Job Description

Job Overview:

Hillhead Sports Club is a multi-sport membership club and community sports hub based in the west end of Glasgow, and was purchased by the Hillhead High School War Memorial Trust in 1922. With its origins stretching back to 1892, after the first world war the Trust's objectives were clearly defined as being to promote participation in every variety of sport.

The Trust is seeking a reliable Freelance Grounds person, with their primary responsibility being the maintainance of our tennis courts, to help ensure our facilities are maintained at a high standard and continue to meet members' expectations. Should it suit the candidate, there is also scope for fulfilling additional 'handyperson' duties around the club. The ideal candidate will have experience of maintaining artificial clay tennis courts and take pride in doing so.

You will work closely with the Trust board's Grounds subcommittee to ensure the role is carried out effectively and that good communication is established and maintained.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Overview

Contractor maintains six artificial clay courts to ensure a safe, even, high-quality surface year-round, following club policy, manufacturer guidance and LTA standards. Work must be timed around bookings, especially mornings. Because clay infill is costly and easily displaced, routines focus on preserving it. Priorities shift seasonally: autumn/winter = debris clearance and brushing when weather allows; spring/summer = regular brushing, grooming, and tidy presentation.

2. Regular Maintenance

Brushing/Grooming (min. twice weekly):

Use tractor drag brush/mat to level infill in both directions; return clay from baselines before brushing. Never brush before clearing debris. Avoid brushing when too dry (infill loss) or too wet (clumping).

Blowing/Debris Removal (twice weekly):

Use leaf blower at a shallow angle; remove larger debris manually; move debris to designated corners; keep courts free of contaminants.

Viewing Areas/Paths (weekly):

Sweep/blow paths and viewing areas; remove waste and balls; maintain safe, clean access routes.

Litter/Bins (twice weekly):

Collect litter and lost property; empty/rel ine bins; take waste to main club bins weekly.

3. Periodic Maintenance

Moss/Weed Control (twice yearly):

Apply approved treatments around perimeters/walkways per COSHH; treat 30 cm beyond fences; complete at least two weeks before Sportex deep clean.

Edge/Perimeter (monthly):

Clear vegetation, debris and check drainage strips, fences and borders; maintain clean court boundaries.

4. Seasonal/Annual

Deep Cleaning (3x per year):

Sportex undertakes mechanical cleaning; courts must be well maintained to support this.

Inspection/Reporting (monthly):

Check for wear, low infill, unevenness, drainage issues and line damage; report issues and keep brief records; urgent matters go to the grounds subcommittee.

5. Access & Scheduling

Maintenance usually Tues/Fri 08:00-10:00, adjusted for events. Reschedule after wet weather. Clearly mark courts as closed during work.

6. 'Handy person / odd jobs'.

If acceptable to the candidate, there may be extra hours to help with odd jobs around the club and clubhouse.

7. Health, Safety & Environment

Follow H&S, COSHH and manufacturer protocols; ensure trained staff; dispose of waste and contaminated infill responsibly.

8. Deliverables

Provide monthly report on tasks, materials, surface condition and issues; keep a detailed maintenance log to support budgeting and reviews.

Start Date: December/January 2025

Time commitment: A minimum of 4 hours per week, with the option of additional 'handyperson' odd-job duties if that suits the candidate.

Work pattern & location: Quite flexible, though the quiet spells of early mornings lend themselves best to court maintenance duties. The nature of the role means that the candidate must be on site to carry out the vast majority of their duties.

Remuneration: By negotiation, but commensurate with experience

To Apply: Candidates should apply via Indeed, and include a brief cover letter, and either a CV or a note detailing relevant experience.

Job Type: Freelance

Pay: 20.00-30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 3 - 6 per week

Benefits:

Discounted or free food Employee discount Flexitime On-site parking Work from home
Application question(s):

Please confirm you live within commutable distance of the West End of Glasgow, Scotland
Experience:

tennis court grounds maintainance: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 19/12/2025