Operative - Arboriculture Grounds Person

Job Title: Operative (Arboriculture Grounds Person) 
Location of work: Earlswood Depot
Salary: £23,685 
Basis: Permanent – Full Time 
Hours: Annualised Hours (40hrs summer, 36 weeks / 27hrs winter, 16 weeks)

About the Role
Are you looking for a hands-on outdoor role where you can make a visible difference to your local community? 

The Greenspaces Team are seeking a motivated Groundsman to support our professional in-house Arboriculture Team in maintaining and enhancing the borough’s trees and greenspaces. 

Working alongside experienced arborists, you’ll assist with tree works, site safety, vegetation management and emergency storm response. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to start or develop a career in arboriculture. 

About the Person 

•    Enjoys working outdoors in all seasons 
•    Is physically fit and safety-conscious 
•    Works well as part of a team 
•    Holds a full UK driving licence

Arboriculture or grounds maintenance experience is desirable, and relevant qualifications are an advantage — but we are committed to training the right candidate.

Staff Benefits
In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm, we will offer support in continuing your personal and career development, in addition to providing a wide range of employment linked benefits. 

We provide you with competitive annual leave, and contribute 15% towards the LGPS pension scheme. You will also have access to a range of discounts including local and high street stores, and salary sacrifice schemes including a cycle lease scheme, and ‘Better’ leisure centre membership.

Additional Information
For an informal discussion about the role, please call Russell Potts Greenspaces Operations Team Leader on 07974325147.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, supporting the guaranteed interview scheme for disabled and ex-armed forces candidates, who meet the essential criteria for the role.

Closing date: 8th April 2026 at 23:59
Interview date: 16-17th April 2026 

Values and Behaviours
Our great working environment and the values and behaviours of every individual and team in the Council, help to evolve the culture of our organisation to become more commercial, innovative and embracing of change. Successful applicants to our career opportunities will be able to demonstrate they share the values and behaviours we seek in our organisation.

Local Government Reorganisation 
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council is part of the government’s plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) scheduled to take place in April 2027. This means the current two-tier system, where services are split between Surrey County Council and district and borough councils like Reigate, will be replaced with two unitary councils made up of East and West Surrey, which will handle all local services. Reigate and Banstead Borough Council will form part of the new East Surrey unitary authority.  

Although this may lead to some uncertainty for anyone considering a role with us, this process will take some time and during that time we still need to provide services. When local government is reorganised, most staff will transfer to the new council(s) which may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety as part of a larger organisation.