Playground Maintenance and Inspection Operatives

• Reference: NHS639
• Division: Community Services
• Salary: £29,448.00 - £32,070.00 per annum
• Contract type: Permanent and fixed term
• Posted on: 18 May 2026
• Interview date:23 June 2026
• Extra payment(s): 14% weekend work allowance

• Positions: 2
• Category: Community and streets
• Grade: D - E
• Working hours: 37 per week
• Closing date: 14 June 2026
• Location: Metcalf Way
• Location type: Onsite

About the role

We are looking for proactive and practical Playground Maintenance and Inspection Operatives to help keep our play areas clean, welcoming and safe for children and young people. You’ll carry out routine and operational inspections, respond to repairs, and support improvement projects across unsupervised sites.

We are recruiting for two roles, one permanent position and one six-month fixed term contract (with the possibility to become permanent).

What you will do

• carry out daily visual checks at play areas and ensure sites are clean, welcoming and safe
• complete quarterly RPII operational inspections across unsupervised sites
• undertake reactive and planned maintenance within unsupervised play areas, including isolating hazards such as removing and dismantling unsafe equipment when required
• support grounds maintenance and upkeep of safer surfacing (including loose fill surfaces)
• keep accurate records of inspections, works completed, and vehicle checks
• promote equality, safeguarding, environmental standards and safe ways of working at all times

What we are looking for:

• experience of maintaining, inspecting and developing children’s play areas and equipment
• ability to carry out physically demanding outdoor work, using plant machinery. For example hedge cutters, strimmers, power and hand tools
• basic written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• willingness to obtain RPII Daily and Operational Inspection certificates within 6 months of starting (if not already held).
  

Additional information

We are recruiting for two roles, one permanent position and one six-month fixed term contract (with the possibility to become permanent). Please indicate in your application which role you are interested in applying for.

Working pattern rota

You will be required to work 37 hours per week. Working one weekend (both Saturday and Sunday) every three weeks. With a flexible approach to hours when required.

Standard week’s hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 7am to 3pm, with a 30 minute break for lunch
• Friday: 7am to 2.30pm, with a 30 minute break for lunch
• Saturday and Sunday: days off

Every third week in the rota:

• Monday to Thursday: 7am to 3pm, with a 30 minute break for lunch
• Friday: day off
• Saturday: 7am to 10.30am
• Sunday: 7am to 10.30am

A full and current UK driving licence will be a requirement of the role.

Satisfactory clearance of a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) will be a condition of employment.

This post will qualify for a 14% enhancement for weekend working as part of our agreed working conditions.

Employee benefits

We offer a generous employee benefits package, with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone.

At Crawley Borough Council, you will have access to a structured programme of learning from day one, designed to help you succeed in your role and grow your career.

Our way of working

Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match.

Safer recruitment

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.

How to apply

Click the Apply button to complete your application online. Please ensure that the reference details you supply are for your current or most recent employer and that any gaps in employment are covered on your application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a fully completed application form.

For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, email mark.paffett@crawley.gov.uk, Play, Waterways, Land scaping and Repairs Manager or call Darren Standing on 07341 887180.

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible, as we may close this advert before the stated closing date if enough applications are received.

Related documents

• Playground Maintenance and Inspection Operatives (PDF, 145.39 KB)