apply significant Horticultural knowledge and have experience of working to a high standard to demonstrate a good understanding and a commitment to Health and Safety in relation to Grounds Maintenance activities. This may involve working with other trade groups and contractors to provide an effective Grounds maintenance, service, which is responsive to the clients needs and will involve problem solving and making changes as necessary to ensure the effective delivery of the service. Responsibility as Grounds Maintenance operative within the Atlas Grounds Maintenance team, ensuring that all work undertaken is compliant with relevant legislation and guidance including British Standards, European Standards and current best practice The Grounds Maintenance operative will provide an effective, efficient, and comprehensive Grounds maintenance service delivered to a high standard across the full portfolio of buildings and properties managed by Atlas and its clients and will be required to drive fleet vehicles (including trailers), use all relevant tools, power tools and the application of herbicides whilst being compliant with COSHH legislation. Maintain close working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and clients including Directors, ward managers, clinical managers, heads of departments, local authorities and others providing support and technical guidance where required or requested. Assist with development and exploit commercial opportunities to sell the service to new clients. To provide specialist knowledge and contribute to the review and feedback in support of the maintenance programme. Maintain regular contact with Grounds Maintenance Supervisor and other department managers through formal meetings and informal discussions with regards to employee matters and site/task management. Provide and receive complex information and give expert and specialist advice on areas within your remit in response to government, national and local directives as appropriate. To proactively manage and control the planned maintenance schemes including the implementation of any changes to current schedules of work, process or new process. Ensuring that any changes comply with current regulations and guidance. To work alongside contractors who undertake works on site ensuring all such work is undertaken in accordance with Health and Safety legislation, British Standards & Good Practice and conforms to specifications. Carryout research to identify potential changes to equipment or procedures in order to improve the quality of the service. To provide skilled technical support to senior managers on Grounds Maintenance matters. To undertake training as necessary to maintain current skill level and learn new techniques and skills and keep up to date with all mandatory training and any training required for changes in legislation. Be proficient with and significant use of computer hardware and familiarity with a full range of Microsoft Office applications as well as all facility and estates related specialist computerised systems. Promote and develop a culture of responsiveness, ownership and customer care within the team. Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grading of the post. Please read the attached Job Description & Person Specification, for further information. Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will be based at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and will undertake their duties largely independently and is expected to be flexible in relation to working hours in order for Atlas to deliver its services efficiently. This may include for example frequent traveling between sites, working outside of normal hours or being flexible with start and finish times. Due to the nature of the role, it will be a requirement for the post holder to hold a full, current driving licence including the towing of trailers as and when required. You will possess and be able to apply significant Horticultural knowledge and have experience of working to a high standard to demonstrate a good understanding and a commitment to Health and Safety in relation to Grounds Maintenance activities. This may involve working with other trade groups and contractors to provide an effective Grounds maintenance, service, which is responsive to the clients needs and will involve problem solving and making changes as necessary to ensure the effective delivery of the service. Responsibility as Grounds Maintenance operative within the Atlas Grounds Maintenance team, ensuring that all work undertaken is compliant with relevant legislation and guidance including British Standards, European Standards and current best practice The Grounds Maintenance operative will provide an effective, efficient, and comprehensive Grounds maintenance service delivered to a high standard across the full portfolio of buildings and properties managed by Atlas and its clients and will be required to drive fleet vehicles (including trailers), use all relevant tools, power tools and the application of herbicides whilst being compliant with COSHH legislation. Maintain close working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and clients including Directors, ward managers, clinical managers, heads of departments, local authorities and others providing support and technical guidance where required or requested. Assist with development and exploit commercial opportunities to sell the service to new clients. To provide specialist knowledge and contribute to the review and feedback in support of the maintenance