Groundskeeper

State Government of Victoria, Australia; Ararat; On-site; AUD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

State Government of Victoria, Australia is seeking a Maintenance/Groundskeeper to keep school grounds, buildings, and facilities safe and well‑presented. You will support daily grounds care, routine maintenance, and assist with events.

The role emphasizes safety, initiative, and commitment to service excellence, with responsibilities across grounds, safety, and general duties, including collaboration with staff and contractors.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, property maintenance, or a similar role.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain grounds equipment including ride-on mowers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, blowers, and hand tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) requirements, including safe manual handling and chemical handling procedures.
• Ability to identify maintenance issues and prioritise tasks effectively with minimal supervision.
• Well-developed organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work positively with students, staff, contractors, and visitors.
• Demonstrated reliability, honesty, initiative, and commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physical capacity to undertake manual work in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Grounds Maintenance: Maintain lawns, gardens, sporting fields, landscaped areas, and outdoor spaces.
• Mow, edge, prune, weed, mulch, and fertilise as required.
• Operate irrigation systems and undertake basic repairs.
• Remove rubbish and maintain a clean, tidy campus.
• Monitor and control weeds and pests in accordance with safety regulations.
• Maintain outdoor furniture, pathways, fences, and signage.
• Assist with preventative maintenance programs and report issues.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Mowing equipment

WHS knowledge

Time management

Teamwork

Communication

Tools

Ride-on mower

Brush cutter

Hedge trimmer

Blower

Hand tools

Job description

Occupation: Land, asset, resources and facilities management

Reference: 1540518

Selection Criteria

Demonstrated experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, property maintenance, or a similar role.

Ability to safely operate and maintain grounds equipment including ride-on mowers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, blowers, and hand tools.

Demonstrated knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) requirements, including safe manual handling and chemical handling procedures.

Ability to identify maintenance issues and prioritise tasks effectively with minimal supervision.

Well-developed organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work positively with students, staff, contractors, and visitors.

Demonstrated reliability, honesty, initiative, and commitment to maintaining high standards.

8.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

9.Physical capacity to undertake manual work in varying weather conditions.

Role

The Maintenance/Groundskeeper is responsible for ensuring the school grounds, buildings, and facilities are maintained in a safe, clean, functional, and attractive condition. The role supports the daily operations of the school by undertaking routine maintenance, grounds care and assisting with the preparation of school events and activities.

The successful applicant will contribute to providing a safe learning and working environment for students, staff, and visitors while demonstrating professionalism, initiative, and a commitment to excellent service.

Responsibilities

Grounds Maintenance

• Maintain lawns, gardens, sporting fields, landscaped areas, and outdoor spaces.


• Mow, edge, prune, weed, mulch, and fertilise as required.


• Operate irrigation systems and undertake basic repairs.


• Remove rubbish and maintain a clean, tidy campus.


• Monitor and control weeds and pests in accordance with safety regulations.


• Maintain outdoor furniture, pathways, fences, and signage.
  
  
  
  • Assist with preventative maintenance programs.
  
  
  • Report maintenance issues requiring specialist contractors.
  
  
  
  

Safety and Compliance

• Maintain a safe workplace in accordance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) legislation.


• Identify hazards and report risks promptly.


• Ensure equipment is maintained in safe working order.


• Follow safe operating procedures for machinery, chemicals, and tools.


• Assist with emergency preparedness and response procedures.


• Must be willing to obtain a First Aid and CPR qualification.


• Must be willing to obtain Work Safely at Heights certificate


• Must hold a current Employee Working with Children's check, or be willing to obtain


• Must hold or be willing to obtain a Tractor license


• Must have or be willing to obtain training in use of a chainsaw


• Must have a current Driver's Licence and vehicle.
  
  
  
  • Safely operate and maintain grounds and maintenance equipment.
  
  
  • Assist in maintaining maintenance records and equipment servicing schedules,
  
  
  • Monitor supplies and advise when stock requires replenishment.
    
  • Assist with receiving deliveries and moving furniture or equipment.
  
  
  
  

School Support

• Prepare facilities for assemblies, sporting events, examinations, and community functions.


• Assist with room setups and pack-downs.


• Support contractors working on site.


• Respond promptly to maintenance requests from staff


• Monitor and control weeds and pests in accordance with safety regulations.


• Maintain outdoor furniture, pathways, fences, and signage.

General Duties

• Maintain confidentiality regarding school operations.


• Work collaboratively with staff and contractors.


• Undertake other duties consistent with the role as directed by the Principal or Business Manager.

Who May Apply

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

Diversity and Inclusion

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department.The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces.It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (seeWorkplace adjustment guidelines ).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) [e-mail]

Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.

Child Safe Standards

Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:

The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees,including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:

Appropriate handover and training will be provided by the current Groundskeeper.

Applicants who would like part-time work may also apply.

Conditions of Employment

• All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.


• Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.


• A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.


• Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx

Location Profile

Ararat College consists of two main Campuses, and two other external facilities including our Bush Block and Caley's Oval. The successful applicant will be responsible for working alongside the Assistant Groundsman to ensure quality upkeep of all College-owned facilities.

The school is a vibrant learning community committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to achieve their full potential. The school values ofRespect, Responsibility and Excellenceunderpin all aspects of college life and guide the behaviours and expectations of students, staff, and the wider school community.

The Maintenance/Groundskeeper plays an important role in supporting the school community by ensuring the grounds, facilities, and learning environments are well maintained, safe, and welcoming for students, staff, families, and visitors.

Applications close Monday 21 September 2026 at 11.59pm