Skilled Groundsman – Cricket Specialist

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Epsom College

Skilled Groundsman – Cricket Specialist

Skilled Groundsman – Cricket Specialist

This role is responsible for maintaining and preparing sports facilities to a high independent school standard, with a particular specialism in cricket pitch preparation and performance. The postholder will support year-round sports surface management while leading on the delivery of high-quality cricket squares and outfields capable of supporting intensive school use and competitive fixtures.

Role and Responsibilities

Sports Pitch Preparation & Maintenance

• Prepare and maintain rugby, football, cricket, and hockey pitches to a high-performance school and competition standard.
• Carry out mowing, line marking, aeration, overseeding, top dressing, fertilising, and turf repairs.
• Monitor surface performance and adapt maintenance programmes to manage heavy school and fixture usage.
• Manage pitch rotation and usage schedules to maximise surface longevity and playing quality

Cricket Pitch Preparation (Specialism)

• Lead on the preparation and maintenance of cricket squares and outfields, delivering surfaces to a high school and competitive standard, with ambition towards county-level quality where appropriate.
• Prepare wickets through rolling, cutting, marking, and surface management techniques.
• Set out and mark cricket pitches to required specifications for matches and training.
• Protect cricket surfaces from adverse weather using covers, sheeting, and proactive planning.
• Monitor pitch performance and contribute to continuous improvement of cricket surface quality.
• Support long-term cricket square development programmes, including renovation and end-of-season recovery.

Seasonal Turf Management

• Deliver winter renovation and recovery programmes including deep aeration, overseeding, and surface restoration.
• Assist with summer preparation of cricket squares, outfields, and athletics areas.
• Implement drainage and irrigation strategies to maintain safe playing conditions.
• Monitor turf health, pest control, disease management, and soil condition.

Grounds & Estate Sports Facilities Maintenance

• Maintain sports grounds, practice areas, and surrounding landscapes to a high standard.
• Assist in landscaping and presentation of sports and garden areas in line with estate plans.
• Ensure all facilities are safe, clean, and visually aligned with the College’s standards.

Role and Responsibilities

Match, Event & Stakeholder Support

• Prepare pitches and facilities for fixtures, tournaments, training sessions, and external lettings.
• Set up markings, equipment, and safety checks prior to use.
• Liaise with sports staff and other stakeholders to ensure facilities meet requirements.
• Support delivery of high-quality surfaces for internal and external users, including potential representative fixtures.
• Assist with post-event repairs and surface recovery.

Machinery & Equipment

• Operate specialised sports turf machinery including mowers, aerators, tractors, rollers, and marking equipment.
• Maintain tools and equipment, reporting faults and ensuring safe operation.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to Health & Safety policies and safe working practices at all times.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure safe use of machinery, fertilisers, and treatments.
• Use appropriate PPE and maintain compliance with environmental and sustainability standards.

Continuous Improvement & Team Contribution

• Contribute ideas to improve working practices, machinery utilisation, and pitch performance.
• Support and mentor less experienced team members where appropriate.
• Maintain and develop professional knowledge in sports turf and cricket pitch preparation.

Person Specification

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in sports turf maintenance, with specific experience in cricket pitch preparation.
• Strong knowledge of fine turf management and sports surface preparation.
• Experience operating a wide range of grounds maintenance machinery.
• Understanding of turf performance, drainage, and seasonal maintenance programmes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Sports Turf Management or equivalent (essential or working towards).
• PA1 & PA6 Pesticide Application Certificates (desirable).
• First Aid qualification (desirable).
• Full Driving Licence (desirable).

Personal Attributes

• Strong work ethic and pride in maintaining high-quality sports facilities.
• Passion for school sport (particularly cricket) and supporting pupil development through excellent playing environments.
• Reliable, proactive, and flexible approach to workload and seasonal demands.
• Strong organisational and problemsolving skills.
• Commitment to professional development and best practice in sports turf management.

The responsibilities listed are not exhaustive, and the postholder will be expected to carry out other reasonable duties as required to support the efficient operation of the Grounds and Gardens department.

Terms and Conditions

• Salary: £32,000 – £37,000 (to be discussed at interview)

• Hours: During term time (34 weeks of the year), your standard working week will be 45 hours. These will be scheduled on a rota between Monday and Saturday. In the Autumn and Spring terms, your hours will fall between 07:00 and 18:30. In the Summer term, this may extend to 20:00. Outside of term time, your working week is 40 hours.

