Grounds Maintenance Operative – Calico Homes, Burnley

Grounds Maintenance Operative

Location: Burnley

Salary: £25,423

Contract Type: Permanent

About Us 

At The Calico Group, our purpose is clear: to make a real difference to people’s lives. Whether supporting individuals in recovery, helping communities thrive, or enabling employees to grow, we are committed to creating opportunities that transform lives. 

We embrace diversity in all its forms and take pride in employing a workforce that reflects the rich and varied communities we serve. Your skills and experiences could make all the difference – join us to be part of something extraordinary. 

Calico Homes provides housing for people who most need it, with more than 5,000 properties across the Burnley area. Our services support customers to feel safe, secure and proud of where they live. 

About Our Team  

You will join our Clean & Green Team, which works across Calico neighbourhoods to maintain communal areas, green spaces and estates. The team takes pride in creating clean, safe, attractive and welcoming places for our customers and communities. 

The Opportunity 

We’re looking for a reliable and customer-focused Grounds Maintenance Operative to join our Clean & Green Team. You’ll help maintain and improve Calico’s neighbourhoods by caring for communal gardens, landscaped areas, pathways and open spaces. Your day will include tasks such as grass cutting, strimming, hedge trimming, pruning, weeding, planting and litter removal, alongside safely operating and maintaining grounds equipment and vehicles. You’ll also identify and report environmental concerns, engage professionally with customers and colleagues, and help ensure our neighbourhoods remain clean, safe and welcoming. 

For further information about the role, please visit the Role Profile. 

What We’re Looking For 

We believe in recruiting for potential as well as experience. Our ideal candidate will have: 

Essential: 

• A full UK driving licence.
• Experience of carrying out grass and garden maintenance tasks.
• Experience of operating and maintaining petrol-powered grounds maintenance equipment.
• A good understanding of grounds maintenance practices, horticultural techniques and safe working practices.
• The ability to work independently to required standards and as part of a team.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Experience of working with a diverse range of customers, tenant groups and members of the public.
• The ability to complete basic administration accurately and identify, report and respond appropriately to service issues.
• The ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and undertake the manual duties associated with the role.

Desirable: 

• A Level 2 qualification in Horticulture, Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance or a related discipline.
• PA1 and PA6 Pesticide Application Certificates.
• Lantra or NPTC certification for grounds maintenance machinery.
• An Emergency First Aid at Work qualification.
• Experience of general environmental maintenance or basic handyman tasks.
• Trailer towing experience and relevant licence entitlement.

If you share our values and are ready to grow through continuous learning, development, and the support of a dedicated team, we want to hear from you! 

What’s in It for You? 

At The Calico Group, we value our people and offer a supportive, inclusive culture alongside fantastic benefits: 

• Bravo Benefits – Exclusive discounts at popular high street brands including many retailers and restaurants. 

• Westfield Health – Our company funded cash plan, with access to a Doctor 24/7 – for you and your dependents.  

• Mental Health Support – Access emotional and mental well-being services through Spectrum. 

• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on commuting costs while staying active. 

• Pension Options – with employer pension contributions. 

• Life Assurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones. 

• Financial Advice – Expert guidance to help manage your finances. 

• Recognition Awards – Celebrate your achievements with our recognition programs. 

• Meaningful learning and development programmes with regular focus on your individual growth.  

• Gym Membership Discounts – Stay fit with local gym access. 

• One Calico Events – Connect and unwind at our employee social gatherings. 

• Paid Professional Fees – We’ll cover the cost of professional subscriptions so you can continue growing your career. 

And much more! We also offer enhanced holidays, sickness, maternity, and paternity options, ensuring you feel supported when you need it most. 

How to Apply 

Click Apply Now to complete your application online. Applications close on 22/11/2026

We can’t wait to welcome you to our team! 

Inclusive Hiring at Calico 

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss accessibility, please let us know at careers@calico.org.uk  

Our Commitment to Safeguarding 

The Calico Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our customers employees, and volunteers. Successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and appropriate pre-employment checks in line with our safeguarding policies. 

Don’t Leave it Too Long! 

We don’t want you to miss this opportunity, the closing date for applications is 22/11/2026