Deputy Groundskeeper

TipTopJob; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The Portsmouth Grammar School is seeking a full-time Grounds Maintenance Assistant to care for our playing fields and grounds at Hilsea Playing Fields, Portsmouth, with responsibilities across our main site in Old Portsmouth.

Working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.00am–4.00pm, you will support planned maintenance, operate and service ground machinery, monitor safety, and assist with event cover and safeguarding of pupils.

Qualifications

• A good standard of education with excellent spoken and written English.
• To hold, or be willing to complete, Emergency First Aid at Work qualification.
• Experience in grounds maintenance or sports turf management.

Responsibilities

• Plan and complete grounds maintenance activities with the Head Groundskeeper.
• Maintain sports pitches, surfaces, landscaped areas, gardens, pathways and access roads.
• Inspect grounds and facilities, report defects and take corrective action.
• Maintain site cleanliness and presentation, including waste management.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Sports turf management

Health and safety

Equipment operation

Education

Grounds maintenance qualification

Tools

Mowers / power tools

Record keeping

Job description

Location : Hilsea Playing Fields (Portsmouth)

Salary: A GBP 27,146 to A GBP 35,018 dependent upon the qualifications, skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Job type: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hrs/week worked across 5 days, Monday to Friday)

Closing Date: 30th of September 2026

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co:educational school located in the heart of historic Portsmouth. Our Playing Fields are located at Hilsea.

The Role

Working as part of a small professional team and reporting to our Head Groundskeeper and Hilsea Site Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining our sports pitches and grounds to a high standard, assisting with planned maintenance projects, and supporting future site improvements. The role is based at our Hilsea Playing Fields and includes regular support at our main site in Old Portsmouth. We welcome applications from both individuals looking to further develop a career in grounds maintenance and sports turf management and experienced grounds professionals with relevant qualifications and specialist skills. This is a full:time role (37.5 hours per week), working Monday to Friday, with normal working hours of 8.00am to 4.00pm where the standard working day is 7.5 hours with a 30 minute unpaid lunchbreak. Flexibility is required to support sporting events, evening lettings, site security and occasional weekend or evening working. Time off in lieu will be provided where appropriate.

Main Responsibilities

Grounds Maintenance and Sports Facilities

• To liaise daily with the Head Groundskeeper and Hilsea Site Manager to plan, prioritise and complete grounds maintenance activities
• Maintain, manage and continually improve all sports pitches, artificial surfaces, landscaped areas, gardens, pathways and access roads
• Ensure all grounds and sports facilities are maintained to the highest possible standards, supporting the schools sporting, educational and lettings programmes
• Regularly inspect grounds, facilities and infrastructure, reporting defects and taking appropriate corrective action where possible
• Maintain site cleanliness and presentation, including litter collection, waste management and general housekeeping

Equipment and Asset Management

• Maintain all ground machinery, vehicles, hand tools and power tools in a clean, safe and operational condition
• Ensure all equipment is serviced and maintained
• Keep buildings, sheds, workshops and storage areas clean, organised and secure
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, inspections and repairs

Site Security and Visitor Management

• Assist in maintaining the security of the Hilsea site, including conducting site checks following events and securing facilities
• Report unresolved issues or concerns to the Head Groundskeeper or Estates Team
• Host contrators, lettings clients and visitors, ensuring compliance with safeguarding procedures, visitor management requirements and sige regulations

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Promote safe working practices and ensure the correct use of PPE
• Carry out statutory checks as directed by the Head Groundskeeper and Hilsea Site Manager

Communication and Teamwork

• Attend team meetings, staff briefings, training sessions and other meetings as required
• In the absence of the Head Groundskeeper and Hilsea Site Manager, liaise with stakeholders regarding operational matters

Operational Support

• Provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence and wider Estates Team activities when required
• Work flexibly across School site and participate in overtime, emergency callouts and out:of:hours support when necessary
• To ensure the safeguarding of pupils

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• A good standard of education with excellent spoken and written English
• To hold, or be willing to complete, relevant Emergency First Aid at Work qualification
• Experience of