Groundsman

The Rockhampton Grammar School; Rockhampton Regional; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rockhampton Grammar School in Rockhampton, QLD is seeking a dedicated Groundsman to maintain and enhance the school's grounds, gardens and grassed areas to a high standard. The role requires independent and collaborative work in a dynamic environment.

Key duties include lawn care, garden maintenance, irrigation, plant care, and supporting projects while adhering to WH&S requirements and safeguarding policies.

Qualifications

• Experience in maintaining gardens, grounds and a large facility.
• Experience in irrigation systems.
• Current ChemCert Chemical Accreditation Certificate (Preferred, but not essential).

Responsibilities

• Maintenance of garden beds including weeding, mulching, fertilising, planting.
• Undertake and support landscape projects and establish new areas and gardens.
• Maintaining lawns including mowing ovals and edging.
• Pruning of shrubs and trees.
• Watering of garden areas.
• Blower vacuuming of paths and entrances.
• Apply pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals as required.
• Clean tennis courts and swimming pool.
• Repair drains and drainage pits; ensure clear drainage.
• Prepare cricket wicket and maintain line marks on ovals.
• Maintain irrigation systems and components.
• Assist with event setup and furniture relocation.
• Provide general maintenance on tools/equipment and support contractors.

Skills

Plant knowledge

WH&S compliance

Planning & organisation

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

ChemCert Accreditation

Tools

Irrigation systems

Lawn maintenance equipment

Job description

The Rockhampton Grammar School – Rockhampton QLD

The Rockhampton Grammar School is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Groundsman to join our team.

In this role, you will play an essential part in maintaining and enhancing the grounds, gardens, and grassed areas, ensuring that the School's exterior is welcoming, functional, and aligned with the overall ambiance of the campus. This position requires someone who can work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic and often-changing environment.

The Rockhampton Grammar School was founded in 1881 and is an independent co-educational day and boarding school, educating and caring for students from Prep to Year 12, as well as the Early Learning Years and is Queensland’s largest boarding school. The Rockhampton Grammar School has achieved great success in the academic, cultural, sporting and vocational fields over the past 145 years. The School has a total enrolment of over 1,500 (Prep to Year 12) students who are exposed to our broad curriculum, giving effect to our commitment of Grow in Character and Scholarship.

We employ motivated people who want to work together to produce excellent outcomes for our staff and students. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission.

At The Rockhampton Grammar School, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic environment where students thrive both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. Join us at The Rockhampton Grammar School and be a part of a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in education! The School values co-curricular involvement and provide a wide variety of opportunities for staff in this regard.

POSITION TITLE:

Groundsman

CLASSIFICATION:

Permanent Full-Time

BASIC FUNCTION:

Responsible for the upkeep of School grounds and properties, to establish gardens and grounds to a high standard of presentation and ensuring The School grounds and properties are kept to a high standard.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintenance of all garden beds, this shall include weeding, mulching, fertilising, planting out and replacing as necessary;
• Undertake & support Landscape projects and establish new areas and gardens, as directed;
• Maintaining lawns, this shall include mowing ovals and lawns and edging all lawns;
• Pruning of all shrubs and trees at the appropriate time;
• Watering of garden areas;
• Blower vacuuming of paths, walkways and entrances;
• Apply pesticides, herbicides, insecticides or other chemicals to soil, weeds, plants or other surfaces, as required;
• Clean tennis courts and swimming pool;
• Clean and maintain drains and ensure drains are properly operational;
• Clean and maintain drainage pits ensuring pits are not blocked;
• Repair divots and maintain line marks on ovals;
• Prepare cricket wicket;
• Maintain and repair irrigation, involving:

• Operating and servicing drip systems and irrigation pumps;
• Repairs and servicing sprinkler heads and underground pipes;
• Undertaking general services across the School (e.g., office moves for staff, set up for events and functions, assist with furniture relocation);
• Performing minor maintenance and servicing of tools and equipment used in the performance of duties;
• Providing effective assistance to contractors when required;
• Ensuring all documentation (e.g., job cards, timesheets, consignments, material safety datasheets, and goods received) is promptly and accurately completed/maintained;
• Being proactive in identifying areas for improvement and provide recommendations to the supervisor;
• At all times giving regard to season and weather events in the planning and conducting of duties;
• Any other duties as directed by the Grounds Supervisor and Facilities Manager.

N.B This position description contains the most important duties and tasks regarding the job to be done. It is not an exclusive/exhaustive list.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES/KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of plant type and species, landscaping methods and technique;
• Knowledge of Work, Health and Safety requirements and demonstrated ability to work in compliance with WH&S provisions;
• Ability to plan, organise, resolve problems and prioritise work to meet strict deadlines and the ability to accommodate urgent and unplanned work with limited guidance, often without direct supervision in a collaborative team environment;
• Demonstrated work ethic and attention to detail with the ability to liaise with staff and clients at all levels
• Ability to act on initiative, dealing with unexpected problems that arise;
• Willingness to take personal responsibility for standard of work carried out;
• To undertake any training relevant to your role;
• Manual handling and physical activity is an inherent requirement for this position. A high level of physical fitness and health is a requirement and must be maintained.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Experience in maintaining gardens, grounds and building of a large facility;
• Experience in irrigation systems;
• Current ChemCert Chemical Accreditation Certificate (Preferred, but not essential)

REQUIRED LICENCES/CERTIFICATES

• Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
• Police Check
• Open Manual Driver’s with an “LR” (light rigid) or higher License – desirable

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The School takes child protection seriously, and as a staff member or volunteer of The Rockhampton Grammar School, you are required to meet the behaviour standards outlined in our Practice and Behaviour Guidelines. You will receive a copy of these guidelines as part of the induction process.

Therefore, as a part of your duties and responsibilities, you are also required to:

• Provide a welcoming and safe environment for children and young people;
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people to whom we provide services;
• Ensure that your interactions with children and young people are positive and safe;
• Provide adequate care and supervision of children and young people in your charge;
• Act as a positive role model for children and young people;
• Report any suspicions, concerns, allegations or disclosures of alleged abuse to management;
• Maintain valid “working with children” documentation;
• Undergo periodic “national criminal history record” checks;
• Report to management any criminal charges or convictions you receive during the course of your employment that may indicate a possible risk to children and young people.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The successful applicant will be subject to a “Working with Children Check and Criminal Records Check” where applicable. The School undertakes several screening processes to ensure the appropriate protection of children and young people in its care. This includes reference checks, identity checks qualification check and professional registration checks.

Enquiries should be directed toRodney Johnson (Grounds Supervisor) on 07 4936 0***

*Note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*The Rockhampton Grammar School reserves the right to amend this Position Description at its discretion in accordance with any Safeguarding of Children, legislative and/or operational requirements.