Grounds and maintenance operative

We're looking for an enthusiastic individual who thrives in the outdoors and would enjoy working in the historic Grade 2 Listed Hatherop Castle, set in a stunning 21-acre estate in the glorious Cotswolds. It's a few years since it was Anne Boleyn's hunting lodge, and Edward VII came close to purchasing it, but it is now a thriving and very happy boarding prep boarding school, which is going from strength to strength. The successful candidate will join a great team with huge amounts of pride in the buildings and the estate, providing maintenance support and keeping the grounds looking stunning. Prior experience may be advantageous, but personality and attitude are far more important - we want somebody who will contribute to the amazing vibe at the school. We believe in investing in our staff, and you will have the opportunity to complete a fully-funded apprenticeship, such as Property Maintenance Operative (Level 2), Horticulture or Land Operative (Level 2) or Horticulture or Land Supervisor (Level 3). The courses are worth £5,000, but you won't pay a penny. We'll even give you time during your working week to work on this. Key Responsibilities General · To walk around the school site before the school day starts, highlighting any issues that have occurred overnight. Checking central heating boilers are running and the heating is on. In the winter, grit roads and pathways and put out safety signage as appropriate. Any issues are to be reported to the Site Manager or Business Manager. · To attend a daily meeting with the Site Manager to discuss jobs for the day. · To record electricity, water and heating oil meter readings. · To monitor visitors/contractors working on site in the absence of the Site Manager. · To assist in managing traffic flow and parking during peak periods, including school events. Porter duties · To assist with setting up rooms for meetings and events as required. · To assist in lifting and moving heavy items. Internal maintenance · To complete routine or planned maintenance tasks as allocated by the Site Manager, such as gutter cleaning, painting, floor polishing and general repairs. · To undertake minor painting and decorating jobs as required. · Joinery – first line maintenance of fixtures and fittings, and minor repairs. · Plumbing – unblocking sinks, taps and waste pipes, dealing with leaking taps and burst pipes. · Electrical – changing plugs, fuses and bulbs. · To undertake PAT and legionella testing. External /grounds maintenance General · Maintaining the lawns, flower beds, hedges, playing fields and hard court areas to a high standard. · Planting bulbs, trees and shrubs. · Maintaining the woodland area in a safe and healthy condition using tree management techniques as directed by the Site Manager. · Line marking sports pitches and running tracks. · Ensuring that all grounds equipment is maintained to a safe and serviceable condition and that the tractor shed is kept clean, tidy and secure. · Safe use of the tractors and other equipment. · Safe use of chemicals such as weed killer. · Basic maintenance of the school’s onsite sewage treatment plant. · Assisting colleagues on the site maintenance team with general maintenance issues inside the school buildings if necessary. · To dispose of waste materials in a safe, hygienic manner ensuring that it is available for collection as required. · Maintain cleanliness and general tidiness of all external areas to a high standard. Health & Safety · To work with regard to Health and Safety at all times wearing correct PPE when appropriate. · To take on the role of fire warden. · To use power tools and garden machinery safely. · To report any damaged equipment or any potential hazard immediately. · To comply with the requirements of Health & Safety and all relevant school policies.