Top 20 NHS Band 1 Grounds Maintenance Worker Interview Questions and Answers (2025)
In the vast landscape of healthcare support roles, Band 1 NHS Grounds Maintenance Workers play a crucial, yet often unsung, role in ensuring the smooth running and safety of hospital and healthcare environments. While doctors and nurses save lives indoors, it’s the dedicated Grounds Maintenance team that keeps the outdoor environment safe, presentable, and functional for staff, patients, and visitors.
Grounds Maintenance Workers are responsible for tasks like grass cutting, hedge trimming, litter picking, basic landscaping, gritting in icy weather, and making sure hospital premises remain tidy and hazard-free. They are often the first face people see when they enter a hospital site, making their role as much about first impressions as it is about safety and maintenance.
🧰 Job Description:
Mowing lawns and sports fields
Pruning shrubs and trees
Gritting and snow clearing
Litter and leaf removal
Equipment upkeep and manual handling
💷 Salary (2025): As of this year, the NHS Band 1 salary typically ranges from £22,383 to £23,159 annually, depending on location and length of service. Most positions also offer access to the generous NHS pension scheme and other employee benefits.
Let’s help you get that job! Here are the top 20 NHS Grounds Maintenance Worker interview questions with sample answers:
📝 Top 20 Band 1 NHS Grounds Maintenance Worker Interview Questions & Sample Answers
Why do you want to work in NHS grounds maintenance?
“I take pride in outdoor work and love being part of something meaningful. Working for the NHS allows me to contribute to a public service that helps people, even if it’s behind the scenes.”
What experience do you have with grounds maintenance?
“I have previous experience maintaining school and park grounds, including lawn mowing, litter picking, and snow clearance, all while following health and safety guidelines.”
Are you comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions?
“Yes, I’m used to working outside year-round and understand that the work must be done rain or shine to keep the grounds safe and presentable.”
How do you prioritize tasks during your shift?
“I assess tasks based on safety urgency, weather impact, and visibility—for example, clearing icy paths takes priority over routine weeding during winter.”
Describe a time you had to follow strict health and safety procedures.
“While clearing leaves from a sloped footpath, I cordoned off the area, wore high-vis PPE, and used signage to warn pedestrians, following risk assessment protocol.”
How would you handle a member of the public interrupting you with a complaint?
“I’d remain calm and professional, listen respectfully, and either resolve the issue within my capacity or refer it to the correct department.”
Can you operate grounds equipment safely?
“Yes, I’m trained in operating strimmers, lawnmowers, and leaf blowers, always checking for defects before use and wearing the correct PPE.”
What would you do if you noticed a hazardous item on the hospital grounds?
“I would immediately isolate the area, report it to site security or facilities, and ensure it is safely dealt with according to NHS protocol.”
How do you ensure your work meets quality standards?
“I regularly inspect my completed areas, report maintenance needs, and ask for feedback to ensure everything meets required standards.”
Are you comfortable working as part of a team?
“Absolutely. Grounds maintenance often involves coordination with other team members to complete tasks efficiently and safely.”
How do you manage repetitive or physically demanding work?
“I pace myself, take appropriate breaks, and use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury while staying focused on the task.”
What would you do if your supervisor wasn’t available and you encountered a problem?
“I would refer to standard procedures, use my initiative where appropriate, and document the issue to report when they return.”
How do you deal with tight deadlines, for example, clearing snow before the morning rush?
“I stay organized, start early, and use the most effective tools to meet deadlines, prioritizing high-traffic areas.”
Are you familiar with COSHH regulations?
“Yes, I’ve been trained on safe storage and use of chemicals such as weedkillers, ensuring correct labeling and PPE usage.”
Describe a time you improved the look or safety of a green space.
“In a previous role, I reorganized overgrown hedges that blocked visibility at a pedestrian crossing, improving both safety and appearance.”
What would you do if a piece of equipment broke mid-task?
“I would stop using it immediately, report the fault to the maintenance team, and use a backup tool if available to avoid delaying work.”
How do you stay motivated during long or repetitive tasks?
“I set small goals throughout the day, remind myself of the bigger picture, and take pride in leaving a job looking better than I found it.”
Are you comfortable with lone working?
“Yes, I follow lone worker protocols, keep communication devices handy, and always inform someone of my location.”
What qualities make a good Grounds Maintenance Worker?
“Reliability, physical fitness, attention to detail, health and safety awareness, and pride in presenting a clean and safe environment.”
Do you have any questions for us?
“Yes, could you tell me more about the team I’d be working with and the typical shift structure?”
🎯 Final Tips for NHS Grounds Maintenance Worker Interviews
💼 Dress appropriately: Business casual is ideal. Show you’re serious even for an outdoor role.
🗣 Be clear and concise: Practice answers out loud to build confidence.
✅ Know your NHS values: Compassion, commitment, respect, and teamwork.
📄 Bring documents: ID, certificates, references, and your CV.
😊 Show enthusiasm: A positive attitude goes a long way in manual roles.
Remember, you don’t need years of experience to land a Band 1 NHS job—you need the right mindset, commitment to safety, and a team-first attitude. Good luck, and go into your interview with confidence!