programme. Maintain regular contact with Grounds Maintenance Supervisor and other department managers through formal meetings and informal discussions with regards to employee matters and site/task management. Provide and receive complex information and give expert and specialist advice on areas within your remit in response to government, national and local directives as appropriate. To proactively manage and control the planned maintenance schemes including the implementation of any changes to current schedules of work, process or new process. Ensuring that any changes comply with current regulations and guidance. To work alongside contractors who undertake works on site ensuring all such work is undertaken in accordance with Health and Safety legislation, British Standards & Good Practice and conforms to specifications. Carryout research to identify potential changes to equipment or procedures in order to improve the quality of the service. To provide skilled technical support to senior managers on Grounds Maintenance matters. To undertake training as necessary to maintain current skill level and learn new techniques and skills and keep up to date with all mandatory training and any training required for changes in legislation. Be proficient with and significant use of computer hardware and familiarity with a full range of Microsoft Office applications as well as all facility and estates related specialist computerised systems. Promote and develop a culture of responsiveness, ownership and customer care within the team. Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grading of the post. Please read the attached Job Description & Person Specification, for further information. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Full UK Driving Licence Horticultural and/or Arboricultural Qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience in a similar role. NPTC Pesticides Qualifications PA1 & PA6a Ability to engage with other trades and contractors outside of Grounds maintenance department. 4 GCSEs at Grade E/2 or above including Maths & English or a vocational qualification Level 1 plus GCSE grade E/2 or above in both Maths & English. Desirable Knowledge and experience within the wider facilities and estate's function i.e Hard Landscaping. Knowledge of current legislation and best practice affecting the area of work Trailer License Higher safety qualification i.e., NEBOSH, SMSTS, Health and safety qualification IOSH Working/ Managing safely. NPCT certificate in chainsaw operation Knowledge and Experience Essential Experience of working in a team(s) 5 years experience in grounds maintenance ideally in a NHS capacity. Experience of using relevant tools and machinery to grounds maintenance. Desirable Previous experience working within the NHS environment Assisting with the teaching of apprentices on site Skills & Abilities Essential Able to prioritise own workload Able to take direction in relation to workload Ability to ensure Health and Safety and Trust policies are adhered to Able to communicate at all levels of the organisation including Public, Staff, colleagues Possesses commitment to work hours required to complete tasks (includes night / weekends as and when required.) Is punctual, reliable, flexible and self-motivated Honest, Trustworthy, capable of ensuring work related matters remain confidential oIs innovative and able to actively progress improvements to the service and ensure a customer service culture Desirable Able to create and implement plans IT Literate Person Specification Qualifications Essential Full UK Driving Licence Horticultural and/or Arboricultural Qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience in a similar role. NPTC Pesticides Qualifications PA1 & PA6a Ability to engage with other trades and contractors outside of Grounds maintenance department. 4 GCSEs at Grade E/2 or above including Maths & English or a vocational qualification Level 1 plus GCSE grade E/2 or above in both Maths & English. Desirable Knowledge and experience within the wider facilities and estate's function i.e Hard Landscaping. Knowledge of current legislation and best practice affecting the area of work Trailer License Higher safety qualification i.e., NEBOSH, SMSTS, Health and safety qualification IOSH Working/ Managing safely. NPCT certificate in chainsaw operation Knowledge and Experience Essential Experience of working in a team(s) 5 years experience in grounds maintenance ideally in a NHS capacity. Experience of using relevant tools and machinery to grounds maintenance. Desirable Previous experience working within the NHS environment Assisting with the teaching of apprentices on site Skills & Abilities Essential Able to prioritise own workload Able to take direction in relation to workload Ability to ensure Health and Safety and Trust policies are adhered to Able to communicate at all levels of the organisation including Public, Staff, colleagues Possesses commitment to work hours required to complete tasks (includes night / weekends as and when required.) Is punctual, reliable, flexible and self-motivated Honest, Trustworthy, capable of ensuring work related matters remain confidential oIs innovative and able to actively progress improvements to the service and ensure a customer service culture Desirable Able to create and implement plans IT Literate 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Blackpool Victoria Hospital Whinney Heys Road Blackpool FY3 8NR Employer's website https://www.bfwh.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)