LEEDS CASTLE
JOB DESCRIPTION
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JOB TITLE: Parkland & Grounds Operative
REPORTS TO: Parkland and Grounds Manager
DEPARTMENT: Parkland and Grounds
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LOCATION Leeds Castle is a stunning, 900-year-old moated castle, set in 500 acres of Grade II listed parkland, situated in the beautiful Kent countryside. The Castle has been open to the public through the Leeds Castle Foundation since 1974 and continues her story as a glamorous retreat and popular visitor attraction.
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PURPOSE To work as part of the Parkland and Grounds team, responsible for the appearance and formal grounds, historic parkland and wider estate of arable, woodland grassland habitats.
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KEY TASKS
Ø To be a vital part of the Parkland and Grounds team, delivering a high standard of management to formal and natural areas across the Estate.
Ø To complete a range of estate maintenance tasks from fencing, hard landscaping, path maintenance, tree management, grassland and habitat management.
Ø To ensure all machinery and equipment are well maintained and health and safety records kept up to date.
Ø To oversee the day to day management of water courses and water control structures.
Ø To ensure that all company equipment, plant and vehicles are used correctly and safely.
Ø To assist the Events Team in setting up and clearing down for special events such as annual jousts and Christmas Lights.
Ø To drive all-terrain vehicles when required, following suitable training.
Ø To support the Gardening and Greenkeeping operation when required.
Ø To lead volunteer work parties and supervise individuals on work experience.
Ø To maintain the highest standard of behaviour, performance and appearance ensuring that the designated uniform is worn at all times.
Ø To be fully conversant with Leeds Castle rules and regulations, Employee Handbook, Health and Safety at Work and Fire and Emergency Procedures.
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CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
Ø Estate maintenance and Grounds and/or Habitat management carried out to a high standard as set by Supervisor/Manager.
Ø Maintain a polite, courteous and helpful attitude to staff, customers and visitors to Leeds Castle.
Ø Understand the need to control costs and take action to prevent loss.
Ø Follow Company regulations in Health & Safety and maintain a safe working environment.
Ø To ensure personal standards of presentation, performance and attendance beyond reproach at all times.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE required
Ø Strong knowledge of Estate maintenance, grounds and/ or habitat management.
Ø Knowledge of health and safety relating to land management tasks such as trees, open water and use of relevant equipment.
Ø Excellent Microsoft and IT skills.
Ø Strong team player.
Ø Adaptable to surroundings.
Ø Previous experience of operating within a similar environment preferred.
In addition to your main areas of responsibility, the values and behaviours that are required from all our people for the successful delivery of our vision and strategy are summarised below:
VISION
To be the South's top heritage destination for relaxation, hospitality & experiences that surprise & delight
VALUES:
WELCOMING: Everyone is treated as a valued guest
BEHAVIOUR: We welcome our guests with warmth & the personal touch, going the extra mile to make sure guests have a fabulous experience, while keeping them safe. We are inclusive, welcoming people of all races, genders, ages, sexualities & abilities. We build connections with communities & partner organisations to reach those who experience barriers to visiting.
SURPRISING: We are a living, breathing heritage site, a place that uses its assets with joy. We look at life through a different lens, seeking surprising hidden stories & new approaches
BEHAVIOUR: We are curious, think laterally & always look for the Leeds Castle 'twist' to make us stand out. We are agile, flexible & open to change.
ENDURING: As estate custodians, we understand our assets, think long-term in caring for & improving them & leaving a healthy, positive legacy for future generations.
BEHAVIOUR: We manage finances for the long-term, investing wisely & monitoring payback. Staff spend charitable funds prudently, always seeking best value. We minimise environmental footprint & work towards net zero carbon emissions. We plan regular maintenance & capital projects to protect our assets, doing the job properly & once. Our decision making is ethical, transparent & has integrity.
NURTURING: We continue the estate tradition of looking after our people & communities.
BEHAVIOUR: We respect different skills, experience & views. We work as one team, supporting & developing staff, recognising this is a lifestyle, not just a job. We take ownership of challenges & opportunities, successes & failures, always learning from experience. We are a good neighbour & partner, with a positive influence in Kent and beyond.
All candidates will be recruited against the above criteria regardless of their sex, racial, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, sexuality or responsibilities for dependents. We value a diverse workforce and celebrate our differences
This Job Description is not exhaustive. You should be aware that you may be required to perform other duties as required.
By signing this job description, you are confirming that you have read and understood all of the above and agree to adhere to this description whilst carrying out your role as Parkland and Grounds Operative.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £16,331.00 per year
Expected hours: 24 per week
Benefits:
* Bereavement leave
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
* Store discount
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 06/03/2026