Groundsperson (Sports Turf)

Full-time, permanent, required as soon as possible

Founded during the fourteenth century, Ipswich School is regularly judged to be Suffolk's top independent school. We have over 1,100 pupils aged between 3 months and 19 years and are co-educational throughout. The School moved to its present site overlooking Christchurch Park in 1852. We have extensive grounds, including grass and astro turf sports pitches, cricket pitches, formal gardens and amenity areas.

We are looking for a keen, enthusiastic person who will take pride in ensuring the School always looks its best. We offer a range of sports (including hockey, rugby, cricket, netball, tennis, football and athletics). You will be able to work independently as well as in a small team, and be responsible, positive in your approach, willing and flexible and able to get on well with others.

An annualised hours contract (total 1950 hours) is in operation to ensure that the School runs smoothly (which may mean longer days on some occasions, and shorter days on others, and will be directed by the Grounds Manager). The typical working hours are Mondays - Fridays 7.30 am - 4.00 pm throughout the year, plus very occasional weekend work as required. These start and finish timings may be subject to change to reflect seasonal requirements.

In this role:

• A clean, valid driving licence and experience of driving tractors and operating grounds machinery are highly desirable.


• Qualifications and/or experience and knowledge of sports and working with sports surfaces, particularly maintaining cricket squares, and other sports pitches, would be a distinct advantage, for example: NVQ Level 2/3 in Sports Turf Maintenance or Sports Ground Maintenance or equivalent. We would be happy to offer workplace training and to fund sports turf qualifications as required.


• Experience and/or qualifications in using chainsaws and tree surgery is desirable.


• Experience and/or relevant qualifications in the use of herbicides, e.g. PA1 and PA6 pesticide/herbicide applicator would be beneficial.


Benefits include:

• Starting salary of £23,985 per annum (for an appropriately qualified/experienced Sports Turf Groundsperson)


• 28 working days' paid holiday per year, including public holidays. One extra day's holiday may be taken for each completed 2 years' of service, up to a maximum of 5 extra days. This brings the total holiday allowance up to 33 days after 10 years' service.


• Membership of a pension scheme with 10% employer contributions and 3x salary life cover


• Membership of Smart Health, a wellbeing app for staff offering 24/7 GP access and mental health support


• After 3 years' service, generous fee remission


• Free lunch during term time


• Use of the School's swimming pool and gym


• A friendly, welcoming working environment.


We would encourage you to download the full job description and application form for this role from our website: www.ipswich.school/vacancies, or contact the HR team on hr@ipswich.school

Completed application forms should be returned by noon on 30 May 2024 to: Alison Knights, Director of HR, Ipswich School, 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG or email hr@ipswich.school. Interviews are likely to be held in early June.

Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the job, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are looking for a keen, enthusiastic person who will take pride in ensuring the School always looks its best. We offer a range of sports (including hockey, rugby, cricket, netball, tennis, football and athletics). You will be able to work independently as well as in a small team, and be responsible, positive in your approach, willing and flexible and able to get on well with others.,
• A clean, valid driving licence and experience of driving tractors and operating grounds machinery are highly desirable.


• Qualifications and/or experience and knowledge of sports and working with sports surfaces, particularly maintaining cricket squares, and other sports pitches, would be a distinct advantage, for example: NVQ Level 2/3 in Sports Turf Maintenance or Sports Ground Maintenance or equivalent. We would be happy to offer workplace training and to fund sports turf qualifications as required.


• Experience and/or qualifications in using chainsaws and tree surgery is desirable.


• Experience and/or relevant qualifications in the use of herbicides, e.g. PA1 and PA6 pesticide/herbicide applicator would be beneficial.
  
  Founded during the fourteenth century, Ipswich School is regularly judged to be Suffolk's top independent school. We have over 1,100 pupils aged between 3 months and 19 years and are co-educational throughout. The School moved to its present site overlooking Christchurch Park in 1852. We have extensive grounds, including grass and astro turf sports pitches, cricket pitches, formal gardens and amenity areas.
  
  Starting salary of £23,985 per annum (for an appropriately qualified/experienced Sports Turf Groundsperson)


• 28 working days' paid holiday per year, including public holidays. One extra day's holiday may be taken for each completed 2 years' of service, up to a maximum of 5 extra days. This brings the total holiday allowance up to 33 days after 10 years' service.


• Membership of a pension scheme with 10% employer contributions and 3x salary life cover


• Membership of Smart Health, a wellbeing app for staff offering 24/7 GP access and mental health support


• After 3 years' service, generous fee remission


• Free lunch during term time


• Use of the School's swimming pool and gym


• A friendly, welcoming working environment.