Job Description
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We are looking for a hands-on, self-motivated groundskeeper with a can-do attitude who will thrive being part of the site team and school community. You will be responsible for the maintenance and land management to the highest possible standard of a sports field including rugby, hockey and cricket pitches, a large forest school area, paddocks, lawns, and extensive trees and hedgerows in our 28 acre site which is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
SCOPE
- The role is full-time with core hours ranging from 6am to 2pm and 7.30am to 3.30pm depending on the time of year, with some flexibility if required, Monday to Friday throughout the year.
- In addition to the core hours are a number of evening events each term which will require the groundskeeper to work additional hours to prepare and / or be on site. Overtime is paid for these occasions as well as if any further work is needed outside the core hours.
- Salary is commensurate with experience.
- Holiday entitlement will be 25 days paid holiday per year to be taken in school holidays, with due regard to the needs of the school and following consultation with the Site Manager. In addition to this, payment will be made for all Statutory holidays.
- The role is permanent, subject to a probationary period.
- The role reports to the Site Manager, and via them to the Bursar.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide and maintain first-class playing surfaces and sports pitches, including cricket wickets and to ensure the gardens and grounds are maintained to an exceptional standard.
- Work closely with our busy and thriving sports department to ensure you fully understand the sports programme, have a good understanding of sports' requirements and embrace the need to ensure the School's comprehensive sports fixtures list runs smoothly.
- Maintain the cleanliness, tidiness and general appearance of all external areas of the School including gardens and hard surfaces.
- Work with the Site Manager to plan, budget, implement, monitor and evaluate all grounds-related projects (e.g. playing fields, landscaping and grounds development) and works carried out by contractors monitoring quality, cost and performance.
- Ensure the efficient maintenance and availability of playing surfaces, sports equipment such as hockey goals, rugby posts, cricket equipment, play equipment or outdoor structures across the site and grounds-related machinery, equipment and materials.
- Provide support in adverse weather conditions, including snow/ice clearance from pathways around the site.
- Preserve the maintenance of the hedges, trees, fences and gateways surrounding them.
- Maintain appropriate awareness of grounds industry and health & safety developments and inform the Site Manager and others how these may impact the school.
- Ensure that all grounds equipment is correctly stored, maintained and serviced.
- Possess a good working knowledge of the safe use of plant and machinery.
ESSENTIAL
- Extensive experience of grounds management, including sports turf management
- Extensive experience of using and maintaining grounds related plant and powered machinery (mowers, blowers, cutters, strimmers etc.)
- Brush cutting and /or flail arm competency
- Hold relevant pesticides training (PA1 & PA6 Certificate)
- Possess a good working knowledge of relevant Health and Safety legislation and how to apply it
- Not averse to working in inclement weather conditions
- Clean driving licence and ability to drive tractors, mules, and ride-on mowers
- Ability to plan work assignments and set priorities
DESIRABLE
- Ideally hold a minimum Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent (Grounds Management & Maintenance, Greenkeeping, Sports Turf Management etc)
- Hold a CS30 crosscutting chainsaw qualification
- PA2 pesticide certification
- Pond management
TOUR OF SCHOOL SITE
If you would like to arrange a tour of the school site, please contact our site manager, Rob Preston, at rpreston@littlegarth.org
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are on the school's application form, which can be found on the school's website (https://littlegarth.org/vacancies) and once completed should be emailed to recruitment@littlegarth.org
Should you have any general queries about the role, please email our Site Manager, Rob Preston, at rpreston@littlegarth.org
Closing date for applications:Wednesday 29th May 2024
Interviews:week commencing 3rd June 2024
Littlegarth School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with current and past employers, online searches, and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).