At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our grounds team to maintain and prepare sports facilities for students.
- Company: King's College School, a vibrant community focused on student welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health benefits, free gym membership, and lunch during term-time.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for overtime and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in students' lives by ensuring top-notch sports facilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and a passion for teamwork are essential.
Salary: £32,078 plus excellent benefits including contributory pension scheme, health benefits, free gym membership, lunch during term-time.
We are seeking to appoint a keen and enthusiastic person to contribute to and provide strong support to the school’s grounds team. Reporting to: head groundsperson.
The groundsperson is responsible for undertaking tasks to assist with the maintenance of the general condition and availability of the school’s sports facilities, whether at the main KCS site or at Kingsway. They will work as part of an overall team of 6 grounds staff, and will report to the head groundsperson or his deputy.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Under the direction of the head groundsperson, preparing and maintaining the sports facilities, including artificial surfaces, at the main King’s College School site and the sports grounds at Kingsway, to recognised national standards and to the satisfaction of all users.
- Providing grounds staff support to matches/fixtures when required.
- Implementing weekly, monthly and annual agreed maintenance programmes for all facilities, including the Old Boys’ sports pitches.
- Liaising with appropriate staff on the availability of sports facilities for lessons and matches, and advising on the fitness of pitches.
- Working with various different types of machinery and equipment to prepare and maintain football, rugby, cricket and hockey pitches, as well as artificial surfaces.
- Undertaking general maintenance of equipment as directed.
- Assisting with light tree pruning, hedge cutting and maintenance of paths, including leaf collection and spraying.
- Reporting problems on the ticketing system.
- Attending meetings and events, as directed.
- Undertaking any other reasonable duties as directed by the head groundsperson.
Person Specification
This is an ideal opportunity for an able and enthusiastic person to contribute to and provide strong support to the school’s grounds team. The ideal candidate will have:
- Previous experience as a groundsperson or similar.
- A good understanding of field markings.
- Experience of mechanical repairs and the ability to mend machinery and make small repairs.
- Knowledge and experience of working with synthetic sports pitches/surfaces.
- Ability to work well as part of a team.
- A flexible and enthusiastic approach to work.
- Ability to work without supervision and prioritise workload according to fixture lists and weather conditions.
- Relevant qualification in turf management (NVQ or similar) (desirable).
- Driving licence (desirable).
Terms and Conditions
Salary: £32,078 per annum. 40 hours per week, normal working hours based around the core hours of 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although some flexibility is required to accommodate seasonal variations. There may be a requirement to work every other Saturday with paid overtime.
Contributory pension scheme. Programme of health benefits. Free lunch in the Dining Hall during term-time.
Closing date: Wednesday 25th June 2026 at 9am. Interview date to be confirmed.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.
Groundsperson employer: King's College School Wimbledon
King's College School Wimbledon is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and data integrity, the school fosters a culture of collaboration and respect, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered in their roles. Located in a prestigious area, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to numerous professional development opportunities.
Contact Details:
King's College School Wimbledon Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsperson
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like King's College School Wimbledon.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like King's College School Wimbledon.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at King's College School Wimbledon; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at King's College School Wimbledon.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Groundsperson.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what King's College School Wimbledon is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at King's College School Wimbledon a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at King's College School Wimbledon
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at King's College School Wimbledon might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.