Because of the nature of the role, some flexibility is required to support fixtures and events. Your work pattern, including any evening or weekend work, will be set by the Head of Grounds and Gardens through a rota provided with reasonable notice. Any overtime must be approved in advance.

• Holidays: Entitlement will be 28 days per annum, inclusive of bank holidays. This entitlement rises by one day per year up to a maximum of 33 days per annum inclusive of bank holidays.

• Pension: The College operates the Epsom College Automatic Enrolment Scheme. The Scheme is administered by The Pensions Trust and eligibility is based on statutory criteria. If eligible, the Employee will be required to contribute a minimum of 5% of basic salary and the College will contribute 4% in compliance with current legislation.

Benefits:

• Private health care
• School fee discount
• Life Assurance
• Meals and refreshments free of charge during working hours
• Free use of fitness suite at certain times
• Free car parking on site

Method of Application:

Candidates to complete an application form which can be downloaded via our website www.epsomcollege.org.uk.

To comply with safeguarding procedures when working in a school, CVs will not be accepted. Applicants should refer to the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure policy on the College website. Applications will be assessed in order of receipt and interviews and appointment may occur at any stage after applications are received. Please apply as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact us on hr.recruitment@epsomcollege.org.uk

Grounds and Gardens Operative

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Due to the continuing growth of our busy Grounds and Gardens department, we have a vacancy for a Grounds and Gardens Operative. The department is responsible for the maintenance of 76 acres split between the Upper School, Prep School, Pelican School, Porson Road sports field, and the Perse Playing Fields at Abington. Using the department vehicles, the team works flexibly across all sites. The role will involve maintaining the day to day upkeep of the hard and soft areas of the grounds and gardens, ensuring that the sports pitches are safe and fit for use and that all areas appear well maintained at all times, across all sites. This will include work on flower beds, pots, baskets and any other planted areas.

Grounds and Gardens Operative

Grounds and Gardens Operative

This role can be offered as full time or part time, and an apprenticeship is available, along with CPD training opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintenance of the sports turf including cutting, rolling, strimming, scarifying, aerating, watering, seeding, top dressing etc
  • Assisting with gardens work including planting, weeding, pruning, watering etc
  • Marking out of the pitches including erection of goals/nets, corner flags and boundary markers in line with the School calendar
  • All aspects of cricket pitch preparation, maintenance, marking and renovation
  • Maintenance of paths, borders, hedges and roadways
  • Leaf clearance and removal
  • Early morning clearance of snow and ice from the pathways, pavements and roadways to ensure safe access for pedestrians and vehicles
  • Early morning and late afternoon gritting and salt application
  • Maintenance of artificial all-weather surfaces
  • Minor machinery maintenance
  • Trees/shrub planting and maintenance as required
  • Maintenance of bark chipped areas including reapplication and sweeping
  • Keeping records up to date as required by the Head of Grounds and Gardens

Benefits

  • Competitive salary of up to £30,915 (dependent on skills and experience)
  • Membership of a Group Personal Pension Scheme with employer contributions of 13.75% of pensionable salary
  • Death in service benefits of three times salary
  • Free staff lunch provided during term time and certain periods of the school holidays
  • Free access to the school gym and swimming pool with certain time restrictions

The Perse School Cambridge is one of the country’s leading independent co-educational day schools for children aged 3-18.

Our aim is to be a leading employer of choice. This means we strive to be a school where staff say they are proud and excited to work, and feel valued, respected and motivated.

We are committed to providing a very competitive salary and benefits scheme at the same time as offering a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development. We want our staff to feel engaged and purposeful so that they, in turn, help pupils to be happy and successful.

Further details including how to apply can be obtained from our website: https://www.perse.co.uk/work-with-us/

Closing date: Friday 10th April at midday but applications will be considered as they are received; The Perse School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.

The School actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Safer Recruitment

The Perse School recognises that an important element in safeguarding our pupils is a robust recruitment process that incorporates measures to deter, reject or identify people who might abuse children, or who are otherwise unsuited to work with them. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). All work carried out at the School on a regular basis amounts to regulated activity.  This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The School is committed to acting in the best interests of the child so as to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. The School requires everyone who comes into contact with children and their families to share this commitment. Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.

Grounds Person

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About this Role

Grounds Person

Grounds Person

The role of the Grounds Person is a full-time permanent position where you will support the maintenance and development of amenities and playing surfaces, ensuring safe consistent playing surfaces are available for use as necessary.

