Date: 16 Aug 2026
Location: Taunton, GB, TA1 4DY
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Company: Somerset Council
Closing date: 25 August 2026
Salary: Grade 14 ranging from £25,185 to £25,989 per annum
We have 2 positions available:
1 fixed-term contract running until 31 July 2028, offering stability and a clear timeframe
1 permanent position
This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in local communities. As a Grounds Operative, you’ll carry out hands-on outdoor work to maintain and improve public spaces across Somerset. From keeping areas clean and safe to ensuring they remain welcoming and well cared for, your work will have a visible impact on the places people use every day.
By helping to create safe, tidy and enjoyable environments, you’ll play an important role in supporting both residents and visitors, making a positive difference where it truly matters.
Don’t worry if you don’t tick every box—whether you’re just starting out or ready for a fresh challenge, what matters most is your attitude and willingness to learn. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
Role Summary
The Grounds Operative carries out day‑to‑day grounds and horticultural work across highways, housing areas, cemeteries, parks and landscaped sites. The role supports the delivery of routine and seasonal maintenance to agreed standards.
What you'll do - Key Responsibilities
Carry out grounds and horticultural work such as grass cutting, hedge trimming, planting, weeding and general upkeep
Help maintain highways, verges, housing areas, cemeteries, public spaces and landscaped sites
Clear litter, leaves, graffiti and fly‑posting to help keep areas clean and safe
Use hand tools, powered tools and ride‑on machinery as part of the job (with appropriate training)
Support winter and flood work where needed, including watercourse clearance, snow and ice clearance and sandbagging
Drive and look after company vehicles and trailers (up to 3.5t), carrying out daily checks and reporting faults
Work on housing and grounds contracts, following agreed service standards
Deal politely and professionally with members of the public when required
Report issues such as damage, vandalism or fly‑tipping to supervisors
Complete basic paperwork and electronic records
Carry out other reasonable duties and work flexibly, including occasional work outside normal hours
What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Essential
Competent knowledge to comply with COSHH regulations and the Health and Safety at Work Act
Understanding and knowledge of Outlook, Word and Teams, with the ability to learn new systems
Full UK driving licence
A good general standard of education, or equivalent experience
Outdoors manual working and the ability to use hand‑operated equipment appropriate for the role
Ability to evaluate environmental issues
Manual dexterity and physical coordination
Ability to manoeuvre heavy objects such as bagged materials and resources
Ability to adapt working practices to changing circumstances such as weather conditions and volume of pedestrians
Desirable
NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture
Level 2 Certificate of Competency in the safe use of ride‑on lawnmowers
Routine Playground Inspection qualification
Chapter 8 Signing, Lighting and Guarding qualification
Excavator 360 mini digger qualification
PA1 and PA6 Pesticide training
Hiab training
Additional Information
25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
A fixed-term contract running until 31 July 2028, offering stability and a clear timeframe
Full-time hours (37 per week) based at The Deane Depot, Westpark, Chelston, Wellington TA21 9AD – with occasional travel across the county
Ongoing training and development opportunities to support your growth
The chance to work in a hands-on, outdoor environment, whatever the weather
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
