Grounds Maintenance Operative

Position: Grounds Maintenance Operative (Permanent)
Location: Vale of White Horse

Abingdon School is seeking a dedicated Grounds Maintenance Operative to join the team.

Location:

Abingdon School, OX14 1DE

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Working Hours:

08.30 to 17.00, Monday-Friday (with a 30 minutes unpaid lunch)

Salary: £27,501 per annum

Closing Date: 9 Januarymidday)

About Us:

The Foundation comprises two schools:
Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11-18. Currently a boys’ school, it will become co-educational from September 2026.

Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4-13 which has been co-educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.

Grounds Maintenance Operative
- The Role:

Abingdon School is seeking to appoint an exceptional Grounds Maintenance Operative to assist in maintaining and upkeeping the general gardens and grounds. Candidates will be self-motivated and able to work independently as well as working cooperatively alongside other staff as part of the wider Grounds team. Initiative, common sense and the ability and willingness to work outdoors in all weathers are required.

The primary location is split between Tilsley Park and Abingdon School, but there will be a requirement to work at other sites within the Abingdon Foundation when needed.

Grounds Maintenance Operative –

Key Responsibilities:

- Setting up sports pitches and amenity surfaces including the maintenance of 2G & 3G synthetic surfaces

- The use of mechanical equipment e.g. mowers and tractors including basic maintenance

- Line marking of sport surfaces

- The correct cutting and care of hedges and trees using mechanical equipment

- The care and maintenance of drives and hard surfaces within the defined areas of responsibility

- Keep all areas under responsibility clean and tidy, and to a high standard of presentation at all times including sweeping, edging, weed control and litter picking

- The cutting and maintenance of lawns

- Maintenance, repair and erection of fencing

Grounds Maintenance Operative - You:

- A minimum of two years’ experience in grounds maintenance

- Conscientious, reliable, flexible and self-motivated

- Good communication skills

- Full driving licence (maximum of 3 penalty points)

- Recognised qualification in Groundskeeping e.g. NVQ

- Experience of maintaining 3G and 2G would be an advantage although training can be given

- Spraying Certificates PA1 and PA2 would be an advantage

- Experience in soft and hard landscaping

Grounds Maintenance Operative – Benefits:

- You'll get 25 days off paid time off each year plus bank holidays

- Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution

- Abingdon Foundation Death in Service Scheme

- Employee Assistance Programme

- Private healthcare insurance

- We may be able to offer flexible working from home

- Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes

- Free lunches during term time

- Cycle to work scheme

- Christmas closure days

- Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply)

- There are regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff

- We offer free on-site parking and bike storage for all staff

- We offer a range of online and in-person courses to staff for free including first aid, mental health first aid and health and safety courses

We aim to ensure that our staffing at all levels and in all roles is diverse and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community.

Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Closing date: 9 Januarymidday)

Interview date: 16 January 2026

To submit your application for this Grounds Maintenance Operative opportunity, please click ‘Apply’ now