BACKGROUND

Glendale Managed Services, the ‘green services’ division of Alston Investments Ltd, has revenues of circa £60 million and operates throughout the UK. Glendale’s activities include grounds management, arboriculture, landscaping, estate management, vegetation control, woodland management, supply and relocation of plants and semi-mature trees, winter services and the management of sports facilities.

At the forefront of green service provision across the UK since 1989, Glendale offers innovative solutions for the total management and maintenance of the green

environment.

THE CONTRACT  - Milton Keynes Council

We provide landscaping services to Milton Keynes City Council maintaining the landscape assets in the borough of Milton Keynes. 

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 plants.

• Drive company vehicles/tow trailers as required.

• Assisting the Chargehand to carry out the requirements of the contract..

• In absence of the Chargehand, to collect, complete any relevant paperwork, and to return within the stated deadline.

• Aid the Chargehand 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 Chargehand 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 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 Chargehand, 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.

• Winter gritting may also be required within the role during the months of October to April.

Health and Safety

• To act in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Glendale Health and Safety Policy at all times..

• To carry out instructions from your Line Manager in accordance with Glendale’s Health and Safety Policy, Glendale’s Codes of Practice, Glendale’s Quality Management Systems and the Employee Handbook.

• To be knowledgeable of Health and safety regulations within your workplace and the activities that you are carrying out.

• Ensure you have completed the necessary induction and health and safety modules prior to commencement of any works.

• You must be responsible for the health and safety of yourself and that of others, in your working environment,

• To promote safe working practices at all times and to ensure that all equipment is safe to use.

Machine Maintenance and Security

• To ensure that you are knowledgeable of the suitability of all machinery/equipment used in accordance with the task you are doing and it is safe to use.

• To ensure the correct use of all machinery/equipment in accordance with its handbook.

• To ensure that any machinery/equipment that does not operate correctly is reported immediately to your Line Manager and a defect tag is filled out and attached.

• To ensure that any check/maintenance sheets are completed and passed to your Line Manager.

• To ensure that all machinery/equipment is secured at all times (when not in use).

**Quality and Customer Care

In accordance with our ISO9001 Accreditation and the Glendale Quality Management Systems.**

• 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.

Environmental

In accordance with our ISO14001 Accreditation.

• To ensure that you operate your duties in a way that minimises our impact upon the environment.  This will include the safe and efficient use of fuels/oils, the correct handling and disposal of waste materials.

• To ensure that any spillage of fuels or chemicals are dealt with quickly and efficiently and in accordance with the regulations.

The above lists are not exhaustive and you may be required to undertake other duties as may be reasonably required by the company.

If you are unsure of any of the above items it is your responsibility to raise them with your Line Manager.

Qualifications

• Previous knowledge of Grounds Maintenance skills and horticulture are required, further training will be provided.

• Previous experience of handheld machinery is desirable, however full training will be given.

• PA1 & PA6 

• Clean UK driving licence

• Chainsaw NPTC certification preferred

The Grounds Maintenance Operative must hold a full, clean UK driving licence

Personal

Among the personal characteristics sought:

• Reliable and conscientious

• A can do attitude

• A willingness to learn

• Ability to work on one's own initiative

• Previous experience of grounds maintenance work, horticultural tasks.

THE CONDITIONS

TITLE: Grounds Maintenance Operative

REPORTING TO: Chargehand/Team Leader

LOCATION: Milton Keynes

GRADE: Operative

REMUNERATION

PENSION

HOLIDAYS

28 days paid leave including 8 statutory bank holidays

30 days paid leave including 8 statutory bank holidays after 5 years service

NOTICE PERIOD: 4 Weeks

Benefits 

• Employee health cash plan

• Employee discount portal - discounts on travel booking, high street vouchers, gift cards, cinema tickets, days out, leisure  activities and your day to day spending

• Cycle to work scheme; Company sick pay; 

• Career progression, Training and development