Job Title : Grounds Maintenance Assistant




Department Estates and Facilities Directorate



Business and Campus Services




Grade: Grade 2




Salary range: £24,752-£25,025




Working arrangements : Permanent



Full time (35 hours)



Five days out of seven



Some requirement to work evenings and weekends, as business demands



Participation in the on-call rota for out-of-hours emergency situations, particularly in relation to the University's winter maintenance programme.



Onsite working only




Closing date : 5th October 2026




The University



At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.



Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.



At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.



We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here.




The Role and Department



The Estates and Facilities Directorate plays a vital role in supporting the University's strategic objectives by managing, maintaining and developing its diverse estate and associated services. The Directorate is responsible for the stewardship of the University's buildings, infrastructure, grounds and property assets, ensuring they are safe, sustainable, compliant and fit for purpose, while delivering an extensive programme of maintenance, capital development and estate enhancement projects.



In addition to managing the physical environment, the Directorate delivers a wide range of professional, technical and customer-facing services that support the day-to-day operation of the University. These include facilities and contract management, security, cleaning and housekeeping, postal and reception services, event support, retail operations, management information and business support. Through collaboration with colleagues across the institution, the Directorate helps create an exceptional environment for students, staff and visitors, enabling teaching, research and wider University activities to thrive.



Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.




Working at Durham



A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:



• You'll receive 27 days annual leave per year, in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year, a total of 39 days.



• The University closes between Christmas and New Year.



• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.



• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.



• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.



• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.



• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community.



• Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).



• If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships.



• We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.



Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.



What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification



To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:




Essential Criteria



1. Good spoken and written communication skills.



2. Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.



3. Basic numeracy and literacy skills.



4. Experience of working independently using own initiative, as well as in a team.



5. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.



6. Ability to follow instructions, written or spoken, accurately.



7. Ability to follow health and safety guidelines.



8. Experience of reactive, cyclical and planned grounds maintenance, projects and new landscaping schemes and winter maintenance.



9. Good attention to detail.



10. Working knowledge of plants and their uses, and of their appropriate maintenance in a diverse estate.



Desirable Criteria



1. Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.



2. Experience of working in buildings or estates services.



3. Experience of working in, or with, a higher education institution.




How to apply



We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.



We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.




Who to contact for more information



If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Jonny Briggs, jonathan.briggs@durham.ac.uk, would be happy to speak to you.



Further information about the role




Typical Role Requirements



Here are the kind of activities that you'll be asked to undertake and ways in which you'll be expected to operate.




Service Delivery



• Provide an excellent, responsive service to our students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role by carrying out your tasks using the relevant procedures (which we will provide training for).



• Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided e.g. safety shoes, being aware of any hazards and risks and reporting any incidents.



• Learn and apply strict guidelines and risk assessments to ensure safe, secure practice when working in different environments.



• Safely use a wide range of hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids, pesticides, herbicides, etc., as instructed and in accordance with appropriate safety instructions.



• Carry out some tasks that may require specialist skills and may be physically demanding.



• Use, clean and look after specialist equipment and tools, to complete seasonal grounds and garden maintenance tasks.



• Demonstrate some pre-employment familiarity with the techniques and processes used in the grounds and gardens area.



• Assist with stock control and purchasing materials, as necessary.




Teamwork



• Help and cooperate with the rest of your team.



• Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service, particularly during peak workflows.



• Help to move/transport, set-up and dismantle any equipment, tools or resources.



• Learn new skills and practices from more experienced colleagues.



• Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.




Communication/Personal



• Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.



• Respond to routine requests for information.



• Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with supervisor, team members, other staff, students and visitors, using electronic tools and applications.



• Any other reasonable duties.



Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Privacy Notice which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.



Durham University is a UKVI sponsor. Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK should note that not all roles are eligible. Further information on visa requirements and eligibility can be found on the UKVI website.



Version 07-2026