Deputy Groundskeeper
Location: Hilsea Playing Fields (Portsmouth)
Salary: £27,146 to £35,018 dependent upon the qualifications, skills and experience of the successful candidate.
Job type: Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hrs/week worked across 5 days, Monday to Friday)
Closing Date: 30th of September 2026
The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the heart of historic Portsmouth. Our Playing Fields are located at Hilsea.
The Role
Working as part of a small professional team and reporting to our Head Groundskeeper and Hilsea Site Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining our sports pitches and grounds to a high standard, assisting with planned maintenance projects, and supporting future site improvements. The role is based at our Hilsea Playing Fields and includes regular support at our main site in Old Portsmouth. We welcome applications from both individuals looking to further develop a career in grounds maintenance and sports turf management and experienced grounds professionals with relevant qualifications and specialist skills. This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week), working Monday to Friday, with normal working hours of 8.00am to 4.00pm where the standard working day is 7.5 hours with a 30 minute unpaid lunchbreak. Flexibility is required to support sporting events, evening lettings, site security and occasional weekend or evening working. Time off in lieu will be provided where appropriate.
Main Responsibilities
Grounds Maintenance and Sports Facilities
To liaise daily with the Head Groundskeeper and Hilsea Site Manager to plan, prioritise and complete grounds maintenance activities
Maintain, manage and continually improve all sports pitches, artificial surfaces, landscaped areas, gardens, pathways and access roads
Ensure all grounds and sports facilities are maintained to the highest possible standards, supporting the school’s sporting, educational and lettings programmes
Regularly inspect grounds, facilities and infrastructure, reporting defects and taking appropriate corrective action where possible
Maintain site cleanliness and presentation, including litter collection, waste management and general housekeeping
Equipment and Asset Management
Maintain all ground machinery, vehicles, hand tools and power tools in a clean, safe and operational condition
Ensure all equipment is serviced and maintained
Keep buildings, sheds, workshops and storage areas clean, organised and secure
Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, inspections and repairs
Site Security and Visitor Management
Assist in maintaining the security of the Hilsea site, including conducting site checks following events and securing facilities
Report unresolved issues or concerns to the Head Groundskeeper or Estates Team
Host contrators, lettings clients and visitors, ensuring compliance with safeguarding procedures, visitor management requirements and sige regulations
Health, Safety and Compliance
Promote safe working practices and ensure the correct use of PPE
Carry out statutory checks as directed by the Head Groundskeeper and Hilsea Site Manager
Communication and Teamwork
Attend team meetings, staff briefings, training sessions and other meetings as required
In the absence of the Head Groundskeeper and Hilsea Site Manager, liaise with stakeholders regarding operational matters
Operational Support
Provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence and wider Estates Team activities when required
Work flexibly across School site and participate in overtime, emergency callouts and out-of-hours support when necessary
To ensure the safeguarding of pupils
The Ideal Candidate
Essential
A good standard of education with excellent spoken and written English
To hold, or be willing to complete, relevant Emergency First Aid at Work qualification
Experience of working in a team
Experience of, and ability to, communicate verbally across all levels
Grounds maintenance experience
Ability to work in a team
Organised and with excellent attention to detail
Ability to maintain a level of physical fitness required to carry out the duties of the role
Good communication skills
IT skills including an ability to use school email system
Ability to follow instructions safely and effectively to ensure a safe working environment
A working knowledge of operational risk management practices and relevant legislation
Willingness to undertake all necessary safeguarding and other staff training
Desirable
Relevant professional qualification in grounds maintenance or equivalent experience and evidence of continuing professional development
Experience of working in a similar role within an educational environment
Knowledge of horticultural pests, diseases and treatments, planting and/or Health and Safety legislation
To APPLY for this role please complete an application form via MyNewTerm where you will also find a full job description for the role
