Grounds Maintenance Operative

The post holder is responsible to the Grounds Maintenance Team Leader who
is in turn responsible for the post holders health and safety and training and
development.

Undertaking the delivery of the annual grounds maintenance programme to
set timescales and budget, focusing on high customer satisfaction through
excellent service delivery.

To assist in other areas of the business on a seasonal basis, utilising a range of
various skills to both occupied and void properties, You will be responsible for:

• Carrying out the highest standard of grass cutting, strimming, hedge

cutting and tree pruning to the requested frequency and standard.


• Weed control, shrub bed maintenance and litter picking.



• Identifying minor defects within the communal areas, e.g. small potholes,

with the aim of reporting repairs to the Contact Centre.


• Carrying out inspections/repairs and rectifying defects as required,

ensuring that the work is completed to a defined quality and to relevant
technical standards, in line with trade rules and guidelines, as laid down
by general craftsmen bodies/associations.


• Signpost tenants to other teams/agencies as a source of help (e.g.

Neighbourhoods/ Shropshire Council's Environmen tal Maintenance
department).


• Use any communication equipment provided to assist the post holder to

carry out their duties e.g. mobile telephone, PDA's, hand held pc .


• Using/operating a range of tools and equipment associated with the

work being carried out, in line with training given and health and
safety/manufacturers' guidelines.


4. Main Duties

It will be the post holder 's responsibility to:


• Carry out grounds maintenance work including grass cutting, strimming,

weed spraying, cutting back shrubs and trees, (for which professional
qualifications will be required).


• Carry out inspections and resulting risk assessments to open spaces to

ensure compliance with the latest legislative requirements.


• When carrying out inspections of communal areas of blocks of flats

ensure that they comply with the recommendations raised in the
organisations fire risk assessment for that block.


• Keep accurate records of inspections/work records and actions taken., Undertake minor items of external maintenance to include fencing,

gutters, fascias, and soffits. Also minor concrete repairs to garages and
minor repairs to areas of tarmac.


• Removal of rubbish, litter and waste items (fly tipping) found on the

communal areas and void properties as directed, ensuring that they are
disposed of in line with relevant waste legislation and regulations.


• Removal of litter and debris from drains and gullies on site and ensure

that they are free from all debris.


• Remove or paint over graffiti.



• Identify potential health and safety and fire risk hazards in communal

areas and open areas such as rubbish bags, white goods, flammable
liquids/appliances, abandoned motorbikes, bicycles and liaise with
relevant Neighbourhoods team and the tenant (if applicable) to
arrange their safe removal/alternative storage.


• Clear leaves, moss, snow and ice from communal entrances.



• Respond to reports from tenants/members of the public of suspected

illegal activity and report to the Neighbourhoods team.


• Arrange for the removal of bulky refuse, via the Contact Centre, that

exceeds the capacity of STAR vehicles.


• Liaising as necessary with the Contact Centre to ensure the accurate

reporting repairs and maintenance works outside the remit of this role.


• Managing day-to-day workload and agreeing priorities to meet

performance requirements.


• Being proactive in seeking out work, offering appropriate advice and

delivering a high standard of service to tenants and residents will include
reporting back on issues to managers and assisting with other housing
management queries where appropriate.


• Working to targets, and keeping accurate records of work carried out,

or required - to include completion and daily return of all necessary
paperwork in relation to the above tasks.


• Accurately recording documentation and assisting in the preparation of

inspection reports.,
• Complying with all Health & Safety requirements (including completion

of risk assessments) when carrying out work, having regard for own
personal safety as well as that of colleagues, tenants, and other
members of the public.


• Ensuring value for money, exercising control over expenditure and

attempting to reduce waste when carrying out work.


• Ordering materials and maintaining a pre-agreed stock of repairs items

and equipment ('impress' stock) within the vehicle provided, in a timely,
accurate, and responsible manner. Also, maintaining appropriate
records relating to purchases, expenses, and stock. The post holder is
responsible for the stock of their vans, taking into consideration the
purchase of stock that is economical and fit for purpose.


