At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain a stunning 100-acre estate, working outdoors on lawns and sports pitches.
- Company: St. Edwards is a supportive school dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, free gym membership, meals during term time, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Other info: Early applications are encouraged as we may appoint before the closing date.
- Why this job: Perfect for those passionate about gardening and groundskeeping, with opportunities for growth and development.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a genuine interest in grounds work or gardening.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
If you enjoy working outdoors and want to develop your skills and experience in groundskeeping, working with a supportive team, this is an exciting opportunity to join the Grounds Department at St. Edwards.
As a Grounds Operative, you will be working across the Schools large and picturesque 100-acre estate, undertaking routine maintenance work on the School grounds and lawns, residential areas and sports surfaces.
This will include preparing and mowing sports pitches, maintaining hedges and planting, as well as general turf care, pruning and maintaining footpaths and collecting litter.
While prior experience is valued, a genuine interest in grounds work or gardening is essential. It is an ideal position for those looking to grow in the field or transition from a related trade.
Benefits of working at St. Edwards
- 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (with time off in lieu for any bank holidays worked)
- Free membership to the Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Gym
- Free meals during term time
- Support for CPD and further qualifications
- A friendly and inclusive working environment
- Free car parking
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Defined contribution pension scheme with Scottish Widows (The standard employee contribution rate is 5% with the employer contributing 8%)
For further details and to apply please click the apply button.
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 28th July 2025.
We reserve the right to conduct interviews and appoint for the role before the advertised closing date should a suitable candidate be found. Therefore early applications are encouraged.
St Edwards is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we aim to create and maintain a safe environment for our pupils, where they feel respected and supported. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to become familiar with our policies and procedures for child protection and security.All staff are required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
St Edwards School is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, race, sex, religion, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic. Please see our Equal Opportunities & Dignity at Work policy on our website for further details.
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Grounds Operative in Banbury employer: St Edward's Oxford
St. Edwards offers a unique opportunity for Grounds Operatives to thrive in a picturesque 100-acre estate, fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With generous benefits such as 30 days annual leave, free gym membership, and professional development support, employees can grow their skills while enjoying a fulfilling outdoor work environment. The commitment to safeguarding and diversity ensures a respectful atmosphere where every team member is valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Operative in Banbury
✨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 St Edward's Oxford.
✨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 St Edward's Oxford.
✨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 St Edward's Oxford; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Operative in Banbury
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 St Edward's Oxford.
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 Grounds Operative.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what St Edward's Oxford 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 St Edward's Oxford a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Edward's Oxford
✨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 St Edward's Oxford might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
