Groundsperson

The Grounds Department

The Grounds and Garden department, under the leadership of the Grounds and Garden Manager, is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the grounds, gardens, playing fields and sports surfaces across multiple schools.

The Appointment

The College is looking to recruit a full-time Groundsperson to primarily undertake all aspects of grounds duties at the College and Prep schools in Hove and Worthing.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a flexible and positive approach to work and will be able to work independently when required.

Job Title:         Groundsperson

Reporting to:  Grounds & Gardens Manager and Deputy Grounds & Gardens Manager

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• To carry out routine grounds maintenance work of lawns, boarders, hedges, playing surfaces and landscape as directed by the management team.
• To be proficient in the use, application and maintenance of grounds care equipment and operations including pedestrian and ride on equipment, tractor mounted implements and other associated tasks i.e. playing surface aeration, line marking, devoting, fertilising, brushing, top dressing, seeding, wedding, watering and general maintenance, renovation and repair of all grass, planted, landscaped and synthetic areas.
• To create, mark out and set up playing surfaces in readiness for lessons and matches.
• To ensure the safe use and operation of equipment and machinery used in gardens and grounds maintenance.
• To inform the management team, where appropriate, to take corrective action on mechanical defects or breakdown of equipment.
• To observe and comply with the Health and Safety policy and code of practice for College staff.
• To ensure the security of the outbuildings such as the cricket pavilion and garages where equipment is stored, remembering to unlock and lock at the appropriate times.
• To keep roads and pathways clear of snow and treat with rock salt as and when required.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential

• Proficient in operate a range of grounds-maintenance machinery, including but not limited to mowers, hedge cutters, stimmers, and tractors.
• Hold a full, clean UK driving licence.
• Knowledge of current health and safety requirements and industry legislation, with the ability to apply relevant regulations, standards, and safe working practices.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate respectfully, build positive working relationships, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• Reliable and responsible approach to work, demonstrating consistent delivery to high standards and a willingness to take ownership of tasks.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as required.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience working in estates, or sports turf environments, including the maintenance of sports pitches.
• Previous experience working within a school or education setting.
• PA1–PA6 pesticide application certificates (or willingness to work towards obtaining them).

This job description sets out the main duties at the time it was drawn up.  Such duties may vary occasionally but without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed, and the candidate will be required to carry out any reasonable requests required by their Line Manager.

Application Procedure:

Applications should be made using the application form. Candidates are asked to add a covering letter setting out, as succinctly as possible, their reasons for applying for the position at Lancing.

Application forms are available from the College website www.lancingcollege.org.uk.

Please send any emails to recruitment@lancing.org.uk

A full curriculum vitae and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of a minimum of two referees, one of whom should be the candidate’s current or most recent employer should be included with the application.