Overview
Thurmaston Parish Council are looking for an experienced, highly motivated Groundsman to maintain the grounds and properties of Thurmaston Parish Council, including cemetery, play areas, parks and buildings. This will include litter picking of all areas owned by the Parish Council, emptying litter bins and open/lock up gates/areas under the responsibility of the Council. Referring potential problems to the Estates Manager and supporting work in the cemetery for burials and cremations.The ideal candidate will have a passion for horticulture and landscape maintenance, along with practical experience in using various tools and machinery. The Groundsman will play a vital part in ensuring the aesthetic appeal and safety of outdoor spaces through routine upkeep and specialised tasks.
Responsibilities
- · General Grounds Maintenance: Undertake all areas of maintenance on land owned/maintained by the parish council including the cemetery, closed churchyard, play areas, parks and buildings. Maintain boundary features, ensuring that hedges are trimmed as required and fences and points of access are kept in a good state of repair. Open grass areas/graves to be mowed in the cemetery. Shrubs should be pruned when required and self-setting shrubs and trees removed when necessary. Ensure that recommendations from the Tree Inspection are carried out in a timely fashion. Ensure general upkeep of public areas including litter picking, gritting of paths in bad weather conditions and carry out snow warden duties when necessary, weed control using weed killers and/or mechanical means, path maintenance. Flower beds and planters to be kept tidy and planted with seasonal bedding plants/shrubs as required whilst working to a given budget for such areas.
- Public Facilities/Play Areas: Keep all public facilities in good repair e.g. Artificial Turf Pitch to be brushed after every 10hrs of use. Children’s play equipment and furniture: benches, youth shelter, picnic tables etc to be kept in good repair. Ensuring the opening and closing of the park(s) and attend other areas owned by the council as required.
- Cemetery: Record all burials and complete relevant paperwork concerning the burial, in consultation with the Sexton and Burial Clerk. Mark plots for digging. Re-seed and level recent burial plots and keep the cemetery and Chapel in a clean and orderly condition.
- Maintenance of Buildings: Undertake minor repairs and maintenance tasks (excluding electrical installation) as required by the Estates Manager/Parish Council. Tasks may include re-glazing; drain cleaning; gutter clearing; paintwork etc at Elizabeth Park Centre, the Memorial Hall and Jubilee Sports Pavillion. Liaise with Centre Manager regarding general maintenance work required at Elizabeth Park Centre and the Memorial Hall.
- Training: Undertake training courses as necessary.
- Additional Duties: Be prepared to undertake any reasonable minor intermittent duties as directed by the Estates Manager/Parish Manager/Council. This includes standby duties for opening and closing the park and the opening and closing of any council owned properties for events and meetings.
- Members of the Public and other staff: Abide by the policies and procedures of the Parish Council and always be respectful to your colleagues and members of the public and visitors.
Please be aware this is a physically active, operational role that requires working outdoors in all weather conditions, navigating uneven terrain and operating machinery. Whilst Thurmaston Parish Council is committed to making reasonable adjustments where possible, any adjustment must be compatible with the essential requirements and safety standards of the post.
Qualifications & Training
· Relevant vocational qualification or equivalent experience in horticulture, grounds maintenance, landscaping or a related field.
· Good Knowledge of Health & Safety
· Evidence of a commitment to maintaining and developing skills in grounds maintenance including a willingness to attend refresher training for machinery
· Full UK Driving licence
Work Experience
· Experience in grounds maintenance, parks maintenance, horticulture or outdoor facilities maintenance
· Experience ensuring safe working practices and compliance with health and safety legislation
Knowledge & Skills
· Strong knowledge of horticulture, landscaping and environmental maintenance.
· Good understanding of Health & Safety, risk assessments, COSHH, manual handling and safe operational procedures.
· Ability to inspect, maintain and operate grounds machinery
· Strong communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with councillors, colleagues, contractors and the public
Personal Qualities
· Personal integrity and trustworthiness
· Self-motivated
· Good team worker
· Able to work outside of normal office hours
· A degree of physical fitness
Desirable
Experience of working within a local council or public sector environment
Experience of working within a cemetery
How to Apply
Send your full CV with a covering letter describing how you meet the essential criteria and your suitability for the post to [email protected]
Application Deadline: 01 July 2026
Interviews: w/c 6th July 2026
Informal queries can be made to the Parish Manager on 0116 2696347 or email [email protected]
Thurmaston Parish Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.
Pay: £26,060.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