• Take responsibility for keeping the allocated vehicle, plant and

machinery in working order, is kept clean and tidy, and carrying out
appropriate routine safety checks to ensure its proper maintenance
(ensuring records are kept. Ensuring that more serious issues of
vehicle/equipment maintenance and repair are reported in line with
procedures.


• Working within a team, supporting colleagues and attending team

meetings, recording and sharing information appropriately and
confidentially. Attending training courses, & participating in work
reviews.


• Following the implementation of mobile working the post holder will be

trained in the use of mobile working IT. It will be the responsibility of the
post holder to remain "up to date" with the use of the Mobile Working
software although refresher training will be offered when changes to its
software occur. The post holders works vehicle will have the ability to
have a tracking device (GPS) installed.

A key facet of the role will be to ensure that your individual, team and service
targets are met, whilst ensuring that your team delivers successfully in
supporting the wider corporate and service objectives. You will also be
expected to ensure the health and safety, as well as the wellbeing of
employees whilst promoting equality and diversity.

These duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The post holder will be
expected to become involved in a range of work to enable the service to
respond effectively to the changing requirements of the organisation and
changes affecting the workforce.,
• Adopt a customer focused approach when delivering their service,

ensuring engagement with service users and maintenance of an
appropriate personal profile.


• Act as an advocate for their service and work collaboratively with

colleagues and partners and other stakeholders to meet the needs of
the people they serve.


• Meet individual, service and personal development targets agreed

through the Performance Management Process, learn from experience
and are committed to continuous improvement individually and as an
employee of STAR Housing.


• Work with colleagues in a team or alone to meet organisational key

performance indicators, support a culture of team working and ensure
the team functions successfully in support of STAR Housing corporate and
service objectives.


• Meet the behaviours and competencies expected by STAR Housing in

the way in which they achieve their objectives and carry out their work.

These duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The post holder will be
expected to become involved in a range of work to enable the service to
respond effectively to the changing requirements of STAR Housing and
changes affecting the workforce.

5. Conditions of Service

The conditions of service are those laid down by STAR Housing, which have
been adopted and amended as necessary from those laid down by the
National Joint Council for Local Government Services.

a) The post is based at in either Oswestry or Bridgnorth (NB even if mobile /
flexibly working a work base must be designated).

Shropshire Towns & Rural (STAR) Housing is an Arms-Length Organisation set
up to manage the Housing Stock on behalf of Shropshire Council. We
manage around 4,100 homes in the Oswestry and Bridgnorth areas and
provide a range of traditional housing services including repairs, tenancy
management and lettings. We also provide housing support services to
vulnerable tenants.

Our vision:

'Listening to our residents, together we create quality
homes and vibrant communities.'

We carry out our work guided by the values of STAR Housing and in compliance
with our Code of Conduct, company policy and the law, statutory guidelines
and regulations.


• The post is permanent, based on annualised hours, working patterns will

be agreed locally to meet seasonal work demands.


• The post is subject to the organisations Flexible Working Hours Scheme.




January 2020




c) This post carries eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Information about this will be sent with any formal offer of appointment.

d) Annual leave entitlement is 27 days per year, rising to 32 days after 5
years' service , 2 of which need to be held for Christmas Closure's. In
addition, staff receive statutory bank holidays and a concessionary day at
Christmas is given at the Company's discretion.

e) The appointment is subject to one months' notice in writing on either side.

f) The appointment is subject to six months' satisfactory probationary service
during which time the notice period will be one week on either side.

g) Smoking is not allowed in STAR Housing buildings, vehicles or in any STAR
Housing places of work.

h) The post may require attendance at meetings and events outside normal
working hours, therefore a flexible working pattern within the hours for the
post will be necessary.

i) May occasionally be subjected to abusive and unpleasant behaviour.

j) Occasional lone working.


6. Pre-employment Requirements

The appointment is subject to receipt of the following pre-employment checks;

1. Acceptable employment references,
2. Medical report,
3. Evidence of the qualifications required for the post/listed on your
application form.