Grounds Maintenance Operative

Job description:

Position: Grounds Maintenance Operative

Location: Belfast area, with travel to various sites across Northern Ireland

Responsible to: Wallace Contracts Ltd Grounds Maintenance Supervisor / Contracts Manager

Contract type: Full-time, permanent

Salary: Competitive, based on experience

Working hours: Monday Friday (hours may vary depending on contract and seasonal demand)

Why work for McQuillan Companies

McQuillan Companies is a family-run business based in Northern Ireland, delivering a diverse range of construction, environmental, and facilities management services across the public, private, and commercial sectors. Our expertise spans civil engineering, road surfacing, demolition and quarrying, including the supply of premium aggregates and bituminous materials, as well as total waste management and accredited environmental testing. We also provide year-round outdoor and facilities maintenance services, including winter gritting, outdoor cleaning, landscaping, property restoration, and insurance reinstatement.

Together, these capabilities allow us to deliver comprehensive, fully coordinated solutions for our clients. As a growing company with a dynamic and supportive environment, we value diverse perspectives and are committed to creating a workplace where our people can thrive and build rewarding careers.

Wallace Contracts NI Ltd is a well-established, progressive company with over 30 years of continuous growth in delivering high-quality sports pitch and grounds maintenance services across Northern Ireland.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• Clear opportunities for career progression and ongoing professional development
• Access to training programmes and recognised industry qualifications
• Full provision of company uniform, PPE, tools and equipment
• Company vehicle provided
• Opportunity to work within a well-established, supportive and collaborative team

Overall Objectives

We are seeking motivated and dependable Grounds Maintenance Operatives to join our expanding team. You will work across a wide variety of customer sites, delivering high-quality grounds and landscaping services. This role requires a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and the ability to operate safely and efficiently in outdoor environments throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will carry out a range of landscaping and grounds maintenance activities, including:

• Lawn mowing, edging, and general grass-care duties
• Hedge trimming, shrub pruning and shaping
• Maintaining planted areas and shrub beds
• Weed control operations
• Clearing hard-surfaced areas, pathways and carparks of debris and litter
• Leaf lifting and seasonal maintenance tasks
• Operating a variety of horticultural machinery (e.g. ride-on mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, blowers)
• Ensuring all work is completed to a high standard and in line with company expectations
• Adhering to Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality policies at all times
• Wearing appropriate PPE and operating equipment safely and responsibly
• Working independently when required, while also contributing effectively within a team

As duties evolve with business needs, the job description may be reviewed and updated in consultation with the post holder.

Essential Criteria

• A minimum of 1 years recent experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, landscaping or a similar outdoor role
• Experience operating horticultural equipment such as ride-on mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters and blowers
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety practices
• Good attention to detail with the ability to work to a high standard independently
• Physically fit and able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Strong communication skills and a positive, proactive attitude
• Ability to plan work efficiently to maximise productivity
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Criteria

• PA1 & PA6 pesticide spraying certificates
• Trailer towing qualification (B+E)
• Relevant agricultural or horticultural qualification (or working towards one)

Closing date for applications is: Wednesday 20th May 2026.

This job description should not be regarded as conclusive or definite. It is a guideline within which the individual jobholder works. It is not intended to be rigid or inflexible and may alter as the Companys strategic direction changes.

Skills:
Experience using horticultural equipment Min 1 years experience in grounds maintenance Strong communication skills Attention to detail Team player Full UK driving licence Strong planning skills to maximise productivity

Benefits:
Competitive salary, commensurate with experience L&D opportunities Company Vehicle Working within a dynamic professional team Clear career progression and development opportuni

WHJS1_NI