Caretaker and Groundsperson

Teaching Vacancies; Catterick Garrison; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local secondary school in Catterick Garrison is seeking a dedicated Caretaker and Groundsperson. The role includes maintaining the school's buildings and grounds, ensuring security, and handling minor repairs. The ideal candidate will have experience in maintenance, good communication skills, and a commitment to safeguarding. A driving license is required. The school promotes a supportive environment for staff development and has a commitment to child welfare.

Benefits

Staff benefits scheme

Opportunity for skill development

Qualifications

• Experience in basic repairs and maintenance.
• Good verbal communication skills and fluent in English.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Aware of health and safety protocols.
• Possession of a current, full driving licence.
• Experience with grounds maintenance and grass‑cutting machinery is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Maintain security, safety, cleanliness of school buildings and grounds.
• Undertake minor repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Mow lawns, maintain hedges, and mark sports pitches.
• Test fire alarm system weekly and perform risk assessments.
• Assist with cleaning duties if needed.

Job description

What skills and experience we’re looking for

Do you take pride in maintaining and improving a safe, clean, and welcoming environment? We’re looking for a proactive caretaker and groundsperson to join our team.

Risedale School is a thriving and dynamic secondary school committed to providing an exceptional learning environment for our pupils. We are seeking a dedicated and skilled team member to oversee the efficient and safe operation of our extensive school premises and to maintain our grounds.

This is a pivotal role that requires an eye for detail with excellent practical skills and a commitment to maintaining high standards across all aspects of our facilities. You will be instrumental in ensuring our school remains a safe, welcoming, well-presented and inspiring place for our pupils, staff, and the wider community.

The Role

The Caretaker and Groundsperson at Risedale is responsible for maintaining the security, safety, high standards of presentation and cleanliness of all school buildings and grounds.

Key responsibilities

• Act as a key holder, lock and unlock buildings, and respond to emergency calls from the alarm company.
• Undertake minor repairs, replace light fittings, move furniture, and ensure the grounds are free from litter, debris, and snow.
• Mow lawns, maintain hedges and shrubs, mark sports pitches, and apply herbicides, pesticides, and fertiliser.
• Test the fire alarm system weekly, carry out informal risk assessments, and ensure all duties are performed in line with health and safety regulations.
• Welcome contractors, collect waste, and assist with cleaning duties during the school day, if needed.

Ideal Candidate

• Aware of health and safety protocols and a general knowledge of basic repairs and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and manage time effectively.
• High levels of motivation, punctuality, and flexibility.
• Good verbal communication skills and the ability to converse fluently in English.
• Experience in basic repairs and maintenance.
• Experience caring for herbaceous borders, flower beds, shrubs, plants, and lawns.
• Experience using basic hand tools.
• Experience working within the grounds maintenance industry and with grass‑cutting machinery is also desirable.
• Possession of a current, full driving licence.
• Passion for ensuring that the learning environment accessed by young people meets their needs and motivates them.
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance is required, along with a commitment to safeguarding children and young people.

How to Apply

An application pack, including a job description and person specification, can be downloaded from our school website: risedale.org.uk/joining-us/recruitment.

We welcome informal visits to the school prior to application. Please contact [e-mail] to arrange a suitable time.

Completed application forms should be emailed to [e-mail] or alternatively can be posted to Mrs L Greenwood, Headteacher, Risedale School, Hipswell, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire DL9 4BD.

PLEASE NOTE: The school will not accept referrals/CVs from supply or employment agencies for this post.

Closing date: 23:59 Thursday, 6th November 2025

Interview date: Friday, 14th November 2025 (TBC)

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will, therefore, be required to complete an enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure. We encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

What the school offers its staff

• A chance to develop and enhance your skill set in a supportive environment
• Access to a staff benefits scheme

Commitment to safeguarding

Risedale School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in our school. We will protect and support our vulnerable children, children who need support through early help, children in need and children who have a child protection plan. All North Yorkshire schools, including Risedale School, follow the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures.