Grounds Maintenance Operative

We need your help to make a difference to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, we need great people providing support behind the scenes, and the value that your ‘support’ will bring cannot be underestimated.

You will be a member of a small team of Estates Grounds and Gardens operatives, providing a cost-effective maintenance and repair service to all to the Trust Estate.

Our service is one where your passion, drive and motivation will genuinely make a real difference to the whole Trust.

Some of your Day-to-Day Duties will include:
Supporting the lead grounds person in delivering a safe, effective and quality grounds maintenance service

Regular inspection of landscaping, footpaths and trees across Trust sites

Maintaining the sites to a high standard, ensuring they are safe for Patients, visitors and staff.

We know it can be scary to take a chance on a new role and this may feel like a big step, but for the right candidates who displays all the attributes we are looking for, there will be support available to help with your growth and development.

Be a part of a friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated team of grounds staff maintaining the landscapes of Chorley and Preston Hospitals, providing staff and visitors with a pleasant, safe and welcoming environment.

Key Benefits of working with Lancashire teaching hospitals:

• Our annual leave entitlement starts at 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years service and 33 days after 10 years service (pro rata).
• You will be eligible to join the NHS Pension.
• We will support training and development to further your career
• You will have the opportunity for additional on-call payment during the winter months.
• If you work nights, weekends and bank holidays, enhanced rates will be paid.
• You will have access to a range of expert help and support through our employee assistance programme or our in house services
• You will be able to access a range of salary sacrifice and high st/online retailer discount schemes
• All your uniform/ PPE will be provided
• Assist and support the Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative /Building Manager during your day-to-day duties
• Inspects landscaping, footpaths and trees on a weekly basis to identify defective or dangerous areas and rectify any faults or advise Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative
• Maintains upkeep of borders in the internal courtyards and enhanced garden areas around the Hospital sites
• Respond to grounds related incidents as they arise, undertake remedial action as required.
• Identify and prioritise own workload when appropriate and actively complete all documentation and job tickets using the work management system (PDAs), in a timely manner
• Undertake all grounds maintenance work including:
• Grass cutting using both ride-on and pedestrian equipment.
• Strimming, weeding & scarifying.
• Pruning & hedge cutting using handheld equipment
• Planting and maintaining borders
• Winter grounds maintenance including gritting & Snow clearing.
• Planning and construction of new and renovated areas.
• flagging, kerbing, repairs to tarmac, block paving & fences.
• Keeps the sites tidy and generally free from the accumulation of litter, leaves and debris
• Assist with operational tasks within the waste recycling complex as and when required to provide support for colleagues
• Maintain sufficient stock levels for chemicals, spares and equipment and request via the Lead grounds Maintenance operative the supply of goods with reference to manufacturers product numbers
• On an ad-hoc basis undertake site cleanliness and litter picking duties across all sites as directed
• Actively take part in the annual on-call rota and attends site at short notice for snow/frost clearance during the months when inclement weather may prevail.
• Undertake training and become competent in the use of all relevant tools and equipment and work within safety guidelines as necessary for the completion of work
• Be conversant with current legislation, guidance and manufacturers recommendations specific to grounds and gardens, equipment, machinery and chemicals
• Carry out planned preventative maintenance in accordance with Trust policies, procedures and schedules
• Correctly follow routine maintenance schedules and procedures for the grounds and gardens, vehicles and equipment.
• Safely and correctly prepare, clean, use and store equipment, tools, materials and work areas leaving them in a suitable condition for future use
• Hold a valid current driving licence and safely and legally drives the Trusts vehicle fleet (Including the towing of trailers) as and when required.
• Ensure that all maintenance and minor works comply fully with statutory and other regulations
• Become fully conversant with and follow all Trust policies and procedures including: - Fire Safety, Asbestos Regulations, Infection Control, Health & Safety at Work Act, COSHH Regulations and Manual Handling guidance, control of vibration regulations and safe systems of work
• Be prepared to work in hazardous areas, confined spaces and on contaminated equipment taking all safety measures to prevent danger, avoid injury and prevent damage to equipment in accordance with Trust policy and safe working procedures.
• Ensure that the plant, equipment and buildings within the Maintenance Department are always secure
• Liaise with colleagues to ensure adequate cover is maintained during periods of annual leave and other staff absences
• Assist and support the Lead Grounds Maintenance Operative/ Building Manager in project work, surveys, and other similar duties.