Site Maintenance Assistant

Job summary

The post holder should be self-motivated and driven individual, who has a passion for all aspects of gardening. A committed team player who can provide a high quality and dedicated service, whilst maintaining and improving the grounds and gardens of Trust properties at the acute site.

An ability to organise and plan day to day work tasks or activities with a clear schedule. Able to conduct all operations in a safe and professional manner for their own and others' safety, providing a safe and pleasant external environment for staff, patients, and visitors to enjoy.

The Site Maintenance Assistant will primarily provide maintenance to the grounds and gardens as well as the upkeep of the mowed lawns, general grassed areas, minimal maintenance borders, ornamental flowering borders, hedge and tree tidying/cutting.

They will also undertake general horticultural duties such as seasonal planting including setting of seeds and maintaining within a greenhouse environment, ready for planting. An ability to repair fixtures and fittings with some carpentry involved, including new installations and refurbishment. An ability to problem solve and establish the best solution for the problem.

The work also relates to diverse types of seasonal work including low level gutter clearing, plantroom/roof waste collection, clearing build-up of leaves from storm drains.

The post holder will demonstrate knowledge of basic hand/power tools to conduct planned and routine maintenance to garden mechanised.

Main duties of the job

*Maintain an onsite Pond, to include: the maintenance of pumps, filters, UV lights and aerators plus monitoring the general condition of water.

*Undertake grass mowing of lawns, general areas and meadows using hand and mechanised grass cutting machinery. General weeding to maintain a tidy appearance.

*Support the Estates Manager -- Projects with landscaping and external grounds projects including general circulation areas, specialist function areas (e.g., sensory gardens) and wildlife/environmental initiatives.

*Provide innovative solutions using experience and techniques to develop and maintain areas around the site.

*Maintain all grounds, removing waste, cutting back undergrowth and maintaining pathways.

*Preparation, pruning and seasonal planting of decorative borders.

*Hedge trimming and strimming to gradients and edges.

*General upkeep of horticultural areas i.e., shrub and planted flowering borders.

*Trees are to be inspected to ensure they remain firmly bedded in the ground, pruned to allow free access for pedestrians and vehicles. Report trees which are likely to cause injury or damage.

*Leaf clearance/collection using specialist machinery and hand appliances.

*Participation in local arrangements for snow clearing and gritting. Use of mechanical equipment for the clearance of snow.

*Seasonal work including low level gutter clearing, plantroom/roof waste collection, clearing build-up of leaves from storm drains.

*Full description in JD

About us

As an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development.You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts.We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds.Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.Somerset offers the countryside and the cosmopolitan -- there is truly something for everyone!