Grounds Maintenance Operative at The Portsmouth Grammar School

The Portsmouth Grammar School (PGS) is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Grounds Maintenance Operative to join our Grounds Team based at Hilsea Playing Fields. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the maintenance and development of high-quality sports facilities that support the school's extensive sporting and lettings programmes.

Working as part of a small, professional team and reporting to the Head Groundskeeper/Hilsea Site Manager, you will play a key role in maintaining sports pitches and grounds to a high standard, assisting with planned maintenance projects, and supporting future site improvements. The role also includes regular support at the school's main site in Old Portsmouth.

This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week. During term time, the normal working pattern will be Tuesday to Saturday, with working hours varying between 8:00am and 6:00pm to meet operational requirements. The standard working day is 7.5 hours with a 30 minute unpaid lunchbreak.

Flexibility is required to support sporting events, lettings, site security, and occasional additional weekend or evening working. Time off in lieu will be provided where appropriate.

We welcome applications from both:

• Individuals looking to develop a career in grounds maintenance and sports turf management; and
• Experienced grounds professionals with relevant qualifications and specialist skills

Key Requirements

• Team player with strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work effectively under direction.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and flexible in responding to operational needs.
• Willingness to undertake training and professional development.
• Professional and approachable manner when interacting with staff, pupils, parents, and visitors.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience, qualifications, and skills.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to develop specialist groundskeeping expertise within a leading independent school.
• Supportive working environment within a respected and successful educational institution.

How to apply:

Candidates are asked to apply using the online MyNewTerm application form which is also linked to our advert on the ‘Work With Us’ page of our school website.

Any enquiries about the role or how to apply are welcome at recruitment@pgs.org.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications is midday on Monday 17th August 2026 and interviews will be scheduled to take place on the school site in the week commencing 24^th August 2026 or soon after.

The start date will be September 2026. 

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

 Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and applicants may be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of their application.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are ‘spent’ unless they are ‘protected’ under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.