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- Tasks: Join our Grounds Team to maintain beautiful sports surfaces and landscapes.
- Company: Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools, known for high-quality facilities.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, free lunches, and access to fitness facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on our stunning campuses while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with grounds maintenance equipment; training provided.
- Other info: Embrace our values of Kindness, Confidence, and Community in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 25318 - 26090 ÂŁ per year.
Number of Positions: 2
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract – Full Time
Working Hours: 39 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 7:00‑16:00 and Friday 7:00‑15:00.
Location: Edinburgh
Closing Date: 17/03/2026
Region / Division: ESMS
The Role
Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools is seeking two motivated and meticulous Assistant Grounds Person to join our dedicated Grounds Team in the Estates Department on a temporary basis, from April 2026 to 25 September 2026. The role is full‑time, working 39 hours per week, from 7:00 to 16:00 Monday to Thursday and 7:00 to 15:00 on Fridays. Remuneration will be dependent on skills and experience, ranging from £25,318 to £26,090. Both positions will be based across all three sites, including the Queensferry Road site, Ravelston site and Inverleith.
Our schools are renowned for high‑quality sporting facilities and beautifully landscaped campuses. The post holder will ensure the School’s rugby, hockey, football, athletics and cricket natural grass surfaces are maintained to a high standard, care for extensive horticulture collections, and carry out general maintenance to ensure tidiness of the schools, including litter, playgrounds, footpaths and roads during harsh weather.
Successful candidates must have experience using pedestrian, petrol‑engine rotary and cylinder mowers; petrol‑engine hedge trimmers and strimmers. Experience with amenity range diesel tractors equipped with trailed gang mowers, rotary mowers, turf aerators, sand spreaders, trailers and drag brushes is required.
Qualifications in NC Horticulture, City and Guilds Horticulture Level 2–3, NVQ/SVC Level 2–3 in Greenkeeping/Sports turf maintenance or equivalent experience is desirable, but not essential; on‑the‑job training will be provided.
Qualifications and Experience
No formal qualifications are mandatory, but relevant experience and a desire to learn are expected.
Benefits
- Staff are offered a range of benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, enhanced sick pay, family‑friendly policies, use of the schools’ swimming pool and fitness room outside school hours, and membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme with discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations.
- Fee remission from Nursery to S6
- Free school lunches
- Free Sports’ Club membership, including access to pool and fitness suites
- Family‑friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave
- Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations
- Employee Assistance Service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car leasing salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual professional review process
- Regular salary reviews
- Funding towards professional qualifications
Values
We are looking for individuals who can embody and promote ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity while role‑modeling behaviours in line with our school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community.
Child Protection and Safeguarding
ESMS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and Disclosure Scotland. All staff working at ESMS have direct access to young people; therefore all posts within the school are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Additional Information
ESMS is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. The successful candidate will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Assistant Groundsperson employer: George Watson'S College
Contact Detail:
George Watson'S College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Groundsperson
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Grounds Team at ESMS. Understanding their values and how they operate can help you connect during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got experience with the tools mentioned in the job description, be sure to highlight that. Bring examples of how you've used them effectively in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your passion for grounds maintenance. Talk about why you love working outdoors and maintaining sports surfaces. Your enthusiasm can really set you apart!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the ESMS community.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Groundsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Groundskeeping: When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about working in groundskeeping. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail any experience you have with the tools and equipment mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for, so don't hold back!
Emphasise Your Team Spirit: Since you'll be part of our dedicated Grounds Team, it's important to showcase your ability to work well with others. Mention any teamwork experiences you've had and how you contribute to a positive work environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the equipment mentioned in the job description, like mowers and hedge trimmers. Be ready to discuss your experience using these tools and any maintenance practices you follow.
✨Show Your Passion for Groundskeeping
Express your enthusiasm for maintaining sports surfaces and horticulture. Share any personal projects or experiences that highlight your dedication to this field, as it shows you’re not just looking for a job but genuinely care about the work.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Values
Since the role is part of a dedicated Grounds Team, be prepared to talk about how you work well with others. Highlight how your values align with ESMS’s focus on kindness, resilience, and community.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the role or the team. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you. Ask about training opportunities or what a typical day looks like for an Assistant Grounds Person.