Grounds & Site Maintenance Operative

Grounds & Site Maintenance Operative

Location:

Fakenham Academy, Fakenham NR21 9QT

Salary: FTE SCP5 £ 25,583 - SCP6 £ 25,989 per annum. Pro‑rata £10,371 - £10,536 per annum, including an allowance for holiday pay

Hours:

15 hours a week – 52 weeks

Normal working pattern:
To be discussed at interview, but must be available to work Fridays 06:30am – 02:30pm

Vacancy type:
Initially fixed‑term contract until 31 August 2027

The Post

Fakenham Academy wishes to appoint an effective and reliable individual who is proactive and hardworking to join our site team and play a key role in maintaining a safe, clean and well‑presented school environment for students, staff and visitors.

This is a varied, hands‑on role covering grounds and general site maintenance, with some key holding responsibilities.

We are looking for an enthusiastic person with high standards to join our site team with the ability to communicate and interact effectively with others as part of our school support staff team.

We are a strong community school in which kindness, ambition and determination are at the heart of our values. We take the well‑being of our staff seriously and have a collaborative and supportive approach, working together to ensure the best for our staff.

Person Specification

• The ability to communicate clearly and tactfully using appropriate methods and an awareness of the impact of your own communication on others;
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with all and work as an effective and flexible part of a team; willing to change methods of work and routines to benefit the team;
• Be able to multi‑task and work under pressure;
• Be flexible and resilient in managing and executing their daily responsibilities;
• Able to demonstrate strong planning and organisational skills;
• Willingness to accept responsibility for your own actions;
• The ability to prioritise effectively, meet deadlines and accept challenges.

The professional competencies expected of a Grounds and Site Maintenance Operative are:

• Have the personality and presence required to carry out required duties effectively;
• Have a good rapport with young people and be able to act as a positive role model to them;
• Be supportive of the ethos and expectations of the Sapientia Education Trust;
• Be flexible and creative in approach and be open to the possibility of developing a wider role in the Trust.

The qualifications and previous experience required for a Grounds and Site Maintenance Operative are:

• Experience in grounds maintenance, site maintenance or a similar role;
• Knowledge of sports pitch maintenance;
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., horticulture, maintenance, health & safety);
• Practical DIY and maintenance skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Good understanding of health & safety practices;
• Physically fit and able to carry out manual work outdoors year‑round;
• Reliable, punctual and flexible attitude;
• PA1/PA6 pesticide certificate (or willingness to train);
• Certificates for the use of ground maintenance machinery;
• A minimum of a grade C / 4, or equivalent, in English and Maths GCSE;
• A clean driving licence.

Interviews will take place on Thursday 20 August 2026.