Work Type: Fixed-term - Part-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 2
Occupation: Land, asset, resources and facilities management
Location: Melbourne - Eastern suburbs
Reference: 1552829
SC1 Demonstrated experience and skills in developing and maintaining school grounds and facilities
SC2 Demonstrated ability to work within occupational health and safety guidelines
SC3 Demonstrated ability to work independently within school guidelines
SC4 Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to The Principal, Assistant Principal and/or Business Manager in respect to the work area
SC5 Possesses that technical knowledge, expertise and proficiency in the selection and use of tools/technical equipment as relevant to the position
SC6 Demonstrated high-level oral and written communication skills
The Grounds Keeper contributes to the safe, attractive and functional presentation of Birmingham Primary School's outdoor environment.
The position is primarily responsible for the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the school's gardens, lawns, ovals, paved areas and external spaces, ensuring that the grounds are maintained to a consistently high standard.
The successful applicant will work independently, exercise initiative and sound judgement, and communicate effectively with school staff, students, contractors and external service providers.
The role requires a practical, flexible and reliable approach, with the ability to prioritise competing tasks and respond to operational requirements within established school procedures.
The following expectations apply to the position.
The successful applicant will:
¿ Work under the direction of the Principal, Assistant Principal and/or Business Manager, undertaking duties with minimal supervision and within established school guidelines.
¿ Maintain a professional, courteous and approachable manner when interacting with staff, students, contractors and visitors.
¿ Communicate effectively, providing timely updates to management regarding grounds maintenance requirements, safety concerns and operational issues.
¿ Work collaboratively with the Maintenance Person, school staff and contractors to ensure the effective management of school grounds and facilities.
¿ Respond flexibly and reliably to changing priorities and operational requirements, including working within tight timelines.
¿ Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in all aspects of the role.
¿ Follow all relevant Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements, school policies and safe work practices.
¿ Identify, report and appropriately respond to hazards, maintenance issues and potential risks.
¿ Undertake relevant professional development and training to maintain and enhance the skills required for the position.
¿ Maintain appropriate records of work undertaken, inspections completed, equipment maintained and materials procured.
¿ Undertake other duties as reasonably directed by the Principal, Assistant Principal and/or Business Manager, consistent with the nature and classification of the position.
Position-Specific Responsibilities
The Grounds Keeper is responsible for maintaining the school's outdoor environment, including gardens, lawns, ovals, paved areas, external spaces and associated equipment.
Responsibilities include:
Grounds and garden maintenance
¿ Maintain gardens, lawns, ovals and open spaces to a consistently high standard of presentation.
¿ Undertake regular mowing, including the operation of ride-on and other mowing equipment where appropriate.
¿ Carry out whipper snipping, edging, weeding, pruning, watering, fertilising and planting as required.
¿ Undertake minor landscaping and garden improvement works.
¿ Collect leaves, remove litter and maintain garden beds and outdoor areas free of debris.
¿ Clear external drains and maintain the cleanliness and functionality of outdoor paved areas.
¿ Remove rubbish and debris from external areas, including fence lines and garden beds along Francis Crescent.
¿ Empty all external rubbish bins daily.
¿ Monitor the general presentation of the school's external environment and address issues as they arise.
Outdoor cleaning and presentation
¿ Blow and clear pathways, including the staff car park, as required.
¿ Undertake pressure washing of external pathways, particularly entrance areas, as required and preferably during school holiday periods.
Equipment and environmental management
¿ Maintain garden equipment and implements in safe working order.
¿ Ensure tools, implements and chemicals are appropriately stored and secured.
¿ Use chemicals and garden treatments in accordance with relevant safety requirements and manufacturer instructions.
¿ Apply environmentally sustainable practices wherever practicable.
Shared Operational and Facilities Responsibilities
The Grounds Keeper will work collaboratively with the Maintenance Person to support the broader operational requirements of the school.
The following responsibilities may be allocated between the Grounds Keeper and Maintenance Person according to the school's operational requirements, individual skills and availability.
Daily school operations and site security
¿ Open school buildings each morning and deactivate security systems, including access to external toilets, as required.
¿ Lock and unlock designated gates at scheduled times.
¿ Ensure buildings and designated areas are appropriately secured at the conclusion of relevant duties.
Communication and work coordination
¿ Monitor relevant school emails and respond to or action maintenance-related requests as appropriate.
¿ Liaise with the Principal, Assistant Principal and/or Business Manager regarding facilities and grounds issues, including work requests submitted through the school's Service Desk.
¿ Follow up on maintenance and operational matters raised by cleaners and the Leadership Team.
¿ Liaise with contractors and tradespeople regarding scheduled works, repairs, inspections and other maintenance requirements.
¿ Assist with coordinating school inspections and contractor access where required.
Procurement and resource management
¿ Purchase and collect goods, materials and supplies from off-site locations as required.
¿ Procure, collect and maintain an appropriate inventory of grounds and facilities maintenance supplies.
¿ Receive, transport and distribute parcels, resources and equipment around the school campus.
Safety, compliance and administration
¿ Conduct, schedule and record relevant safety inspections, maintenance checks and audits.
¿ Report all identified hazards and safety concerns to the Principal, Assistant Principal and/or Business Manager.
¿ Maintain the school's online maintenance management system, ensuring work requests and completed tasks are appropriately recorded.
¿ Participate in relevant school committees, including Occupational Health and Safety and Buildings and Grounds, as required.
School events and general support
¿ Participate as a team member in the preparation and practical set-up of school events, functions and activities.
¿ Provide hands-on assistance with moving equipment, furniture and resources as required.
¿ Undertake other reasonable operational and facilities-related duties as directed by the Principal, Assistant Principal and/or Business Manager
Desired Attributes and Experience
The following attributes and experience are desirable:
¿ Proven experience in groundskeeping and gardening.
¿ Experience operating grounds maintenance equipment, including ride-on mowers.
¿ Strong practical problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and address grounds maintenance issues.
¿ A high level of attention to detail and pride in the presentation and upkeep of the school environment.
¿ Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks and work with minimal supervision.
¿ A current Employee Working with Children Check.
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfil the specific requirements of the position are encouraged to apply.
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
Birmingham Primary School is situated in a semi-rural setting at the foothills of the Yarra Valley.
With an expected student population of just over 700 in 2027, the school has the largest primary school enrolment in the local area, reflecting its excellent reputation within the community.
Despite the age of the school and the challenges presented by its site, the school's facilities and grounds are attractive, well-maintained and valued by the school community.
Birmingham Primary School is recognised as a leader in Global Education, technology and the provision of a range of specialised programs.
The presentation, safety and ongoing maintenance of the school's buildings, grounds and facilities are important in supporting the school's learning environment and broader community reputation.