Deputy Groundskeeper

Coast and Vale Learning Trust; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

The Portsmouth Grammar School in Portsmouth is seeking a dedicated Deputy Groundskeeper to join our Grounds Team at Hilsea Playing Fields. You will help maintain sports pitches and grounds to a high standard and support planned maintenance projects and site improvements.

This full-time role (37.5 hours, Mon–Fri 8:00–16:00) may require extra weekend or evening work for events and lettings, with time off in lieu where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Willingness to undertake training and professional development.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work effectively under direction.
• Team player with strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and flexible in responding to operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain sports pitches and grounds to a high standard.
• Assist with planned maintenance projects and site improvements.
• Support future site improvements and occasional work at the main site.
• Work as part of a small professional team under supervision.

Skills

Team player

Organisational skills

Time management

Self-motivated

Flexible

Willingness to train

Professional demeanor

Education

Groundskeeping qualification

Job description

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. We are very much a family school known for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities and offer an education across the age range from Pre-School to Sixth Form.

We are seeking to appoint a dedicated and enthusiastic Deputy Groundskeeper to join our Grounds Team based at Hilsea Playing Fields. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the maintenance and development of high-quality sports facilities that support the school's extensive sporting and lettings programmes.

Working as part of a small, professional team and reporting to the Head Groundskeeper and Hilsea Site Manager, you will play a key role in maintaining sports pitches and grounds to a high standard, assisting with planned maintenance projects, and supporting future site improvements. The role also includes occasional support at the school's main site.

We welcome applications from both:

• Individuals looking to progress a career in grounds maintenance and sports turf management; and
• Experienced grounds professionals with relevant qualifications and specialist skills.

Key Requirements

• Team player with strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work effectively under direction.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and flexible in responding to operational needs.
• Willingness to undertake training and professional development.
• Professional and approachable manner when interacting with staff, pupils, parents, and visitors.

Working Hours

This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week), working Monday to Friday, with normal working hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm. Flexibility is required to support sporting events, lettings, site security, and occasional additional weekend or evening working to meet operational requirements. The standard working day is 7.5 hours to include a 30 minute unpaid lunchbreak.

Outside of term time, there will be the opportunity to agree variations to the working pattern to meet operational requirements and support work-life balance. Time off in lieu will be provided where appropriate.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience, qualifications, and skills.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to develop specialist groundskeeping expertise within a leading independent school.
• Supportive working environment within a respected and successful educational institution.