Grounds Manager, GMS Band C

at  Gloucestershire Managed Services

We are looking for a Grounds Manager who will manage the grounds and gardens across Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust sites and on other healthcare related properties contracted to GMS.
Managing a small team of grounds staff and volunteers, you will use your knowledge, experience, ideas and enthusiasm to develop and enhance our green spaces and improve the biodiversity on our sites.
You will ensure the grounds are maintained so that they are safe place for all users. This includes managing grounds contractors and tree specialists, arranging for specialist surveys etc.
There is lots of potential to put your own stamp on this role and also continue the exciting design projects to establish new green spaces across the trust. A real chance to explore therapeutic horticulture and the health and wellbeing benefits to all who come onto site.
You will be based at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital but with regular travel to all locations GMS have contracts.
The proposed interview date is 14th October
Please note this job will attract GMS Terms and Conditions of Service (TCS) not Agenda for Change as stated.
Please see attached TCS for reference
You will be responsible for the management and coordination of the grounds team, allocating and monitoring their work, ensuring their training is up to date and that health and safety is maintained. You will manage the work of volunteers and grounds contractors. You will support the delivery of departmental performance targets and conduct risk assessments relating to grounds.
You will work with GMS colleagues in the planning, design and maintenance of landscaping, including paths, roads, external lighting and the impact these have on the soft landscape.
You will develop the service to provide grounds maintenance to external (healthcare related) clients.
You will develop and improve the grounds in terms of biodiversity and green space.
A full current driving licence is required as you will need to visit the other properties serviced by GMS within the area.
On 1st April 2018, Gloucestershire Managed Services (GMS) was launched as the wholly owned subsidiary for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (the Trust), delivering a managed estates and facilities service covering 17 services including catering, portering, domestics, estates maintenance and capital development.
Our vision is ‘Together, exceptional every day’, our mission ‘excellence in service delivery’ and our values are Listening, Excellence, Integrity and Inclusive.
In addition to the Trust sites, GMS also service a few healthcare related sites in Gloucester and you will develop the grounds service side of this activity.
GHNHSFT is a member of the NHS Forest.
Green Space and Biodiversity is an area of focus within our Green Plan. We have a network of Green Champions, an active Green Council and need you to establish and lead the Green Space and Biodiversity sub-group of the Green Council.
GMS staff have access to a wide range of benefits including NHS staff discounts, creche facilities, salary sacrifice schemes for bicycles, cars, electronics etc. and discounted travel.
Grounds Manager, 37.5 hours per week, based at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester but with regular travel to all locations GMS have contracts.
Reporting directly to the Head of Sustainability and Environment.
There are currently five staff members in the Grounds team and a few regular volunteers.

EFFORT, SKILLS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Skills - driving, use of garden tools. Good IT and digital skills including Microsoft Office, AutoCAD or equivalent systems
Physical Effort - requirement to frequently exert intense physical effort over short or long periods dependent upon task. Also moderate effort e.g. tree planting or use of lifting equipment.
Mental Effort - concentration when operating machinery or reviewing KPI data etc.
Emotional Effort - occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances.
Working Conditions - site visits and working outdoors in all weather and temperatures. Occasional exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions e.g. removal of drug use equipment from the grounds or pest control hazards such as dead birds

MAIN DUTIES, RESPONSIBILTIES AND RESULTS AREAS

Devising a work programme for grounds team
To work with Estates and Capital Planning officers concerning external spaces
Managing the direct labour (grounds) team
Carrying out risk assessments relating to grounds (including hard landscaping) and equipment
Staff training certificated competency training
Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation such as the Food and
Environmental Protection Act 1985, Health and Safety at Work Act and legislation relating to trees
Managing volunteer teams
Tree management including surveys and management of contractors

POLICY AND SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES

Actively support the GMS senior team in the development and preparation of grounds and environmental strategies e.g. biodiversity strategy.
Implement policies and procedures in area of work and propose changes to practices and procedures within the grounds maintenance service.
Develop and maintain the departments operational procedures /policies /risk assessment and safe systems of work at all times to ensure the Trust/GMS is exposed to minimum risk in relation to its estate.