Groundsperson / Site Assistant

Thorpe Hall School; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent school in Southend-on-Sea is seeking a full-time Groundsperson/Site Assistant to maintain the school grounds. This role involves responsibilities like lawn maintenance and use of various gardening equipment. The ideal candidate should be reliable, proactive, and able to work both autonomously and as part of a team. Applicants must have a good understanding of health and safety procedures, and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high-quality site standards.

Qualifications

• Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy.
• Proactive and able to respond to deadlines.
• Good understanding of Health and Safety procedures.
• Proven maintenance skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with adults and children.

Responsibilities

• Use various gardening tools and equipment.
• Maintain lawns, pitches, and flowerbeds.
• Perform snow clearance and gritting.
• Assist Caretaking Staff during adverse weather.

Skills

Reliability

Proactivity

Communication

Teamwork

Punctuality

Tools

Tractor

Lawn mowers

Strimmer

Hedge trimmer

Leaf blower

Shredder

Chain saw

Job description

Job Overview

Thorpe Hall School is seeking to appoint a full-time, permanent Groundsperson/Site Assistant who may have a variety of skills to assist with the day-to-day operation of the school. We are looking for someone with a flexible approach who takes pride in their work and will demonstrate a passionate drive to maintain and develop our site as well as a desire to contribute positively to the whole school. The role is a physical one involving the effective maintenance of the school grounds/site including maintenance of lawns, pitches and flowerbeds, lifting, moving furniture etc, navigating stairs and a lot of movement around the site, any prospective applicant should ensure that they can fulfil this requirement.

Responsibilities

• Use of tractor, lawn mowers, strimmer, hedge trimmer, leaf blower, shredder & chain saw (PPE will be provided and must be worn).
• Maintain all lawns and grass areas including pitches, sandpit, pathways – cutting, weeding, reseeding, turf, fertilising, maintenance as required.
• Maintain trees & shrubs – digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, pruning, planting.
• Maintain all perimeter grounds and fence lines – pruning, weeding, weed-killing, strimming, general fence maintenance.
• Keep thoroughfares clear of weeds and litter, including ramps and stairs.
• Remove any extraneous garden waste from site on a regular basis.
• Keep tools in good working order and sheds/container tidy.
• Regular checks and maintenance of all equipment, including lawnmower and snow blower – annual service.
• Snow clearance and gritting during adverse weather conditions – may involve a change of hours.
• Erection, dismantling and storage of football nets / rugby posts.
• Maintain a clean and clear boot knock off area.
• Marking out of all PE pitches & running tracks in line with curriculum needs.
• Ensure all activities and procedures comply with Health & Safety Regulations.
• Work with the Estate Manager to ensure each task has a compliant Risk Assessment in place.
• Place orders for materials/equipment to the Site Manager.
• Work autonomously.
• Show a high degree of flexibility in working practices and a co-operative, enthusiastic outlook.
• Assist Caretaking Staff when own tasks are restricted by inclement weather.
• Handle any other ad-hoc projects as directed by Line Manager, and Headteacher.
• Participate in the performance and development review process annually, taking responsibility for development and training in discussion with Line Manager.
• Take pride in the maintenance of the School grounds to a high standard as a fundamental part of duties.
• Comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with the role, for health & safety in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Be reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
• Be proactive, self-motivated and able to respond to deadlines.
• Acquire new skills and be available to attend training.
• Have a good understanding of Health and Safety procedures.
• Show proven maintenance skills and take pride in work.
• Be able to work effectively as a team player.
• Communicate well with adults and children.

Thorpe Hall is a non-selective co-educational day school of 500 pupils from Nursery to Year 11. The school is situated on a generous site on the outskirts of Southend-on-Sea and has an excellent reputation as one of the leading independent schools in the area. More information about the school and the school's prospectus can be found on our website: https://www.thorpehall.southend.sch.uk/

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.