Groundsman - full time - Ditcham Park School
Ditcham Park school is seeking to appoint an experienced Groundsman to join the Estates Team.
Ditcham Park School is an independent co-educational day school located in the South Downs National Park near Petersfield, Hampshire. There is a Junior and Senior School (with membership of the IAPS and HMC respectively) with approximately 400 pupils aged from 3 to 16 years old. There are approximately 70 members of staff. There is also a nursery building on site which is run as a separate entity. The school site is approximately 16 acres in size comprising of school buildings, grass sports areas, tennis courts and woodland. During the spring and Autumn term the grass areas are marked out for the sports of Rugby and Football and in the summer term for Athletics and Tennis. This includes a 400m running track.
Key purpose of role
The Grounds person will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of maintenance, upkeep and appearance of the Sports Field whilst adhering to health and safety regulations. This is a varied and interesting role which will involve working mainly outdoors in all weathers.
* will work with the Estates Bursar and Head of PE to ensure that the Sports Field is available for fixtures and training use by the pupils.
* will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of maintenance, upkeep and appearance of the landscaped areas of the whole school site.
* is to promote the ethos of the School as determined by the Headmaster, regarding neatness, cleanliness, orderliness, presentation and attractiveness. The Schools’ presentation to current and future parents, staff and pupils is of paramount importance. The grounds person needs to recognise this and to respond promptly to directions emanating from the Estates Bursar.
* is to be physically fit, organised, forward thinking, adaptable, able to work at heights and part of a team and be a good communicator.
Qualifications:
A full, clean driving licence (essential).
City and Guilds level 2 certificate in tractor driving and related operations (desirable).
City and Guilds level 2 certificate in chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting (desirable).
City and Guilds level 2 award in the safe handling and application of pesticides using handheld equipment (desirable).
Hours of Work
As a minimum you would be required to work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday and very occasionally on Saturdays. You would be required to work at such times as it would be necessary for the proper performance of your duties in preparation for School games sessions and sporting fixtures. During the GCSE exams period in the summer term, you would be required to start work earlier to minimise noise from mowing machinery.
You would be required to attend other school events, e.g. Sports days, founders’ day and open mornings.
Holiday entitlement is 25 days which is to be taken during school holidays or as agreed by the Estates Bursar.
Please see the full for all duties and responsibilities.
Application procedure
To apply for the position please complete the application form below.
You may submit your application in either of two ways:
1. via email to recruitment@ditchampark.com or
2. by post or by hand to Ditcham Park School, FAO Louisa Martin, Ditcham Park, Nr Petersfield, Hampshire, GU31 5RN, England
To keep your data safe, we suggest you encrypt emailed applications or hand deliver your application to the school.
Closing Date is 9:00 am Monday 27th January 2025
Interviews will be held at the school on arrangement
Ditcham Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Agencies need not apply.