Grounds Person

Role Overview

We are looking to appoint a Grounds Person to support the care, maintenance and presentation of sports facilities and outdoor areas within a school environment. The role plays an important part in ensuring that playing surfaces and grounds are maintained to a high standard to support lessons, fixtures and events throughout the year.

This is a practical, physically active role that will suit someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in their work and is able to work collaboratively as part of a wider operations team.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Key Responsibilities

Sports Surfaces

• Support the preparation and maintenance of natural turf pitches for a range of sports
• Assist with the care of all-weather surfaces including artificial pitches and hard courts
• Carry out routine tasks such as mowing, aeration, fertilising, overseeding and irrigation
• Complete line marking and assist with the setting up of sports equipment for lessons and fixtures
• Repair worn or damaged turf and assist with renovation works when required

Grounds Maintenance

• Maintain lawns, landscaped areas, hedges, shrubs and trees across the site
• Ensure outdoor spaces, pathways and spectator areas are safe, clean and well presented
• Undertake seasonal duties such as leaf clearance, winter maintenance and general site upkeep
• Support the preparation of grounds for school events and sports days

Equipment and Machinery

• Safely use grounds maintenance machinery and hand tools
• Carry out basic maintenance, cleaning and safety checks on equipment
• Ensure tools and machinery are stored securely after use

Health, Safety and Support

• Follow health and safety guidance, risk assessments and site procedures
• Use personal protective equipment as required
• Report defects, hazards or damage promptly
• Work in accordance with safeguarding policies and codes of conduct
• Assist with general site support and security as part of the operations team

Person Specification

Essential

• Interest in grounds maintenance or sports turf work
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Practical and reliable with good attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good timekeeping and organisational skills
• Awareness of basic health and safety requirements
• Physical fitness appropriate to the role

Desirable

• Experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping or sports turf
• Relevant land-based or horticultural qualification
• Experience using grounds maintenance machinery
• Pesticide application certificates
• Full UK driving licence

Personal Attributes

• Hardworking and self-motivated
• Takes pride in maintaining a high standard of work
• Flexible and willing to support wider operational needs
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn

Benefits

• Supportive working environment within an educational setting
• Access to training and development opportunities
• Pension scheme and staff benefits in line with organisational policy

Safeguarding

This post involves limited contact with pupils and is considered regulated activity with children. The successful applicant will be expected to promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people at all times and to comply with safeguarding and child protection policies.