Grounds Operative Jobs in UK 2026 | Quick Hiring Opportunities

Do you love working outdoors? A rewarding grounds job is waiting in Bristol. The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is hiring a Grounds Operative. Moreover, the university may sponsor eligible candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route. Therefore, international applicants should read on.

About the Role

The Grounds Operative joins the Grounds Team at the Frenchay campus. This is a practical, hands-on position. You will keep outdoor spaces safe, neat, and welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. The post is full-time, with 37 hours per week. It runs on a fixed-term basis for two years. Additionally, part-time applicants can apply on a job share basis.

The university sets salary offers according to your skills and experience. Interviews are expected at Frenchay campus in the week starting 16 November, but the university will confirm this.

About the Hiring Firm

UWE Bristol is one of the largest higher education providers in South West England. It serves about 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from across the globe. Its grounds work has earned a DEFRA award for pollinator support. It also received a Highly Commended mark at the UK & Ireland Green Gown Awards.

Furthermore, the university offers generous annual leave, a career average pension, retail savings, an on-site nursery, and training. It also welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, and it makes every appointment on individual merit.

Job Duties

• Maintain lawns, planting areas, trees, hedges, and green spaces across 150 acres of campus.
• Mow, strim, prune, and plant as needed.
• Operate horticultural and grounds machinery safely.
• Support sustainability and biodiversity projects.
• Cover open days, Welcome Weekend, and extreme weather events. The university pays this work as overtime.

Job Requirements

• A full, current driving licence.
• RHS Level 2 in Horticulture, an equivalent qualification, or significant hands-on experience.
• Experience with ride-on mowers, tractors, brushcutters, hedge trimmers, and blowers.
• Strong plant knowledge and understanding of grounds care.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Good verbal communication skills.

Desirable:

• PA1 and PA6 spraying licence.
• Trailer towing licence.
• Orchard or fruit tree experience.
• Propagation, greenhouse, or polytunnel experience.
• Knowledge of edible plants, wildflower meadows, and pond management.

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Conclusion

This role offers a rare chance to shape a thriving, wildlife-friendly campus. It also offers stability, training, and a possible route to UK sponsorship. Therefore, apply as soon as possible through UWE Bristol’s application form. Show clearly how your skills match the person specification, using relevant examples.

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