Overview
Grounds and Maintenance Assistant – Wiltshire
Permanent
£23,841
We are seeking a skilled, reliable, and proactive Maintenance and Grounds Officer to join our Facilities team. Reporting to the Maintenance Team Leader, you will support the day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of Clouds House, Jill Cunningham House (East Knoyle), and The Manor House (Warminster).
You will help deliver an efficient, high-quality maintenance and grounds service — ensuring that all buildings, facilities, and external areas are safe, well-presented, and maintained to a high standard.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on, versatile individual with strong practical skills, a can-do attitude, and a commitment to maintaining high standards across multiple sites.
Key Responsibilities
Maintenance and Grounds Work
- Carry out general maintenance tasks including painting, decorating, basic carpentry, and plumbing repairs.
- Maintain the grounds, including sweeping, mowing, weeding, hedge cutting, and border maintenance.
- Complete planned preventative maintenance (PPM) tasks such as meter readings, tap temperature checks, and oil tank monitoring.
- Respond promptly to maintenance requests, prioritising tasks to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Support the housekeeping team with moving furniture, high-level cleaning, and general upkeep.
Teamwork and Collaboration
- Work closely with the Maintenance Team Leader to plan, organise, and deliver maintenance schedules.
- Liaise with staff across Clouds House, Jill Cunningham House, and the Manor House to resolve maintenance issues effectively.
- Collaborate with the housekeeping and facilities teams to provide a seamless and supportive service.
- Attend and engage positively in team meetings and supervision sessions.
Health, Safety and Quality
- Ensure all work is carried out safely, in compliance with Forward Trust’s health and safety policies.
- Carry out risk assessments and follow COSHH and infection control requirements.
- Act as a Fire Marshal, assisting in drills, evacuations, and reporting incidents or near-misses.
- Check and maintain tools and equipment to ensure they remain safe and in good working order.
- Promote a clean, safe, and organised working environment.
Administration and Coordination
- Maintain accurate maintenance and inspection records in line with legislation.
- Monitor stock levels and advise the Maintenance Team Leader when replacements are needed.
- Liaise with contractors as required, ensuring minimal disruption and adherence to safety policies.
- Support audits, inspections, and reporting as required.
Service Excellence
- Uphold Forward Trust’s values and standards in all work undertaken.
- Provide a responsive, high-quality service that enhances the client and staff environment.
- Contribute to continuous improvement across the maintenance and grounds functions.
About You
Essential Experience and Skills
- Proven experience in maintenance, repairs, or groundskeeping.
- Hands-on experience in DIY, plumbing, painting, and general upkeep.
- Mechanical aptitude with problem-solving and fault diagnosis skills.
- Ability to read and understand simple technical drawings.
- Organised, methodical, and able to manage a varied workload.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with colleagues and contractors.
- Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and equality in the workplace.
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently when required.
- Understanding of health and safety, manual handling, and risk assessment principles.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience working in a charity, residential, or care environment.
- Knowledge of plants, grounds maintenance, and outdoor care.
- Basic computer literacy (e.g. for recording maintenance tasks).
- Familiarity with Forward Trust’s policies on Equality, Diversity, Safeguarding, and Confidentiality.
- Positive, collaborative team player with a flexible approach.
About Us
We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits –
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata’d for part time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
When we recruit, we welcome applications from everyone. This is inclusive of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and/or belief, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity and socio-economic background. Where operationally possible, we will consider flexible working requests and make reasonable adjustments for all roles.
To find out more about Forward’s commitment to being an inclusive employer and our current EDI strategy click here.
Employee Screening and Eligibility to Work
If successful in your application, you will be required to provide eligibility to work evidence in line with the ‘Eligibility to Work in the UK’ requirements.
