Grounds Maintenance Operative

Abingdon School; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Abingdon is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Worker to oversee the upkeep of their sports pitches and amenity surfaces. Responsibilities include maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation, using mechanical equipment, and ensuring the maintenance of grounds. The ideal candidate will have grounds maintenance experience, a full driving licence, and the ability to work flexibly. Competitive benefits include 25 paid time off days and a generous pension contribution.

Benefits

25 days paid time off plus bank holidays

Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution

Private healthcare insurance

Free lunches during term time

Flexible working from home where possible

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' experience in grounds maintenance.
• Full driving licence (maximum of 3 penalty points).
• Experience in soft and hard landscaping.

Responsibilities

• Set up sports pitches and maintain synthetic surfaces.
• Use of mechanical equipment including mowers and tractors.
• Maintain cleanliness and presentation of key areas.

Skills

Grounds maintenance experience

Good communication skills

Conscientious and reliable

Flexibility and self-motivation

Education

Recognised qualification in groundskeeping (e.g., NVQ)

Tools

Spraying certificates PA1 and PA2

Mechanical equipment operation

Job description

Location: Abingdon School, OX14 1DE

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Working Hours: 08.30 to 17.00, Monday-Friday (30 minutes unpaid lunch)

Salary: £27,501 per annum

Closing Date: 9 January 2026 (midday)

About Us

The Foundation comprises two schools: Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11‑18. Currently a boys’ school, it will become co‑educational from September 2026. Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4‑13 which has been co‑educational since last year. Both schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.

Key Responsibilities

• Setting up sports pitches and amenity surfaces including the maintenance of 2G & 3G synthetic surfaces
• Use of mechanical equipment such as mowers and tractors, including basic maintenance
• Line marking of sport surfaces
• Correct cutting and care of hedges and trees using mechanical equipment
• Care and maintenance of drives and hard surfaces within the defined areas of responsibility
• Keep all areas under responsibility clean and tidy, maintaining a high standard of presentation, including sweeping, edging, weed control and litter picking
• Cutting and maintenance of lawns
• Maintenance, repair and erection of fencing

You (Qualifications & Experience)

• A minimum of two years' experience in grounds maintenance
• Conscientious, reliable, flexible and self‑motivated
• Good communication skills
• Full driving licence (maximum of 3 penalty points)
• Recognised qualification in groundskeeping (e.g., NVQ)
• Experience of maintaining 3G and 2G is an advantage, although training can be given
• Spraying certificates PA1 and PA2 would be an advantage
• Experience in soft and hard landscaping

Benefits

• 25 days paid time off each year plus bank holidays
• Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution
• Abingdon Foundation Death in Service Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private healthcare insurance
• Flexible working from home (where possible)
• Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes
• Free lunches during term time
• Cycle to work scheme
• Christmas closure days
• Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply)
• Regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff
• Free on-site parking and bike storage for all staff
• Free online and in‑person courses for staff, including first aid, mental health first aid and health and safety

We aim to ensure that our staffing at all levels and in all roles is diverse and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community.

Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Interview Date: 16 January 2026

To submit your application for this opportunity, please click “Apply” now!