Hays
Groundsman/Maintenance Officer - Independent Preparatory School
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Groundsman & Maintenance Officer
Independent Preparatory School | Buckhurst Hill, Essex
Permanent | Full-time (32 Hours Per Week)
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000
Start Date: ASAP - September 2026
Hays Education is delighted to be partnering with a prestigious independent preparatory school in Essex as they seek to appoint a dedicated and versatile Groundsman & Maintenance Officer.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and ambitious school community, playing a vital role in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and high-quality environment for pupils, staff, parents, and visitors.
The successful candidate will take responsibility for the upkeep of the school's grounds, buildings, facilities, and outdoor spaces, ensuring the site remains presented to an exceptional standard throughout the year.
Due to the nature of school operations and events, this role offers a flexible working pattern of 32 hours per week, with some weeks requiring weekday working and others including weekend attendance, depending on operational requirements, school events, seasonal projects, and site priorities.
The Role
As Groundsman & Maintenance Officer, you will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day maintenance and presentation of a busy independent school campus.
This is a hands-on position that requires a proactive individual who takes pride in their work and can confidently manage a varied workload across grounds maintenance, building upkeep, health and safety compliance, and general site management duties.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the school remains an outstanding environment in which pupils can learn, play, and thrive.
Key Responsibilities
Grounds Maintenance
- Maintain all school grounds, gardens, landscaped areas, and outdoor learning spaces to a high standard.
- Carry out grass cutting, lawn care, hedge trimming, pruning, planting, and seasonal maintenance.
- Ensure sports and recreational areas are maintained, safe, and fit for purpose.
- Manage leaf clearance, litter collection, and general site presentation.
- Monitor outdoor areas for health and safety risks and address issues promptly.
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Facilities & Building Maintenance
- Undertake routine repairs and maintenance across school buildings and facilities.
- Conduct regular inspections of classrooms, offices, communal areas, and external structures.
- Complete basic plumbing, decorating, carpentry, painting, and general handyman tasks where appropriate.
- Assist with furniture assembly, room reconfigurations, and event preparation.
- Report larger maintenance issues and coordinate with external contractors when required.
Site Safety & Compliance
- Support the school's health and safety procedures and statutory compliance requirements.
- Carry out regular checks of fire exits, pathways, fencing, gates, lighting, and security systems.
- Assist with risk assessments and site improvement projects.
- Ensure equipment and machinery are used safely and maintained appropriately.
- Help maintain accurate maintenance and compliance records.
School Events & Operational Support
- Assist with preparation for open days, performances, sporting fixtures, parent events, and special occasions.
- Support site access arrangements during weekend and evening activities where required.
- Work flexibly to meet the changing needs of the school throughout the academic year.
About You
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Previous experience in grounds maintenance, facilities management, estate management, caretaking, site supervision, or a similar role.
- Practical maintenance and repair skills across a range of disciplines.
- A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and excellent attention to detail.
- A commitment to maintaining exceptionally high standards.
- Good communication skills and a professional approach when interacting with pupils, staff, and visitors.
- Flexibility to work a varied schedule across weekdays and weekends when required.
- A strong understanding of health and safety responsibilities.
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Desired Experience & Qualifications
- Experience working within an educational setting, independent school, sports facility, hospitality venue, or large estate environment would be advantageous.
- Relevant maintenance, engineering, groundskeeper, or trade qualifications desirable.
- Health & Safety qualifications beneficial.
- Full UK Driving Licence preferred.
- Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
What the School Offers
- Salary of £40,000 - £45,000 depending on experience.
- Flexible working pattern averaging 32 hours per week.
- The opportunity to join a growing and highly ambitious independent school.
- Supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- Modern facilities and attractive school grounds.
- Long-term career development opportunities.
- A varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.
- The chance to make a tangible impact on the daily experience of pupils and staff.
Hays Education
Hays Education specialises in recruiting exceptional professionals for schools and educational organisations across the UK. We are committed to connecting talented individuals with outstanding opportunities and would welcome applications from experienced maintenance, facilities, and grounds professionals seeking a rewarding position within education.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and early applications are encouraged.
To Apply:
Please apply now or for a confidential discussion, please contact Aamir Malik at or call 0207 259 8770.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk.
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