The Grounds Person will work under the general direction of the Grounds Manager and will assist in maintaining the day to day running and use of the school sports grounds.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:

  • Generous CPD budget
  • Comprehensive Professional Development Review system
  • Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme
  • Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day
  • 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13
  • Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre
  • Membership of the School’s Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme
  • Contribution towards private medical insurance fees
  • Membership of a pension scheme

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so early applications are encouraged. Forest School reserves the right to make appointments at any stage.

Please note that if you have previously applied for this position and were not successful, your application will only be reconsidered if there have been significant changes to your qualifications, or skills that align more closely with the person specification.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Safeguarding checks will be undertaken on all successful candidates in accordance with School policy. The safeguarding responsibilities of the post can be found in this job description and person specification.

NB The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Application link

Machine Operator

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Location: United Kingdom with international travel.

Machine Operator

Machine Operator

Are you an enthusiastic individual with experience of working on sports surfaces and looking to take the next step in your career? Join SIS Grass, a global leader in sports surfaces construction and installation.

At SIS Pitches, we’re on a mission to power more play! With offices in the UK, Ireland, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Dubai, we support grassroots sports, education, commercial venues, and professional sports clubs. We pride ourselves on our innovative approach, exceptional customer service, and dedication to excellence.

The Role

As a Machine Operator, you will be primarily responsible for the operation of our SISGrass hybrid installation machinery, ensuring they run efficiently to provide a high-quality finish. Health and safety must be at the forefront of all that you do, whilst keeping track of the work you have performed on the machine.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operate SISGrass hybrid turf installation machinery with precision and efficiency to ensure the highest standards of installation quality (full training will be provided).
  • Deliver installations professionally, in full compliance with client specifications and company standards.
  • Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues promptly and effectively to minimise downtime and maintain productivity.

What We’re Looking For

✔ Strong attention to detail.

✔ A proactive approach and willingness to learn.

✔ Experience working in an international or project-based environment is beneficial.

✔ A key focus on health and safety.

✔ Communication skills.

Why Join Us?

🌍 Be part of a global company that transforms sports venues.
⚽ Work on exciting projects that impact professional and grassroots sports.
📈 Opportunities for career growth and development.
💼 A supportive and dynamic work environment.

Benefits

✨ Company sick pay
✨ Compassionate leave & dependency leave
✨ Healthcare cash plan – Includes discounts from stores and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
✨ Death in service cover

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and contribute to world-class sports infrastructure, apply today!

Apply here

Project Coordinator

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Location: United Kingdom with international travel.

Project Coordinator

Project Coordinator

Are you looking for a new challenge in your sports surfaces career? Or do you have experience of managing sites and are looking for a new environment? Join SIS Grass, a global leader in sports surfaces construction and installation.

At SIS Pitches, we’re on a mission to power more play! With offices in the UK, Ireland, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Dubai, we support grassroots sports, education, commercial venues, and professional sports clubs. We pride ourselves on our innovative approach, exceptional customer service, and dedication to excellence.

The Role

This role will encompass planning, co-ordinating and administrating a high number projects a year being completed all around the globe. Administration / co-ordination will also be required for approximately thirty installation crew members. The work will be on sites within the UK as well as globally, where your skills, administration and planning will lead to hybrid sports pitch installations at high prestige sports venues across the world.

Key Responsibilities

  • To support the Head of Operations and Operations Manager in the effective and best value planning, construction, and delivery of the highest quality sports surfaces across the globe.
  • To provide good leadership and supervision of the installations site operatives and third-party sub-contractors to ensure that construction and installations work is undertaken professionally and in full compliance with the client brief.

What We’re Looking For

✔ Experience in sports grass maintenance and project coordination.

✔ Highly organised with sound experience in resource planning.

✔ Experience working in an international or project-based environment is beneficial.

✔ A key focus on health and safety.

✔ Strong communication skills.

Why Join Us?

🌍 Be part of a global company that transforms sports venues.
⚽ Work on exciting projects that impact professional and grassroots sports.
📈 Opportunities for career growth and development.
💼 A supportive and dynamic work environment.

Benefits

✨ Company sick pay
✨ Compassionate leave & dependency leave
✨ Healthcare cash plan – Includes discounts from stores and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
✨ Death in service cover

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and contribute to world-class sports infrastructure, apply today!

Apply here