Grounds Maintenance Assistant

Are you someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in maintaining high standards, and likes seeing the results of your work every day? We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic Grounds Maintenance Assistant to join our Facilities Team and help maintain our extensive school grounds and outdoor facilities.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you will play an important part in ensuring our grounds remain safe, attractive, and welcoming for students, staff, visitors, and the wider school community.

What you will do:

• Carry out routine grounds maintenance including mowing, strimming, pruning, weeding, planting, watering, and seasonal horticultural tasks.
• Maintain woodland, hedgerow, and lakeside areas, ensuring they remain safe and well-presented.
• Operate, maintain, and carry out basic servicing of grounds maintenance equipment and machinery.
• Assist with repairs to fencing, gates, pathways, and outdoor furniture.
• Support the preparation of outdoor spaces for school events and activities.
• Assist with site safety, including snow clearance, gritting, and general upkeep of the grounds.
• Work in accordance with Health & Safety procedures and safeguarding requirements.

Who We're Looking For:

• Practical, hands-on, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to manage a varied workload.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of presentation and safety.
• Physically fit and capable of carrying out outdoor manual tasks in all weather conditions.
• Flexible and willing to assist with occasional evening and weekend work when required.
• Strong communication skills and a positive approach to supporting colleagues and the wider school community.

What We Offer:

• A varied outdoor role where no two days are the same.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Generous pension scheme and life cover.
• Staff wellbeing initiatives and support services.
• Access to employee discounts and subsidised meals.
• Free on-site parking.
• The opportunity to work within a supportive and welcoming school community.

Why work with us?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a dedicated team and make a visible contribution to a unique school environment. If you enjoy working outdoors, take pride in your work, and want to be part of a community-focused organisation, we would love to hear from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy, interview and appoint earlier if we receive sufficient applications for this role.

Valence School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We value diversity and promote equality for all. References will be sought prior to interview for shortlisted candidates, and online checks will be undertaken. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check (this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act).