At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and present high-quality sports turf and landscaped campuses.
- Company: Join a prestigious school known for its exceptional sporting facilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, pension scheme, and discounts at 130,000 locations.
- Other info: In-house training available and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dedicated team making a real impact on outdoor spaces.
- Qualifications: Experience with mowers and hedge trimmers; driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 25846 - 30410 £ per year.
Erskine Stewart Melville are renowned for its high‑quality sporting facilities and prestigious landscaped campuses. These roles will be directly involved in maintaining and presenting our high‑level sports turf surfaces and campuses to a high standard, whilst ensuring Site Safety across our School sites. We welcome applications from a diverse range of outdoor professionals, including those with experience in school grounds, golf course greenkeeping and commercial landscaping. In‑house training will be available.
We are currently seeking two motivated Assistant Groundspersons to join our dedicated Grounds Teams for the following positions on a full‑time basis:
- 1 x Permanent position, working 39 hours per week Monday to Friday, including four hours on Saturday mornings, on a rota basis to assist with setting up of sports equipment, with a salary of £29,823 to £30,410 per annum dependent on skills and experience.
- 1 x Temporary position until 25 September 2026, working 39 hours Monday to Friday, with a salary range of £25,846 to £26,355, dependent on skills and experience.
The successful candidate must have a full UK driving licence, to operate school vehicles on and between sites. Candidates with the below desired experience, or who have a keen interest in developing their capabilities are encouraged to apply:
- Experience in using pedestrian, petrol‑engine rotary and cylinder mowers; and petrol‑engine hedge trimmers and strimmers.
- Experience of using amenity‑range diesel tractors with various mounted implements, such as trailed gang mowers, rotary mowers, turf aerators, sand spreaders, trailers, and drag brushes.
- Qualifications in NC Horticulture, City and Guilds Horticulture Level 2–3, NVQ/SVC Level 2–3 in Greenkeeping/Sports turf maintenance or equivalent experience.
Eligibility: 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.
Benefits: Employees get access to a range of benefits including:
- Fee remission from Nursery to S6
- Free school lunches
- Paid moving house day
- Free Sports’ Club membership, including access to pool and fitness suites
- Auto‑enrolment in the Scottish Teachers’ Pension Scheme
- Death in service benefit
- 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.
Safeguarding and Compliance: 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.
Contact Information: For enquiries about this position, please contact recruitment@esms.org.uk.
Assistant Groundsperson employer: The Independent Schools Council
Erskine Stewart Melville is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With access to in-house training, competitive salaries, and a range of benefits including fee remission for children, free school lunches, and a strong commitment to work-life balance, our Grounds Teams are dedicated to maintaining high-quality sporting facilities in a prestigious environment. Join us in embodying our values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity while contributing to a vibrant community.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Groundsperson
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Erskine Stewart Melville and their values. When you show up for an interview, drop in some knowledge about their sporting facilities and how you can contribute to maintaining those high standards.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions related to groundskeeping and safety. We want you to feel confident when discussing your experience with mowers and tractors.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Wear something smart but practical for your interview. You want to show that you’re ready to get your hands dirty while still looking professional.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Groundsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors:When you're writing your application, let us know why you love working outdoors! Share any experiences you've had with sports turf maintenance or landscaping. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any specific skills or experiences that match what we're looking for, like using mowers or hedge trimmers. If you've got qualifications in horticulture or greenkeeping, don’t forget to include those too!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate a straightforward application. Stick to the point and avoid fluff. Use bullet points if it helps make your experience stand out. We want to get to know you quickly!
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Turf
Familiarise yourself with the specific types of sports turf and landscaping techniques relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of using various mowers and equipment, as well as any safety protocols. This will show your passion for the job and your readiness to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in groundskeeping or landscaping. If you have qualifications like NC Horticulture or City and Guilds, make sure to highlight these. Even if you lack formal experience, share any relevant skills or projects that demonstrate your capability.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working as part of a dedicated Grounds Team, it's crucial to convey your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've collaborated in past roles, especially in outdoor settings, to maintain high standards of safety and quality.
✨Align with Their Values
Erskine Stewart Melville values kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity, and curiosity. Think of examples from your life or work that reflect these values. Showing that you embody their ethos will set you apart as a candidate who fits well within their community.
