Westminster School has a 10-acre playing field at Vincent Square, the largest square in Central London, which allows for pupils to engage in sport close to the School. The playing field is comprised of cricket pitches, football pitches, along with tennis courts of both and tarmac and artificial grass surfaces. In addition, there is an activity area with apparatus which are used by the pupils who attend Westminster Under School.

The grounds staff at Westminster School are expected to maintain the School’s playing surfaces and surrounding areas to the highest of standards, under the supervision of the Head Groundsperson.

• Undertake grounds maintenance duties (e.g. grass cutting, hedge trimming, strimming, weeding, tractor operation, ride-on and pedestrian machinery).
• Undertake initial marking and overmarking of sports areas (football pitches, cricket squares and athletic tracks etc.).
• Maintain artificial / synthetic playing areas.
• Undertake horticultural operations (e.g. ground preparation, planting, turfing, seeding and pruning)
• Undertake the erection, dismantling and maintenance of sports equipment.
• In the absence of the Head Groundsperson, liaise closely with games staff and external parties to ensure the availability of sports pitches and equipment.
• Arrange the correct provision of sports kits for the various teams, via liaison with the school’s Site Services.
• Ensure the highest standards of works are achieved in a timely and efficient manner.
• Provide effective materials and machinery management to ensure all equipment is correctly stored and maintained.
• Ensure the security of equipment, machinery, and buildings.
• Maintain cleanliness and general tidiness of all internal / external areas.
• Clear leaves, snow, ice, moss, and detritus as appropriate, including treatment of surfaces with salt etc.
• Report of any minor works issues through the chain of command.
• Supervise the weekly inspections of the activity play equipment.
• Assist, when necessary, with the erection and maintenance of school equipment.
• In the absence of the Head Groundsperson, be the point of contact for all visitors and staff.
• Maintain good communications with stake holders.
• Ensure vehicles and equipment used by the team are regularly maintained in accordance with routine operating requirements and recorded with any defects reported to the Head Groundsperson in a timely manner.
• Adhere to Health & Safety requirements, complying with current legislation and the School’s Health and Safety Policy.
• Carry out regular stock checks of consumables and replace where required.
• Ensure the safe use, storage, calibration and disposal of pesticides and other similar substances.
• Use the irrigation system, when required, to maintain the grass sports pitches to optimum condition.
• Promote the health and safety of others, responding to emergencies where possible.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, colleagues, and end users.
• Make recommendations, where possible, to the Head Groundsperson regarding improved work systems, labour, and machinery utilisation.

This job description is written at a specific time and is subject to change as the demands of Westminster School and as the role develops. The role requires flexibility and adaptability, and the employees of the School need to be aware that they may be asked to perform tasks and be given responsibilities not detailed in this job description. Any changes to the job description will be discussed with the postholder before being implemented.

Line Manager

The Deputy Head Groundsperson is line managed by the Head Groundsperson and reports directly to them.

Hours of Work

This is a full-time role, equating to 37.5 hours per week, including a requirement to work Saturdays on rotation (equating to 13 Saturdays to be worked per year).

Hours worked in addition to those above will be paid at the standard overtime rates. All overtime must be approved in advance by the Head Groundsperson.

Please refer to the below (attached) person specification.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender identity, sex or sexual orientation.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Westminster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Required for: as soon as possible

Location: Vincent Square, Westminster School

Contract: Permanent, full time

Salary: £34,000 per annum

Additional benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and discretionary Christmas stand-down period. Leave should be taken when convenient with the workload and deadlines
• Pension – Contributory Defined Contribution Scheme
• Free school lunch is provided
• Use of School gym (restricted hours)
• Private medical cover (opt-in)

The deadline for applications is midday, Thursday 4th July 2024. Interviews will take place w/c Monday 8th July 2024.