5-Star Grounds & Gardens Steward

The Royal Portfolio; Hermanus; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The Groundskeeper at Birkenhead House within The Royal Portfolio is responsible for maintaining gardens, lawns and outdoor spaces to 5-star standards in Hermanus. You will support the Foundation projects and ensure a safe, beautiful environment for guests and the community.

We value initiative, teamwork and meticulous attention to detail as you work with the Maintenance team to care for landscapes, irrigation and outdoor facilities while upholding sustainability principles.

Qualifications

• Matric certificate at a minimum
• Additional tertiary qualification or certification is an advantage, but not a requirement
• Firefighting and first aid certifications would be an advantage
• Previous maintenance experience including painting, sanding, etc
• Passion for and proven track record of maintaining exceptional gardens/ landscapes
• Previous exposure to working alongside a Maintenance team
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written, in English
• Highly principled, ethical and honest
• Positive, can-do attitude
• Team player
• Self-motivated, able to take initiative
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to spot work that needs to be done/ corrections to make/ areas for improvement

Responsibilities

• Maintain all gardens, lawns, flower beds, trees, shrubs, hedges and coastal fynbos in pristine condition at all times.
• Mowing, edging, weeding, pruning, planting, fertilizing, mulching and irrigation of all landscaped areas.
• Maintain cliff paths, walkways, driveways, parking areas, whale-watching deck and exterior guest areas free of litter, leaves and debris.
• Care for and maintain irrigation systems, garden tools, power equipment and machinery (mower, brush cutter, blower, hedge trimmer), reporting any faults to the Maintenance Manager.
• Monitor plant health, identify pests/diseases and apply appropriate organic treatments where possible.
• Maintain water features, pot plants and entrance displays to 5-star standard.
• Ensure composting, green waste removal and environmentally responsible gardening practices are carried out in line with The Royal Portfolio's sustainability principles.
• Ensure preventative maintenance, painting, sanding, and seasonal planting is planned and carried out.
• Assist with preparation and set-up for outdoor guest experiences, events and functions (e.g., garden dinners, private events) and ensure the braai is always clean and ready to be used.
• Ensure all work is carried out with minimal disruption to guests and with utmost respect for guest privacy.
• Work cost effectively, ensuring that all products are used sparingly and stored correctly for longevity.
• Assist the Maintenance team to maintain the exterior of the building with painting and repairs
• The Royal Portfolio Foundation projects

Skills

Communication

Team player

Self-motivated

Attention to detail

Initiative

Education

Matric (minimum)

Tertiary qualification (advantage)

Job description

The Groundskeeper at Birkenhead House within The Royal Portfolio is responsible for maintaining gardens, lawns and outdoor spaces to 5-star standards in Hermanus. You will support the Foundation projects and ensure a safe, beautiful environment for guests and the community.

We value initiative, teamwork and meticulous attention to detail as you work with the Maintenance team to care for landscapes, irrigation and outdoor facilities while upholding sustainability principles.