Groundsperson

Groundsperson

Location: Tokers Green, Reading

Salary: £25,729.60 - £26,436.80 per year depending on experience

Contract: Full time permanent position, part time may be considered, 20-25 hours per week.

Hours: 40 hours per week (part time hours considered)

Start date: As soon as possible

Aurora Rowan School

Part of the Aurora Group, Aurora Rowan School in Tokers Green, Reading, Berkshire opened in November 2024, supporting young people aged 6 -16 with a diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder, moderate to Severe Learning needs and associated difficulties, who require an individualised, specialist approach.

We are a passionate team that puts the opportunity to provide the best possible outcomes for our children and young people in their preparation for adult life at the centre of all we do and our decision making.

Opportunity

We are currently looking to recruit a Groundsperson to join our expanding team and work alongside the Site Manager to ensure that the external areas of the site are maintained to the highest possible standard, ensuring that all relevant health and safety legislation and company procedures are adhered to.

Key Duties

• Ensuring all grass areas are mowed regularly and grass is kept to a reasonable length.
• Strimming back overgrowth around the site.
• Trimming hedges and bushes, keeping them tidy and safe at all times, paying attention to nesting seasons and wildlife protection legislation.
• Maintaining grounds maintenance equipment and liaising with suppliers and finance colleagues for servicing by external parties where necessary.
• Maintaining clear gutters and drains across the site.
• Clearing rubbish from the external areas and emptying bins where necessary.
• Removing weeds and managing weed-killing routines in accordance with regulations and manufacturers’ instructions on safe use.
• Leaf-clearing and removal/destruction across the site.
• Gritting pathways and drives in conjunction with the rest of the maintenance team in winter months.
• Maintaining fences, including repairs and paint/treatment.
• Supporting the rest of the maintenance team with any other applicable duties, including painting and decorating and general site maintenance.
• Any other task applicable to the scope and responsibility of the role.

Skills and Qualifications

Skills:

• Ability to work well in a team and on own initiative
• Demonstrable attention to detail and pride in work
• Organised and able to prioritise own workload
• Ability to be flexible

Knowledge:

• Understanding of safe working principles and Health and Safety legislation
• COSHH – safe use of chemicals
• Weed-spraying licence – desirable but not essential
• Understanding impact of works on wildlife and adjustments required (nesting season and protected species)
• Electrical safety
• First Aid Certificate – desirable but not essential

Experience

• Experience of maintaining grounds in a similar role (Essential)
• Mechanical experience or experience undertaking basic machine maintenance (Essential)
• Experience of working within a school and/or special needs environment (Desirable)

What we Offer

• Life assurance
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Perkbox - offering high street discounts
• Employee assistance programme
• Car lease scheme
• Fully funded training and qualifications
• Bike to work scheme
• Free membership to our Health cash back plan - Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio and many more.

How to apply

Ready to make a difference? Apply online by completing our online application form. For more information on this position please contact Liz liz.hudson@the-aurora-group.com

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability and equal opportunities employer.

Closing Date: The role will remain open until it is filled - Please apply early as we may close the role when we have a suitable level of interest.

Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.