Grounds Maintenance Operative

Job Title: Grounds Maintenance Operative
Location: Portsmouth
Salary: £25,122 to £31,561 dependent upon the qualifications, skills and experience of the successful candidate. The salary range can be discussed further for an exceptionally qualified and experienced candidate.
Job type: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hrs/week worked across 5 days, Tuesday to Saturday)
The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the heart of historic Portsmouth.
The Role
Working as part of a small professional team and reporting to our Head Groundskeeper, the successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining our sports pitches and grounds to a high standard, assisting with planned maintenance projects, and supporting future site improvements. The role includes regular support at our main site in Old Portsmouth. We welcome applications from both individuals looking to develop a career in grounds maintenance and sports turf management and experienced grounds professionals with relevant qualifications and specialist skills. This is a full-time role working 37.5 hours per week. During term time, the normal working pattern will be Tuesday to Saturday, with working hours varying between 8.00am and 6.00pm to meet operational requirements. The standard working day is 7.5 hours with a 30 minute unpaid lunchbreak. Flexibility is required to support sporting events, evening lettings, site security and occasional weekend or evening working. Time off in lieu will be provided where appropriate.
Main Responsibilities
Grounds Maintenance and Sports Facilities
To liaise daily with the Head Groundskeeper to plan, prioritise and complete grounds maintenance activities
Maintain, manage and continually improve all sports pitches, artificial surfaces, landscaped areas, gardens, pathways and access roads
Ensure all grounds and sports facilities are maintained to the highest possible standards, supporting the school’s sporting, educational and lettings programmes
Regularly inspect grounds, facilities and infrastructure, reporting defects and taking appropriate corrective action where possible
Maintain site cleanliness and presentation, including litter collection, waste management and general housekeeping
Equipment and Asset Management
Maintain all ground machinery, vehicles, hand tools and power tools in a clean, safe and operational condition
Ensure all equipment is serviced and maintained
Keep buildings, sheds, workshops and storage areas clean, organised and secure
Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, inspections and repairs
Site Security and Visitor Management
Assist in maintaining the security of the Hilsea site, including conducting site checks following events and securing facilities
Report unresolved issues or concerns to the Head Groundskeeper or Estates Team
Host contrators, lettings clients and visitors, ensuring compliance with safeguarding procedures, visitor management requirements and sige regulations
Health, Safety and Compliance
Promote safe working practices and ensure the correct use of PPE
Carry out statutory checks as directed by the Head Groundskeeper
Communication and Teamwork
Attend team meetings, staff briefings, training sessions and other meetings as required
In the absence of the Head Groundskeeper, liaise with stakeholders regarding operational matters
Operational Support
Provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence and wider Estates Team activities when required
Work flexibly across School site and participate in overtime, emergency callouts and out-of-hours support when necessary
To ensure the safeguarding of pupils
The Ideal Candidate
Essential
A good standard of education with excellent spoken and written English
To hold, or be willing to complete, relevant Emergency First Aid at Work qualification
Experience of, and ability to, work in a team
Experience of, and ability to, communicate verbally across all levels
Organised and with excellent attention to detail
Ability to maintain a level of physical fitness required to carry out the duties of the role
Good communication skills
IT skills including an ability to use school email system
Ability to follow instructions safely and effectively to ensure a safe working environment
A working knowledge of operational risk management practices and relevant legislation
Willingness to undertake all necessary safeguarding and other staff training
Desirable
A full clean driving licence and a willingness to undertake minibus driver training is desirable, but not essential, for ease of transport across two sites
Relevant professional qualification in grounds maintenance or equivalent experience and evidence of continuing professional development
Experience of working in a similar role within an educational environment
Grounds maintenance experience
Knowledge of horticultural pests, diseases and treatments, planning and/or Health and Safety legislation
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for The Portsmouth Grammar School, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application