Grounds person Apprentice

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Groundsperson to join the University of Surrey, to work as part of the award-winning team responsible for the horticultural maintenance and landscaping of the University Estate.

Providing a high quality, efficient, cost effective service for the University, the post holder plays an important role in contributing towards a positive student and staff experience, through providing an attractive, safe and welcoming landscaped estate in which to work study and live.

Key Responsibilities:

This role covers a wide range of horticultural and other estate management tasks as an apprentice. After the relevant training you will be expected to operate a wide range of landscaping equipment & machinery in order to provide high-quality, cost-effective maintenance on the University of Surrey’s estate.

Other responsibilities include:

• General horticultural maintenance operations in the Grounds and associated areas throughout the University Estate including litter picking and clearing of snow or ice.
• Routine driving, operation and maintenance of horticultural and other Grounds maintenance machinery including those hired by the University, and basic tractor powered equipment, excluding larger equipment powered by tractor.
• Assisting with the preparation of soil and areas associated with the establishing of hard and soft landscaping around new buildings, including the installation or provision of new sports facilities
• Ensuring work is carried out in strict compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act, COSHH and any other relevant legislation covering safety in the workplace.

Experience of horticulture, sports grounds maintenance are an advantage, but not essential. Full training will be provided. Candidates will need to be physically fit and hold a valid UK driving licence for this role.

What’s in it for you?

We think Surrey is an amazing place to work, and we are carefully crafting a dynamic, flexible, and fun place to work and thrive.

Our campus is a beautiful, leafy environment with carefully designed gardens, vibrant green playing fields, and a picturesque lake. With the buzz of student life and superb working facilities, the University is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research in an inspiring, innovative and diverse environment.

Alongside our gorgeous campus setting, collegiate on-site atmosphere and plentiful development opportunities, we also offer:

• 35 Days Holiday (20 Days Annual Leave + 7 University Closure Days + Bank Holidays)
• Additional Day of Leave per year of service for 5 years
• 36 Hour Working week
• Highly-competitive Pension
• Relevant Training & Development
• On-site discounted Nursery/Childcare
• Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme
• Discounted Surrey Sports Park Membership

For more information or to be considered for this role, please apply via the University Website.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Closing Date: 06 Dec 2024

Area: Operate Surrey

Salary: £21,828 to £22,681