Groundsperson in Cobham

Groundsperson in Cobham

Cobham Full-Time 35000 - 44962 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Independent Schools Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Help maintain school grounds and sports pitches to a high standard.
  • Company: Join a supportive team at a leading educational institution.
  • Benefits: Flexible hours, hands-on experience, and a chance to work outdoors.
  • Other info: Opportunity for growth and development within the Estates and Facilities team.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in the school community while enjoying nature.
  • Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a passion for outdoor work.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 44962 £ per year.

The purpose of the role is to assist in the maintenance of the School Grounds at the Reed’s, Ripley Court and Feltonfleet sites, inclusive of Sports pitches, to a high standard for the use of the Schools and external sports clubs.

The role-holder will be required to be flexible in order to cover weekend duties, on rotation, when necessary.

The role-holder will be based across all three sites, depending on need.

The role-holder will work for 40 hours per week with the ability to work flexible shift patterns (e. g. weekends on a rota).

The Groundsperson role sits within the wider Estates and Facilities team covering the three school sites.

Together they provide support to ensure that all the Schools operate effectively for staff, pupils, parents and visitors.

This includes ensuring that the health and safety procedures are adhered to, and the appearance and security of School buildings, grounds and facilities are maintained at all times.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist the Grounds team in the maintenance of school sports pitches (grass and artificial) according to playing seasons and in consultation with the Director of Sport (Reed’s School and Feltonfleet School) and Head of Games (Ripley Court School).
  • Assist in the maintenance of the pond and Forest School at both Feltonfleet and Ripley Court Schools, where required, to ensure that the water course is kept clear.
  • Assist in the erection and maintenance of all sports equipment, nets, goals etc.
  • Repair and maintain all boundaries and fences in conjunction with Grounds team members or external contractors, as necessary.
  • Carry out general care and maintenance of Grounds machinery as required.
  • Maintain hedges at all three School sites up to, and including, the boundaries.
  • Assist in tree maintenance, liaising with external contractors as required.
  • Liaise with the Gardening team to maintain all grassed, woodland and school planted beds and shrub areas.
  • Liaise with the Facilities Manager and Head Groundsperson at Reed’s School and Feltonfleet School, to purchase supplies and services for Grounds, helping to ensure resources are managed within budget constraints.
  • Work to a routine and regular preventative maintenance schedule to ensure that the school grounds, equipment and facilities are correctly maintained.
  • Assistant in early morning clearance of debris (leaves, frost etc.) across the School sites.
  • Maintain knowledge of the requirements under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1984.

Wear and use personal protective equipment and safety devices that are provided by management for your protection.

  • Carry out risk assessments and follow the Safe Systems of Work.
  • Other Job Requirements
  • Attend training courses for health and safety as required.
  • Maintain knowledge of measuring/installing: Cricket, football, rugby, hockey, rounders, athletics track and tennis all on grass.
  • Safely manage all fuel on site.
  • Maintain the operational running of the swimming pools at Ripley Court School and Feltonfleet School where required.
  • Drive the school minibus where required (with or without passengers).
  • Observe security of site to ensure minimal risk to school and flag any concerns to the Head Groundsperson, Facilities Manager or Site Operations Manager.
  • Assist the wider Estates and Facilities team in setting up and provide operational assistance at school events as required.
  • Review of work-based Risk Assessments on an annual basis.
  • Carry out other reasonable duties as instructed by the Head Groundsperson, Operations Director or Feltonfleet Bursar.
  • Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers 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 (DBS).

The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants, and all applicants will be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of their application.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

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Groundsperson in Cobham employer: The Independent Schools Council

Joining Kingsley Explorers Nursery as a Founding Early Years Practitioner means becoming part of a pioneering team dedicated to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for children's growth. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a strong emphasis on professional development, this role offers not just a job, but a meaningful career in early childhood education. Located within the supportive framework of the Independent Schools Council, you will thrive in a culture that values innovation and collaboration.

The Independent Schools Council

Contact Details:

The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Groundsperson in Cobham

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Apply Early and Often!

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We think you need these skills to ace Groundsperson in Cobham

Grounds Maintenance
Health and Safety Knowledge
Flexibility
Teamwork
Communication Skills
Machinery Operation
Risk Assessment

Some tips for your application 🫡

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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 The Independent Schools Council 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.

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How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council

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

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