Groundsperson

Kent Tech; Dover; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious military school in Dover is seeking a dedicated Groundsperson to maintain its grounds and ensure high standards for events. The ideal candidate will have experience in groundskeeping and landscaping, excellent communication skills, and be able to work flexible hours. This full-time permanent role offers a salary ranging from £26,263 to £28,421 per year based on experience.

Qualifications

• Proven IT skills or ECDL or equivalent.
• Experience of undertaking general grounds maintenance activities.

Responsibilities

• Undertake grounds maintenance tasks including mowing and hedge trimming.
• Close liaison with the Head Groundsman regarding maintenance issues.
• Ensure sports pitches are available for School matches.

Skills

Effective communication

IT skills (ECDL or equivalent)

Grounds maintenance experience

Tools

Chainsaw

Ride on mower

Tractor

Job description

Advert

The Duke of York's Royal Military School seeks to appoint a Groundsperson, qualities such as attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to the upkeep of historical and functional aspects of the School site will be highly valued. Experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or related fields will be essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake Grounds Maintenance tasks including mowing, strimming, fine cut, chainsaw work and hedge trimming.
• Close liaison with the Head Groundsman with regard to any ground’s maintenance issues, including equipment, or unavailability of pitches in accordance with the School calendar.
• Ensure all sports pitches are available for School matches and that any external lettings have pitches available.
• Maintain the site grounds to a high standard especially for special events i.e. Grand Day and Remembrance Weekend.
• Tree maintenance.
• Grounds winter preparation work.
• In conjunction with the FM department’s snow and ice plan, carry out gritting and snow clearance as required, including working flexible hours (early mornings or late evenings) to maintain safe conditions for all site users, particularly during adverse weather.
• Undertake repairs as necessary to any road, hedges, fences or other grounds areas.
• Assist maintenance staff in other maintenance tasks as required.

Person Specification

• Effective communicator – good oral & written skills.
• Proven IT skills or ECDL or equivalent.
• Experience of undertaking general grounds maintenance activities.

Desirable Experience / Skills

• Previous experience of working in a school environment and a team.
• CS30 / 31 chainsaw tickets.
• CS38 Tree climbing and aerial rescue operations.
• CS39 use of chainsaw from rope and harness.
• Ride on mower and tractor tickets.
• The ability to carry out arborist tasks, or the willingness to undertake training to develop these skills, including tree climbing.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to work to tight and ever-changing deadlines according to the business need.
• Able to use initiative and prioritise tasks.
• An excellent team player but equally able to work alone.
• High level of integrity.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours as required (including, evening and weekend work).

Further Information

Full‑time, permanent role (37 hours per week). Salary : DOYRMS Band 5, £26,263–£28,421 per year, based on experience.

Application Process

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School week commencing 12 January 2026 and candidates will be contacted via email with interview details if they are shortlisted.