Title:  Grounds Maintenance Operative

Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.

Grounds Maintenance Operative

Ipswich

£26,442 - £27,833 per year

40 hours per week – Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 16:30pm

Do you enjoy working outdoors and take pride in keeping green spaces looking their best?

We're looking for a Grounds Maintenance Operative to join our friendly team in Ipswich. If you enjoy working in the fresh air, have a practical approach to work and want to make a visible difference to local communities, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

At Sanctuary Property Services, you'll play a key role in maintaining attractive, safe and welcoming outdoor environments for our customers. Every day will be different, and you'll be part of a supportive team that takes pride in delivering high-quality services across our estates.

The role of Grounds Maintenance Operative will include:

• Maintaining communal gardens and green spaces to a high standard using basic horticultural practices
• Carrying out grounds maintenance work in line with agreed service standards
• Operating a range of landscaping and grounds maintenance equipment safely and effectively
• Recording work completed accurately and keeping customers informed of progress where required
• Responding positively to service issues and helping to resolve them quickly and professionally
• Ensuring all tools, machinery and equipment remain safe, serviceable and fit for purpose
• Carrying out spraying duties safely and in accordance with relevant regulations and guidelines
• Supporting with additional tasks including garden clearances and bulk waste removal when required

Skills and experiences:

• Literacy and numeracy equivalent to grade C GCSE English and Maths
• Pesticide Application Certificate PA1 – PA6 (or equivalent) or willing to work towards
• Recent experience of undertaking a similar role
• Some practical experience of operating machinery
• Good understanding of written and spoken English
• Good communication skills
• This role will involve driving on company business. In order to drive a company vehicle, drivers must hold a full valid UK driving licence

About us

We provide in-house repairs and maintenance for a wide range of properties, as part of a not-for-profit organisation. We foster a diverse and inclusive culture. Our customers are at the heart of all we do, and colleagues help make a real difference to people’s lives.

Our Benefits    

As part of our commitment to making Sanctuary a great place to work, where your wellbeing is of genuine importance, we have developed an attractive employment package. The package recognises your contribution, supports your physical, mental and financial health and gives you the flexibility to tailor your employee benefits by offering:

• 25 days annual leave (rising to a maximum of 30 days) plus public holidays

• A pension scheme with employer contributions from Sanctuary
• Life Assurance
• Employee Advice Service including counselling
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Voluntary health plans  
• Employee discounts
• Wellbeing support and tools
• Employee recognition scheme
• Staff Networks, with a shared interest in inclusion, and who provide invaluable support to colleagues
• £26,442 per annum (rising to £27,833 per annum after 12 months, subject to satisfactory performance)

For more information please click here

View the job profile (if the link is unavailable please visit the Sanctuary careers website)    

Closing Date: 28 October 2026

If you're unsure about any details, have questions about the role or want to discuss a need for adjustments, our fantastic talent team will be happy to help you – propertyservices.rec@sanctuary.co.uk

We reserve the right depending on application numbers to close or extend the closing dates for positions; we would therefore recommend an early application.

View more detail about what it’s like to work for our organisation, and what we offer on our Sanctuary careers pages at -  http://www.sanctuary.co.uk/join-our-team

We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent unlawful working.

Sanctuary Maintenance Contractors Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity.