The Role
The core purpose of the Gardener and Groundsman is to maintain and develop alongside the Facilities team, the seventeen acres of gardens at Manor House School. You will also support the facilities team in the general day to day activities and tasks and contribute to the school’s development. It is recognised that it is impossible to specify all the ways in which this contribution may be made, but the following is a guide to what is expected:
Main Responsibilities
· Assist the Groundsman with the maintenance of lawns using appropriate equipment including but not limited to lawnmowers, strimmers, edging tools and scarifiers. Training must be requested and provided before use of equipment not within the jobholder’s experience or knowledge.
· Assist the facilities team with their daily task list and any other projects requested.
· Be responsible for maintenance of registers and other documentation pertaining to health and Safety and COSHH regulations. To undertake necessary training to achieve and/or maintain mandatory qualifications.
· The bringing on and (when necessary) planting out of bedding and watering of plants, hanging baskets and tubs.
· Maintenance and pruning of hedges and fruit trees.
· Maintenance of herbaceous borders, weeding and digging of borders.
· Assist with keeping paths, walkways, steps, fire escapes and entrance roads clear of leaves, other vegetable matter, ice, snow and excess rainfall.
· Keeping the greenhouse and equipment in good order.
· The application of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers to paths and borders, lawns and any other areas, taking due regard of all safety advice.
· Collection of materials, plants etc. using school transport (e.g. school minibus).
· Driving of school minibus with pupils e.g. to a local station or trips out
· Standing in for the groundsman when he is on leave or away.
· Be flexible and assist other team members with the smooth running of the school, e.g. the moving of furniture and other heavy objects, setting out and clearing away for events, car parking duty during events.
· Assisting with swimming pool maintenance if required.
· Ensure that the site is kept free of litter and debris.
· Advise the Facilities Manager on development of new planting schemes and other initiatives to make the site more attractive.
· Carry out basic maintenance to machinery, tools and equipment and ensure specialist annual maintenance is carried out as required. To be responsible for their security and safe operation, particularly with regard to pupils on site.
· Draw to the attention of the Facilities Manager any items of repair and maintenance that require contractors to be engaged, or any health and safety issues that require urgent or immediate attention.
· Provide additional support at events such as Open Days (including Saturday Open Morning), Prize Giving, Sports Days, School concerts/productions, parent picnics, Christmas Fayre etc. as required, which may include moving furniture, heavy objects and equipment. To be prepared to attend outside normal working hours, with reasonable notice for which overtime will be paid.
· Compulsory attendance at the Bookham open gardens or any other Manor House School garden event.
· Understand and put into practice school policies i.e. Health and Safety
· Provide the Housekeeper with logs for the fireplaces in the Main House.
· Maintenance and cleaning of the pond.
· Maintain, repair and replace if needed, fencing around the school.
Pay: £28,000.00-£31,500.00 per year
Work Location: In person
