Grounds Maintenance Assistant

VALENCE SCHOOL; Westerham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension scheme

Life cover

Staff wellbeing initiatives

Employee discounts

Subsidised meals

Free on-site parking

Training & development

Job summary

Valence School is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Assistant to help maintain extensive school grounds and outdoor facilities. You will perform routine tasks such as mowing, strimming, pruning, weeding, planting and watering, and support with events and safety duties.

The role involves maintaining woodland and lakeside areas, operating basic grounds equipment, and assisting with repairs to fencing and pathways. Training, development, and a generous benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• Physically fit to perform outdoor manual tasks in all weather conditions.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings or weekends when required.
• Reliable and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Strong communication and collaboration with colleagues and the school community.
• Commitment to high standards of presentation and safety.

Responsibilities

• Carry out routine grounds maintenance: mowing, strimming, pruning, weeding, planting, watering.
• Maintain woodland, hedgerow and lakeside areas; keep spaces safe and presentable.
• Operate and basic service grounds maintenance equipment and machinery.
• Assist with repairs to fencing, gates, pathways and outdoor furniture.
• Prepare outdoor spaces for school events and activities.
• Support site safety tasks including snow clearance and gritting.
• Follow Health & Safety procedures and safeguarding requirements.
• Work independently or in a team; manage a varied workload.
• Participate in training and development opportunities.

Skills

Mowing

Strimming

Pruning

Weeding

Planting

Watering

Equipment maintenance

Grounds safety awareness

Team collaboration

Job description

Are you someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in maintaining high standards, and likes seeing the results of your work every day? We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Grounds Maintenance Assistant to join our Facilities Team and help maintain our extensive school grounds and outdoor facilities. This is a varied and rewarding role where you will play an important part in ensuring our grounds remain safe, attractive, and welcoming for students, staff, visitors, and the wider school community. What you will do:

• Carry out routine grounds maintenance including mowing, strimming, pruning, weeding, planting, watering, and seasonal horticultural tasks.
• Maintain woodland, hedgerow, and lakeside areas, ensuring they remain safe and well-presented.
• Operate, maintain, and carry out basic servicing of grounds maintenance equipment and machinery.
• Assist with repairs to fencing, gates, pathways, and outdoor furniture.
• Support the preparation of outdoor spaces for school events and activities.
• Assist with site safety, including snow clearance, gritting, and general upkeep of the grounds.
• Work in accordance with Health & Safety procedures and safeguarding requirements.
  Practical, hands-on, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to manage a varied workload.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of presentation and safety.
• Physically fit and capable of carrying out outdoor manual tasks in all weather conditions.
• Flexible and willing to assist with occasional evening and weekend work when required.
• Strong communication skills and a positive approach to supporting colleagues and the wider school community.
  A varied outdoor role where no two days are the same.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Generous pension scheme and life cover.
• Staff wellbeing initiatives and support services.
• Access to employee discounts and subsidised meals.
• Free on-site parking.
• The opportunity to work within a supportive and welcoming school community.

Why work with us?

Valence School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We value diversity and promote equality for all. References will be sought prior to interview for shortlisted candidates, and online checks will be undertaken. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check (this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).