Gardener jobs in Sunderland

This is a permanent, hands-on role forming a core part of the Grounds Team within Facilities and Estates. The post holder will support the delivery of a professional, year-round grounds maintenance service across City Campus and Coach Lane Campus.

The role requires an experienced and reliable individual who can work with minimal supervision, apply sound practical judgement, and contribute positively to day-to-day operations. The successful candidate will help maintain high standards across all external areas, responding to routine, seasonal, and reactive demands as required.

The role is full time, working 5 days out of 7, including weekend working on a rota basis.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Carrying out grounds maintenance tasks including grass cutting, edging, weeding, watering, planting, pruning, hedge trimming, and general upkeep of landscaped and hard areas
• Re-landscaping flower beds and garden areas and undertaking basic grounds repairs as required
• Maintaining external cleanliness through litter picking, sweeping paths, roads and hard areas, and emptying external bins
• Operating powered hand tools and equipment safely and carrying out basic maintenance checks
• Operating university vehicles as required to support service delivery
• Preparing and applying chemicals such as fertilisers and weed killers in accordance with training, manufacturer instructions, and safety guidelines
• Undertaking winter maintenance duties including snow clearance and gritting to ensure safe access across sites
• Working in accordance with health and safety requirements, risk assessments, and safe systems of work
• Carrying out additional duties appropriate to the role in response to operational needs

Further information is available in the role description.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Demonstrable experience in grounds maintenance or horticultural services, preferably in a similar environment
• Ability to work independently and manage day-to-day workload effectively
• Practical knowledge of grass, plants, and landscaped areas
• Confidence using grounds maintenance equipment, powered tools, and vehicles safely
• PA1/PA6 spraying certificates (or equivalent)
• Full, UK driving licence
• Physical ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and undertake manual tasks, including lifting

Desirable qualifications and experience include:

• NVQ Level 2 (or higher) in Horticulture or Landscaping
• PASMA, First Aid, or similar relevant training
• Experience working across multiple sites or in a customer-facing environment

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contactDavid Hunter, Facilities Coordinator.

To apply for this vacancy, please visit our website: https://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/#en/sites/CX_1001/jobs/preview/3829

Pay: £25,878.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person