Grounds and Maintenance Operative

Position: Grounds and Maintenance Operative at Discovery Park
Location: Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent
Role: Permanent

The closing date for applications of this role is Sunday 21^st September 2025. All applications will be reviewed, shortlisted, and successful applicants will be contacted for interview week commencing 22^nd September 2025.

Discovery Park is a thriving life science community, a hub for visionary entrepreneurs and leaders, and the ideal environment for businesses to start, scale, and succeed. Our motto, “Space to discover, freedom to grow,” encapsulates the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines our unique ecosystem.

Discovery Park Management Ltd plays a pivotal role in nurturing this vibrant community. We are the backbone that supports all aspects of the park, from driving the parks growth or maintaining its buildings and grounds to its roads and infrastructure. Our team of specialists possesses the expertise to create and adapt almost any of our structures, ensuring that our tenants have the facilities they need to thrive.

In addition to facility support, we also provide essential utilities to all the buildings within the park. Whether it’s power, steam, gas, demineralised water, or waste management through our Waste Water Treatment Facility, we have everything covered. Our commitment to service extends beyond utilities, as we offer valuable amenities such as front-of-house services, security, cleaning and conferencing facilities, with welcoming reception teams. Supporting all of which are our vital back-office support functions.

At the heart of Discovery Park Management Ltd are our core values. These values guide every aspect of our operations, from how we engage with our customers, stakeholders, and each other to the business we aspire to be.

Our values foster a culture centred on quality and continuous improvement. We are dedicated to Inspirational Leadership and being People Focused, principles that enable us to achieve Operational Excellence and create a Community Spirit.

We are deeply committed to continuous improvement and driving efficiencies in how we operate. We recognise that innovation and optimisation are fundamental to our success in meeting the evolving needs of our stakeholders and achieving our strategic objectives.

Our diverse workforce takes on the responsibility of delivering our plans and overseeing day-to-day operations. We recognise the importance of ensuring that our people are not only engaged and supported but also provided with opportunities for development and safe deployment within the business. This commitment allows us to realise the park’s vision effectively and sustainably.

Main Purposes of the Job

Playing a pivotal role in maintaining our 220-acre Science & Technology Park, the main purpose of our Grounds and Maintenance Operative is to maintain high standards of aesthetics in landscaping, gardening, and building upkeep ensuring an outstandingly well-kept, safe, and visually appealing environment.

This will incorporate all internal and external fabrications and the grounds surrounding the facilities themselves ensuring the environment is kept to an exceptional standard for our tenants and vibrant community. In addition to these duties, there will be a requirement to work within the site Logistics department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

In this role, your duties will be diverse and determined by schedules set by the Grounds and Maintenance Supervisor. You will need to be flexible and work in different areas of the business as needed. Your essential responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Window Cleaning: Perform scheduled window cleaning and building external facia maintenance.
Mowing and Lawn Maintenance: Regularly cutting the grass and ensuring lawns are well-kept.
Hedge Maintenance: Trimming and shaping hedges to maintain their appearance and health.
Weed Spraying: Applying herbicides to control weeds at both ground and roof levels.
Roof Lines and Gutter Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining roof lines and gutters to ensure proper drainage and prevent blockages.
Painting: Carrying out painting tasks to maintain the aesthetic and condition of the property.
General Maintenance: Performing various other maintenance tasks as required to keep buildings in good condition.
Logistics: Provide support to the Logistics team involving receiving, receipt and delivery of internal packages.

Flexibility and the ability to manage a variety of tasks efficiently will be crucial for success in this role. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. This includes being self-motivated and capable of managing your own tasks and deadlines, while also being able to collaborate with colleagues, contribute to team goals, and communicate effectively within the group. Balancing these skills will enable you to adapt to various work environments and responsibilities, ultimately leading to successful outcomes.

The Grounds and Maintenance Operative’s core working hours are as follows:

07:00 To 16:00 Monday to Friday (Logistics cover will require 08:00 To 17:00)

Accumulative 1-hour unpaid breaks broken down as agreed with management based on a full working day.

Average of 40hrs per week – work annualised.

Note: Management reserves the right to vary working hours to extend available working hours across seasonal changes to maintain safety across the site during the winter months and across the seasons.

As required by the Business and/or directed by Management.

About Your Skills & Experience

Essential

Groundskeeping: Proven proficiency in landscaping, gardening, and maintenance of outdoor areas. Able to work with management to create maintenance schedules.

Equipment Operation: Ability to operate and maintain maintenance equipment like lawn mowers, tractors, and power tools.

Building fabrication repairs: Skills in basic carpentry, painting, and general repairs.

Documentation: Keeping detailed records of completed works, maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections.

Strength and Endurance: Have the ability to perform demanding tasks, including lifting heavy objects and standing for long periods.

Troubleshooting and adaptability: Ability to diagnose issues and determine effective solutions. Capacity to handle unexpected problems and adjust plans as needed.

Prioritisation: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise work effectively.

Knowledge of Safety Protocols: Experience and understanding of adhering to safety regulations, procedures, and best practice.

Collaboration: Working well with other maintenance staff, contractors, and management.

Flexibility: Willingness to assist others and take on varied tasks as needed. Must be able to work overtime when seasonal conditions demand.

Responsiveness: Ability to address maintenance requests and complaints promptly and effectively.

Attention to Detail: Ability and passion for maintaining high standards of aesthetics in landscaping, gardening, and building upkeep.

Computer Skills: Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook

Driving: Full, clean driving licence.

Desirable

Logistics: Knowledge/experience of receipt and delivery of goods and general Logistics operations.

Versatility in Task Management: Handling a wide range of tasks, from routine maintenance to special projects.

Safety: Creating and Implementing safety procedures for all required tasks.

Training / Certification: Formal training / ticket for tractor / forklift truck / MEWP / mower / spraying and chain saw.

Remuneration and Benefits

Renumeration

£27,295.00 per annum

25 days annual holiday plus Bank Holidays

The Job Description is not intended to be all inclusive. The job holder may be required to perform other related duties to meet the on-going needs of the Company.