Grounds Keeper

Sandwell College; King's Norton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-Tier Salaries

Annual leave 35-50 days

Career development days

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounts on onsite services

Gym access or discounts

Pension contributions

Retail & Travel discounts

Free Will Writing

Free Flu Vaccine

Wellbeing support

Recognition events

Job summary

Cadbury College is seeking a practical Grounds Keeper to maintain and improve our campus outdoor spaces. You’ll care for trees, shrubs, planters and seasonal planting, ensuring safe, tidy and welcoming grounds year-round.

You’ll also oversee the outsourced grass-cutting contractor, lead winter maintenance, and support indoor plant care across sites, with occasional travel and event setup tasks. A valid driving licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Practical groundskeeping or gardening experience.
• Full driving licence is essential.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Plan and prioritise grounds maintenance tasks independently.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance campus grounds, including trees, shrubs, planters and seasonal planting.
• Oversee external grass-cutting contractor and manage winter maintenance and safety.
• Maintain indoor plants and support the Site team for examinations and events.

Skills

Groundskeeping experience

Driving licence

Outdoor work

Task planning

Health and safety

Winter maintenance

Communication

Teamwork

Staging events support

Group visits coordination

Education

Horticulture/grounds qualification (RHS/City & Guilds)

Pesticide application PA1/PA6

Tools

Powered equipment experience

Job description

Location: Cadbury College

Application Deadline: 9 November 2026

Department: Cadbury Estates - Building Services

Location: Cadbury College

Compensation: £25,878 - £28,901 / year

Description

Do you enjoy working outdoors and take pride in creating attractive, well-maintained spaces? Cadbury College is looking for a practical, reliable and enthusiastic Grounds Keeper to help maintain and enhance our campus grounds, creating a welcoming environment for students, staff, parents and visitors. Based primarily at Cadbury College, you’ll play an important role in keeping our outdoor spaces safe, tidy and looking their best throughout the year. From caring for trees, shrubs, planters and planted areas to seasonal planting and winter maintenance, you’ll help ensure our campus makes a positive impression. You’ll also provide gardening support across other college sites and assist the wider Site team with examinations and special events when required.

Key Responsibilities

You’ll undertake a range of practical groundskeeping and horticultural duties, including weed control, grass maintenance, seasonal planting and caring for trees, shrubs and planters. You’ll monitor the performance of the outsourced grass-cutting contractor, report any concerns and suggest improvements to the layout and presentation of the grounds within agreed budgets. You’ll also take the lead on external winter maintenance at the main campus, monitoring weather forecasts and arranging gritting and clearing cycle routes when icy or snowy conditions arise. In addition, you’ll maintain indoor plants across the college sites, look after tools and equipment, follow safe working practices and support the Site team with setting up and clearing away for examinations and college events. The role involves travelling between sites and may require early starts or additional hours to respond to winter weather, events and operational needs. It is essential that the postholder has a current driving licence.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

We’re seeking someone with practical groundskeeping or gardening experience who can work independently, organise their workload and maintain high standards across our college grounds. You’ll need:

• Practical experience of groundskeeping or gardening work
• A current full driving licence
• The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and temperatures
• The ability to plan and prioritise grounds maintenance tasks without close supervision
• An understanding of health and safety when working outdoors and using tools, machinery and materials
• The ability to lead on winter maintenance, including gritting and clearing cycle routes
• Good communication and teamwork skills, with a positive and flexible approach
• The ability to work patiently and appropriately around visiting groups, including children and students with special educational needs
• A willingness to support the wider Site team with setting up and clearing away for examinations and college events

A horticulture or grounds-related qualification, such as RHS or City & Guilds, and a certificate for the safe application of pesticides, such as PA1 and PA6, would be advantageous. Experience using powered equipment, monitoring contractors or working within an educational setting would also be beneficial. A first aid qualification and an interest in biodiversity and sustainable campus management are welcome.

Benefits

• Top‑Tier Salaries – We offer sector‑leading pay with some of the most competitive salaries around
• Unbeatable Time Off – Enjoy 35‑50 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays AND extra time off at Christmas – because work‑life balance is essential
• Fast‑Track Your Career – Take advantage of dedicated development days, career pathways, and talent schemes designed to help you grow and succeed
• Cycle to Work Scheme – A healthier, greener, and more cost‑effective way to commute
• Exclusive Discounts on Onsite Services – Save on Bliss Hair & Beauty Salon, dog grooming, car health checks, and more
• Fitness Perks – Enjoy our college gym facilities or discounted rates at local gyms to keep you feeling your best
• Generous Pension Contributions – We invest in your future with 23.68% employer contribution for teaching roles and 21.5% for non‑teaching roles
• Retail & Travel Discounts – Unlock exclusive savings on high street brands, local transport, cross‑country travel. UNIDAYS, Student Beans and Blue Light Discount
• Free Will Writing – We’ve got your back with professional support for your future planning
• Free Flu Vaccine – Stay healthy and protected at no cost to you
• Wellbeing Support – Access confidential counselling services and wellness platforms to support your mental and emotional health
• We Celebrate You! – We recognise and appreciate your hard work with awards, recognition events, and celebration days throughout the year.