Groundskeeper at Portsmouth Grammar School, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Groundskeeper

Location: Portsmouth

Salary:  £25,122 to £31,561 dependent upon the qualifications, skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hrs/week worked across 5 days, Monday to Friday)

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 and Hilsea Site Manager, 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 occasional 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 8.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, with an unpaid 30 minutes for lunch, however, during term time, it may be necessary to vary these hours between 8.00am and 6.00pm to meet operational requirements. Flexibility is required to support sporting events, lettings, site security and occasional weekend or evening working.  

Main Responsibilities

Grounds Maintenance and Sports Facilities

• To liaise daily with the Head Groundskeeper and Hilsea Site Manager 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 contractors, lettings clients and visitors, ensuring compliance with safeguarding procedures, visitor management requirements and site 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 and Hilsea Site Manager, 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

Level 2 Sports Turf operative

Experience of working in a team

Experience of, and ability to, communicate verbally across all levels

Grounds maintenance experience

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.