At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain school grounds and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
- Company: Oxford High School – GDST, a supportive and vibrant educational community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, free lunches, and generous pension schemes.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth and training.
- Why this job: Join us to make a difference in students' lives while enjoying a fulfilling outdoor role.
- Qualifications: Practical maintenance and gardening experience, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27171 - 27171 € per year.
Oxford High School – GDST is seeking a reliable, proactive and hardworking Caretaker/Gardener to help maintain our school premises and grounds to a high standard. This role ensures a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors.
Contract type: Permanent | Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire | Salary: £27,171 plus benefits | Working pattern: Full time, 36 hour week, 5 days a week, with occasional early, late, and weekend shifts.
Key Responsibilities
- Site & Security: Assist in the security of the school premises, including locking/unlocking buildings and monitoring alarms and surveillance systems. Ensure external areas, the gym, and swimming pool are secure when not in use. Support the maintenance of access systems, locks and keys.
- Premises Maintenance: Carry out general repairs and maintenance to buildings, furniture and equipment. Support planned preventative maintenance and respond promptly to emergency repairs. Assist with monitoring heating, lighting, water systems, fire alarms and other site services. Help maintain records relating to safety checks and inspections.
- Grounds & Gardening: Maintain landscaped areas, lawns, hedges, planted areas and sports fields across all school sites. Carry out mowing, pruning, planting, watering, weeding and seasonal garden maintenance. Keep school grounds free from litter and vegetation debris. Maintain gardening equipment and report faulty tools or machinery. Assist in designing and developing attractive planting schemes.
- Health & Safety: Follow all health and safety procedures and risk assessments. Assist with fire safety checks, evacuation procedures and site safety routines. Support waste management and site cleanliness. Provide emergency first aid if qualified.
- General Duties: Assist with porterage, deliveries and room setups for school events. Support School Functions, Lettings and Open Days When Required. Maintain positive working relationships with staff, pupils, parents and contractors. Opportunity to assist with minibus driving following appropriate training.
About You
- Have practical maintenance and gardening experience.
- Be organised, dependable and able to work independently.
- Take pride in maintaining high standards across the school environment.
- Have good communication and teamwork skills.
- Be flexible to support occasional evening or weekend requirements.
- Hold a driving licence (desirable).
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and pay progression.
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities.
- Training grants for qualifications.
- Generous pension schemes.
- Free life assurance benefit.
- Free school lunches.
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools.
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans.
- A Cycle to Work scheme.
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment.
Caretaker/ Gardener in Oxford employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
Oxford High School – GDST is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a strong commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, employees benefit from competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values teamwork and communication. Located in the vibrant city of Oxford, staff enjoy generous benefits including free school lunches, pension schemes, and discounts on fees for children, making it a rewarding place to work.
Contact Detail:
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker/ Gardener in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector or local community. You never know who might have a lead on a caretaker/gardener role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience in maintenance or gardening, bring it up in conversations. Share specific examples of how you've kept spaces safe and beautiful – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Visit our website regularly and apply as soon as you see a role that fits. The early bird gets the worm, right?
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and environment. Think about how you can contribute to maintaining a welcoming space for students and staff. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker/ Gardener in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Role:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for being a Caretaker/Gardener. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your love for maintaining spaces and working outdoors. We want to know why this role excites you!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your practical maintenance and gardening experience, and how it aligns with our needs at Oxford High School. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and skills at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your practical maintenance and gardening skills. Be ready to discuss specific tasks you've handled in the past, like repairs or garden upkeep, as this role requires hands-on experience.
✨Show Your Reliability
Since the job involves security and safety, highlight your dependability. Share examples of how you've ensured a safe environment in previous roles, whether it was locking up premises or following health and safety procedures.
✨Be a Team Player
This position requires good communication and teamwork skills. Prepare to talk about how you've collaborated with others in past jobs, especially in maintaining shared spaces or working on school events.
✨Flexibility is Key
The role may require occasional evening or weekend shifts, so be ready to discuss your availability. Show that you're adaptable and willing to go the extra mile to support the school community.
