Grounds Maintenance Operative

Are you ready to maintain beautiful outdoor spaces at a leading independent school? Abingdon School has an exciting Grounds Maintenance Operative opportunity!

Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE

Salary: £28,328 per annum (dependent on skills and experience)

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: 08.30 to 17.00, Monday to Friday. There may be a need for the postholder to support on a Saturday by prior arrangement with the Head of Grounds.

Closing Date: 26th August 2026 (Midday)

About Us:

The Foundation comprises two schools: Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11-18. Currently a boys’ school, it will become co-educational from September 2026.

Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4-13 which has been co-educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.

Grounds Maintenance Operative - The Role:

You will assist in maintaining and upkeeping the general gardens and grounds at our school. Working both independently and as part of the wider Grounds team, you will be responsible for keeping outdoor spaces clean, tidy and to a high standard. This role requires initiative, common sense and a willingness to work outdoors in all weathers.

Grounds Maintenance Operative - Key Responsibilities:

- Setting up and maintaining sports pitches and amenity surfaces, including synthetic 2G and 3G surfaces

- Operating mechanical equipment such as mowers and tractors, including basic maintenance

- Line marking of sports surfaces and cutting and maintenance of lawns

- Cutting and caring for hedges and trees using mechanical equipment

- Maintaining drives and hard surfaces within your areas of responsibility

- Keeping all areas under your responsibility clean, tidy and well-presented, including sweeping, edging, weed control and litter picking

- Assisting site staff with gritting and clearance of ice and snow during inclement weather

- Ensuring safe use, storage, calibration and disposal of pesticides and similar substances

- Maintaining, repairing and erecting fencing

- Attending meetings, seminars and courses as required

Grounds Maintenance Operative - You:

- A minimum of two years' experience in grounds maintenance

- Conscientious, reliable, flexible and self-motivated

- Good communication skills

- Full driving licence (maximum of 3 penalty points)

- Desirable: recognised qualification in Groundskeeping such as NVQ, or experience with 2G and 3G synthetic surfaces

- Desirable: Spraying Certificates PA1 and PA2

Benefits:

- You'll get 25 days off paid time off each year plus bank holidays

- Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution

- Private healthcare insurance

- Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes

- Free lunches during term time

- Cycle to work scheme

- Christmas closure days

- Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply)

- Free on-site parking and bike storage

- Regular staff social events and networking opportunities

- Wide range of training and professional development opportunities

Closing Date: 26th August 2026 (Midday)

Interview date: 03 September 2026

To submit your application for this exciting Grounds Maintenance Operative opportunity, click Apply today!