Job Description

Northease Manor School is situated in 12 acres of stunning countryside south of Lewes and nestled in the South Downs.

We are looking for a Groundkeeper to join our Estates team full time to look after the grounds of our wonderful school.

To apply please complete an application form and return to recruitment@northease.co.uk (Unfortunately we cannot accept CV's).

All staff will be subject to an enhanced DBS and social media checks.

Role Purpose

To work proactively and independently under the direction of the Site Manager, ensuring the school's external grounds and outdoor areas are maintained to the highest standard.

This role requires extensive horticultural knowledge, including expertise in the care and cultivation of a wide variety of trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers. The Groundskeeper will ensure the grounds are safe, attractive, and supportive of learning throughout the changing seasons, contributing to a calm and welcoming environment for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

As a member of Northease Manor School staff, you are expected to perform any reasonable duties as may be assigned by the Site Manager or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Grounds & Horticultural Maintenance

Plan, develop, and maintain the school's grounds and gardens to a high standard, ensuring all outdoor spaces are safe, well-presented, and conducive to outdoor learning and wellbeing.

Use advanced horticultural knowledge to manage and care for a wide range of plant species, including trees, shrubs, and flowers, in accordance with seasonal and weather conditions.

Undertake planting, pruning, watering, feeding, mulching, pest control, and soil management.

Operate, maintain, and safely store horticultural tools and machinery, including ride-on/hand-operated mowers, strimmers, and hedge strimmer's.

Monitor plant and soil health, identifying and resolving issues promptly to maintain sustainability and biodiversity.

Maintain lawns, pathways, borders, and outdoor learning areas, keeping them free of hazards, moss, weeds, and debris.

Support the creation and upkeep of sensory gardens, wildlife habitats, and other outdoor learning environments that enhance students' experiences.

External Site Care

Maintain the cleanliness and safety of external areas, including playgrounds, courtyards, car parks, and access routes - such as gritting the site and clearing pathways in response to icy weather conditions.

Assist with external repairs, such as fencing, gates, pathways, and signage, ensuring the site remains safe and visually appealing.

Manage waste and recycling in outdoor areas, ensuring environmentally responsible practices.

Monitor drainage and condition of external systems such as lighting/CCTV, reporting any issues to the Site Manager.

Support the Site Team in preparing outdoor areas for school events, activities, or community use.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Follow all health and safety procedures, risk assessments, and COSHH regulations.

Carry out visual inspections of outdoor areas and report hazards or maintenance needs promptly.

Ensure safe and appropriate use of machinery, tools, and chemicals.

Complete electronic records and checklists accurately (e.g. risk assessments, maintenance logs).

Collaboration & Communication

Work independently, showing initiative and sound judgement while maintaining regular communication with the Site Manager.

Build positive relationships with staff, students, and visitors, demonstrating patience and understanding in a SEND environment.

Support whole-school values by ensuring outdoor areas reflect the school's commitment to care, respect, and inclusion.

While this job description outlines the key duties and responsibilities, it is not an exhaustive list. You may be asked to take on other reasonable tasks to support the team and organisational objectives.

We reserve the right to appoint at any stage of the recruitment process, so an early application is advised.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 25,000.00-25,194.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 01/01/2026