At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and present diverse sports facilities, including pitches and courts.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol's supportive Grounds Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and work outdoors in a vibrant environment.
- Other info: Open-ended contract with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Perfect for those who love sports and want to develop practical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds maintenance and good communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 26093 - 28778 £ per year.
We are looking for a Groundsperson to join our Grounds Team at the University of Bristol's Coombe Dingle Sports Complex. This is a varied, practical role supporting the preparation, maintenance and presentation of a diverse range of sports facilities. The site includes natural grass sports pitches and cricket squares, artificial pitches, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, netball courts and other sports surfaces, as well as the associated buildings, landscaped areas and wider site surrounds.
Working as part of an experienced and supportive team, you will help ensure these facilities are maintained and presented to a safe, high-quality standard for students, staff, clubs and external users. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with grounds maintenance experience who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in their work and wants to develop their skills within a varied professional university sports environment.
What will you be doing?
- You will undertake a wide range of sports grounds and facility maintenance duties across natural grass, artificial and hard-surface facilities. This will include mowing, pitch preparation and marking, cricket preparation, renovation, irrigation, aeration, fertilising and general maintenance of sports surfaces.
- You will also contribute to the maintenance, cleanliness and presentation of indoor and outdoor tennis courts, netball courts, artificial pitches, buildings, pathways, landscaped areas, boundaries and the general surrounds of the sports complex.
- You will operate tractors, mowers and other specialist grounds maintenance machinery and carry out routine checks and basic maintenance of equipment.
- Working closely with the Grounds Manager and wider Grounds Team, you will help ensure facilities are prepared safely and to the required standard for a wide variety of sports, bookings and events.
- The role also includes inspecting playing surfaces, sports equipment and site areas, maintaining accurate operational and safety records, and helping maintain the overall presentation and safety of the sports complex.
You should apply if
- You have practical experience of sports grounds maintenance, grounds maintenance or a similar outdoor operational environment and are confident using grounds maintenance machinery and equipment.
- You will have a good understanding of safe working practices and be able to organise your workload, work independently when required and contribute positively as part of a team.
- Good communication and customer service skills are important, as you will interact with students, staff, sports clubs, contractors and other users of the facilities.
- A full UK driving licence is required.
- A relevant Level 2 qualification in sports turf, grounds maintenance, horticulture or landscaping, together with qualifications such as pesticide application certificates, would be advantageous but are not essential.
- You should also be comfortable working outdoors throughout the year and be willing to work occasional weekends or altered hours when operationally required.
Additional information
- Contract type: Open ended
- Work pattern: 35 hours
- Grade: E
- Salary: £26,093 - £28,778 per annum
- School/Unit: Centre for Sport Exercise and Health
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 02/09/2026. For informal queries please contact Grounds Manager Matt.carroll@bristol.ac.uk.
Our strategy and mission: We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.
Groundsperson employer: University of Bristol
The University of Bristol offers an exceptional work environment for a Sports Grounds Technician, providing opportunities to engage with diverse sports facilities in a vibrant campus setting. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from ongoing training and support, fostering both personal and professional growth. The collaborative and inclusive culture ensures that every team member's contribution is valued, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsperson
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like University of Bristol often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Groundsperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what University of Bristol does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with University of Bristol will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at University of Bristol.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with University of Bristol.
