Groundsperson

Join the Facilities Team at Sullivan Upper School and take pride in maintaining the beautiful 25-acre grounds that provide a safe, inspiring environment for pupils and staff! Groundsperson Holywood, BT18 9EP Permanent, full time, 37 hours per week £28,142 – £29,540 per annum (NJC Points 11–14, dependent on experience) Please Note: Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK Sullivan Upper School is a co-educational, interdenominational grammar school set in 25 acres of stunning grounds overlooking Belfast Lough. With over 1,200 pupils, the school takes great pride in its welcoming community and excellent facilities. The dedicated Facilities Team ensures the site remains safe, attractive and well-maintained year-round. The Role We\’re looking for an experienced Groundsperson to help maintain the school\’s extensive grounds, sports pitches, and outdoor facilities to an exceptional standard. Working under the Facilities Manager, you\’ll also contribute to caretaking, maintenance, and security duties. Key Responsibilities: Maintain all grass sports pitches, including cutting, marking, seeding, fertilising, and repairing Care for synthetic and hard-surface pitches, including brushing, gritting, and marking Maintain flower beds, shrubs, hedges, trees, and landscaped areas Operate grounds machinery and vehicles safely and efficiently Apply pesticides and weed control (training provided if required) Carry out minor maintenance and caretaking tasks as needed Ensure grounds and pathways are safe, tidy, and free of litter, snow, and ice Assist with site security, lock-up, and keyholding duties on a rota basis Provide support for school events, including car-park marshalling and set-up Benefits Competitive salary (£28,142 – £29,540 per annum) 37 hours per week with Saturday rota (1 in 3 weeks) Overtime paid at 1.5x (double time on Sundays and holidays) 22 days\’ annual leave (rising to 26 after 5 years) 13 statutory holidays Free on-site parking Cycle to Work Scheme and Benenden Healthcare membership Pension with NILGOSC Beautiful working environment across 25 acres of landscaped grounds The Ideal Candidate You\’ll be reliable, hard-working and take pride in keeping outdoor environments looking their best. You\’ll enjoy practical work, being outdoors, and working as part of a collaborative team. About you: Experience operating grounds or agricultural machinery (e.g. tractors, ride-on mowers) Paid experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, or outdoor site work Understanding of health and safety, COSHH and manual handling procedures Full UK driving licence (including tractor and van use) Good communication and organisational skills Comfortable with manual work Desirable: NVQ Level 1 or higher in Horticulture, or equivalent qualification Pesticide Application Certificates (PA1, PA2, PA6) Experience in maintaining school or sports grounds Knowledge of sports pitch maintenance requirements How to apply for the role: If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click “apply” today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to complete your application and provide any other supporting documents. Closing date for applications: Tuesday 4 November 2025 at 12 noon. Interview date: Tuesday 18 November 2025 (subject to confirmation). You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies please. Other suitable skills and experience include Grounds Maintenance Operative, Gardener, Horticultural Assistant, Groundskeeper, Sports Turf Technician, Landscape Operative, Maintenance Worker, Site Assistant, Caretaker, Estates Operative.