School Site Operative- Grounds

CATS Global Schools; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Bournemouth Collegiate School is seeking a reliable School Site Operative to join the Estates and Facilities team. The role involves caring for the grounds, playing fields and outdoor spaces to ensure a safe and attractive environment for pupils and staff.

You will be responsible for day-to-day grounds maintenance, opening the site as a keyholder, and assisting with events. A horticultural background and driving licence are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience in grounds maintenance, gardening or horticulture.
• Pride in maintaining high standards.
• Confident using grounds-maintenance tools and machinery.
• Able to work independently while also contributing to a team.
• Understands health and safety in a school environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain school grounds, including play areas, sports pitches and external spaces.
• Open the site as keyholder daily and on Saturdays when required; rota-based evening lock-up.
• Assist with setting up for school events and functions.
• Monitor fences and coordinate replacements with the Site Manager.
• Consult with Local Authority and contractors for specialist areas such as sports pitches and woodland.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Gardening

Horticulture

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Education

Horticultural qualification

Driving licence

Tools

Grounds maintenance machinery

Job description

Hours: 25 hours per week, all-year-round, 4 days plus Saturdays (Tuesday to Saturday)

Contract: Permanent

Bournemouth Collegiate School is seeking a reliable, practical and enthusiastic School Site Operative to join our Estates and Facilities team.

With extensive grounds and outdoor facilities, the successful candidate will play an important role in maintaining a safe, attractive and well-presented environment for our pupils, staff and visitors.

The role

Working as part of the wider Estates team, you will be responsible for the day-to-day care and maintenance of the school's grounds, playing fields, gardens and external areas.

Your duties will include:

Keyholder for the site opening the school daily and Saturdays as required, flexibility as required for evening lock up on a rota basis.

Assisting as part of the wider team to set up for school functions and events.

Maintaining the school grounds including woodland, sports areas, play facilities, out of bounds, internal quad, pond, fountain, hanging baskets, raised beds and specific areas contained herein. In conjunction with the Site Maintenance Team.

Monitoring internal fences and arrange replacement as needed in consultation with Site Manager.

Consulting with Local Authority and professional contractors on site for specialist areas such as sports pitches and woodland.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

Has practical experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, horticulture or a similar role

Takes pride in maintaining high standards

Is confident using grounds-maintenance tools and machinery

Has good practical and problem-solving skills

Can work independently while also contributing effectively to a team

Is organised, dependable and has a positive attitude

Is comfortable working outdoors in all seasons

Understands the importance of health and safety in a school environment

A relevant horticultural or grounds-maintenance qualification would be advantageous, as would experience of maintaining sports pitches. A full driving licence would also be desirable.

Why join Bournemouth Collegiate School?

This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a welcoming school community and contribute directly to the environment in which our pupils learn, play and thrive.

You will work alongside an experienced Estates team, with the opportunity to develop your practical skills and take responsibility for maintaining a varied and attractive school estate.

BCS is an equal opportunities employer, and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions in School will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS).

To comply with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all prospective employees will be required to supply evidence of eligibility to work in the UK.

CATS Global Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect everyone connected with the organisation to share this commitment. All positions are subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment pre-employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a criminal declaration form prior to interview and be subject to online checks which may include social media.