Grounds Maintenance Operative

Grounds Maintenance Operative
Location: Merton, SM4 4AZ
Contract type: Full time, Temp-Perm
Pay rate: £14.80 per hour
Working hours: 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Job Overview

We are seeking a motivated and reliable Grounds Maintenance Operative to undertake a combination of horticultural and sports turf maintenance duties across the London Borough of Merton. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining high-quality sports facilities and public open spaces to the required standards.
The ideal candidate will have experience in fine turf management, sports pitch maintenance, and general horticultural operations, with a strong commitment to delivering excellent customer service and maintaining safe working practices.
Key Responsibilities

Sports Turf Maintenance

• Preparation and maintenance of bowling greens to a high standard.
• Cricket square and wicket preparation, including seasonal renovation works.
• Football pitch maintenance, including mowing, marking, aeration and repairs.
• Rugby pitch maintenance and presentation.
• Operation of specialist sports turf machinery and equipment.
• Monitoring and reporting turf health, drainage issues and maintenance requirements.

Horticultural Duties

• Weeding and cultivation of planted areas.
• Pruning and maintenance of shrubs, hedges and ornamental planting.
• Seasonal bedding preparation, planting and aftercare.
• General grounds maintenance within parks, recreation grounds and open spaces.
• Litter picking and maintaining site cleanliness where required.
• Assisting with planting schemes and landscape improvement projects.

Health andamp; Safety

• Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures.
• Carry out daily vehicle and machinery checks.
• Ensure safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery.
• Report defects, hazards and incidents promptly.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, sports turf management or a related field.
• Experience working with fine turf surfaces.
• Practical knowledge of sports pitch and horticultural maintenance techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Physically fit and capable of undertaking outdoor manual work in all weather conditions.

Desirable Requirements

• PA1 and PA6 Pesticide Application Certificates.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Experience operating grounds maintenance machinery and equipment.
• Knowledge of current sports turf and horticultural best practices.
• Local knowledge of the London Borough of Merton.
• Residence within or close to the Borough would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and punctual.
• Positive and proactive attitude.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Flexible approach to work and seasonal demands.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality standards across all sites.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work within a diverse range of parks, sports grounds and open spaces.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Supportive team environment.
• Varied and rewarding role contributing to the borough''s green spaces a