Groundskeeper | Birkenhead House

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 ensures that the gardens, grounds and outdoor areas of the property are maintained to the exceptional 5-star premium standards of The Royal Portfolio. They provide our guests with a beautiful, tranquil and safe environment that contributes to the Company's purpose which is "to give our guests a complete experience and a perfect stay". In addition, this role is responsible for the full upkeep of the garden and grounds of two of the causes our Foundation supports, Masibulele Crèche and the Children's Centre in Hermanus. This includes creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, educational and child-friendly outdoor environments that support the Foundation's community upliftment projects.

MAIN DUTIES & 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

• Maintain a safe, child-friendly outdoor play area -- including lawn, sand pits, play equipment surrounds, and boundaries.
• Develop and maintain the educational vegetable garden for the children, in collaboration with the Foundation and Crèche Principal.
• Keep all fences, gates, pathways and outdoor structures neat, safe and in good repair; report any safety risks immediately.
• Regular removal of weeds, alien vegetation, litter and hazardous items to ensure a healthy and safe environment for children.
• Liaise respectfully with crèche staff and Foundation representatives; schedule noisy work outside of key learning / rest times where possible.
• Act as a positive ambassador for Birkenhead House and The Royal Portfolio Foundation when working in the community.

REQUIREMENTS & 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

It is important that the candidate is able to work as part of a team and is a good cultural fit for The Royal Portfolio.

South African citizenship is advantageous. A valid work permit is essential if you are not in possession of a South African ID document.

Please note it is a condition of employment, that all staff undergo a pre-employment polygraph test.