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- Tasks: Maintain beautiful green spaces and support sports facilities in a friendly team.
- Company: Join the Grounds Department at St Edward’s School on a stunning 100-acre estate.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, free gym membership, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Work outdoors year-round, making a real difference in your community's green spaces.
- Qualifications: No experience necessary; just a passion for outdoor work and teamwork.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for growth and a commitment to safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
If you enjoy working outdoors and take pride in well-maintained green spaces, this is an excellent opportunity to join the Grounds Department at St Edward’s School. Set across a beautiful 100-acre estate, the School’s grounds include landscaped areas, residential spaces and extensive sports facilities. As a Grounds Operative, you will support the maintenance and presentation of these areas, working as part of a friendly and supportive team.
Responsibilities
- Routine maintenance of lawns, landscaped areas, residential spaces and sports surfaces
- Preparation and upkeep of sports pitches, including mowing and setting out
- Hedge cutting, planting, pruning and general horticultural tasks
- Turf care, footpath maintenance and litter collection
- Safe use and basic maintenance of grounds machinery and equipment
- Supporting School activities and events when required
About you
You may have previous experience in grounds maintenance, gardening or a related trade, or be keen to develop your skills in this area. A genuine interest in outdoor work is essential, along with a positive and flexible approach. You will be able to work both independently and as part of a team, communicate effectively, and work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions. A relevant qualification and full UK driving licence are desirable but not essential.
Benefits
- 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (with time off in lieu for any bank holidays worked)
- Closure over Christmas and New Year
- 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%)
St Edward’s does not accept applications from recruitment agencies. St Edward’s School 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 Edward’s 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.
Grounds Operative in Oxford employer: St Edward's School
Contact Detail:
St Edward's School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Operative in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on St Edward’s School and its Grounds Department. Understanding their values and what they’re passionate about will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got any experience in grounds maintenance or gardening, be ready to share specific examples. Talk about what you’ve done in the past and how it relates to the role of a Grounds Operative.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for practical assessments! Since this role involves hands-on work, you might be asked to demonstrate your skills. Brush up on your turf care and machinery handling before the interview to impress them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Operative in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: When writing your application, let us know why you love working outdoors! Share any experiences you've had in grounds maintenance or gardening, even if they're just hobbies. We want to see that genuine interest shine through!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of a Grounds Operative. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.
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’s easy to read, so we can quickly see how you fit into our team!
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 helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Edward's School
✨Know Your Greenery
Familiarise yourself with the types of plants and maintenance techniques relevant to the role. Brush up on basic horticultural knowledge, as this will show your genuine interest in outdoor work and help you stand out during the interview.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Share examples from past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, as teamwork is key in maintaining the beautiful grounds at St Edward’s School.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about the safe use and maintenance of grounds machinery. Prepare by reviewing any relevant experience you have, and be ready to discuss how you would handle specific tasks like mowing or hedge cutting.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility
Highlight your willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions and your positive attitude towards varied tasks. This role requires adaptability, so sharing your experiences of working in different environments can really impress the interviewers.
