Grounds Technician

Job Description

The Role
What you’ll do
Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required
How to apply
Benefits
Employment Visa

The Role

To ensure that the campus grounds, gardens, and outdoor sports facilities are maintained to a high standard, providing a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Darren Hathaway at dnh@aber.ac.uk

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

What you’ll do

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

• At the direction of Facilities and Grounds Manager or his/her nominee undertakes a range or duties, including but not limited to, hedge-cutting, strimming, pruning, weeding, plant propagation, spraying, digging etc.
• Undertakes basic arboriculture duties, reports any findings or concerns regarding plant diseases to his or her line manager
• Assists with the construction and repair of retaining structures, fences etc. as required
• Assists with the daily maintenance of the sports grounds, marking out and preparing sports surfaces including artificial turf, using appropriate methods and machinery
• Ensures that all grass clippings, leaves etc. are removed from site and footpaths, access roads etc.
• Operates a range of tools including chainsaws, ride on mowers, power tools, tractors and associated plant in accordance with user manuals and warranties
• Carries out spraying and the application of chemicals and fertilizers in accordance with COSHH and manufacturers guides
• Assists with the erection and dismantling of sports equipment as required
• Assists with the routine repair and maintenance of plant and machinery
• Irrigates lawns, plants, flower beds and trees using portable sprinkler systems, hoses or watering cans.
• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
• Any other duties reasonably requested.
• To be a flexible member of the team, supporting colleagues at peak times of workload and pressure including attendance at university events e.g. open days, graduation which may include weekend work. 
• Promote equality of opportunity, and to support and uphold the University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work. 
• To support the university strategy and underlining plans, engage in continuous personal and professional development in line with the demands of the role, including undertaking relevant training and development activities to develop yourself and support the development of others.
• Fulfil health and safety responsibilities appropriate to the role, while actively promoting the personal health, safety, and wellbeing of staff and students as a member of the Aberystwyth community. Additionally, support the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability through responsible practices and engagement.  

The above does not represent an exhaustive list of duties associated with this role. 

The position is physically demanding therefore it is essential that the successful applicant has an appropriate level of health and fitness. Appointment to this position may be subject to a satisfactory fitness assessment.

Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

Essential

1. Valid UK Driving License
2. Previous experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, or landscaping
3. Knowledge of plant care, turf management and seasonal gardening.
4. Experience with sports field maintenance
5. Understanding of health and safety regulations
6. Good interpersonal skills; able to interact respectfully with staff, students and visitors
7. Welsh Language A0 - An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.

Desirable

1. NVQ in Horticulture of Grounds Maintenance
2. PA1/PA6 (Pesticide use)
3. Chainsaw license
4. Training or certification in First Aid, COSHH
5. Welsh Language level A2 or evidence to demonstrate an on-going commitment to learn Welsh to this level. An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.

*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:

https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/

How to apply

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.

Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus. 

Please keep reading

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.