Grounds Technician Apprentice

We are looking for a driven and enthusiastic individual to support in all Estates Grounds related duties including planned preventative and reactive maintenance programmes on a variety of sports and ornamental turf areas, shrub borders, hard and soft landscapes.

You will be based in a beautiful estate in Lavington Park, near Petworth West Sussex, comprising of vast sporting facilities including rugby, cricket and golf as well as parkland and woodland environments.

About Us

Seaford College is an independent, co-education school. Day and Boarding school from Prep to Sixth Form.

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

Vacancy description

You will be responsible for:

• Supervise and undertake the preparation and maintenance of the playing surface in accordance with governing bodies requirements, rules and regulations.
• Evaluate performance and agronomic data of playing surfaces (e.g. weather data, soil conditions, performance quality standard). Recommends improvements to turf health and playing surface conditions.
• Monitor and control threats to turf health and apply sustainable integrated pest management practices (encompassing weeds, pests, and diseases).
• Supervise and implement processes, procedures and strategies for the effective usage of irrigation and drainage systems to maximise sports turf health and surface performance.
• Prepare sports turf machinery and supervise maintenance programmes for equipment and machinery.
• Agree the specification and implement resource and budget requirements for sports turf projects.
• Supervise and mentor operatives and report on staff performance.
• Supervise the adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly working practices.
• Ensure a safe working environment and the adoption of legal working practices including the reviewing of risk assessments.
• Maintain own personal development by keeping up to date with current industry practices.
• Communicate with stakeholders on the factors affecting the condition of the sports turf and manage expectations.
• Plan, prepare for and supervise the construction or renovation of the sports turf facilities.
• To assist when required in the planning and facilitation of college events and external lets.
• To undertake any other duties as requested by your Line Manager

Health & Safety

• To promote the safeguarding and welfare of the pupils and young people as set out in the School’s safeguarding policy.
• To ensure all work is undertaken in conjunction with Seaford College’s Health and Safety Policies, all Risk Assessments are carried out and all work is undertaken to a safe and excellent standard.
• To ensure management and monitoring of all health and safety issues and close reporting and communications with Head of Department

Teamwork

• To be an active member of Estates and Operations team.
• To engage and work in conjunction with team members, staff and associates of the college showing a polite and professional manner at all times.
• To maintain and improve on skills /CPD relevant to the role.
• To undertake such other tasks relevant to the work or needs of the School as these needs arise and as may be reasonably requested.

Desired skills

• Communication skills
• Customer Care Skills
• Team working
• Physical fitness

Future prospects

• Yes, we hope the apprentice enjoys the role and stays with us

Hours

40 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 07.30am – 16:00pm (1/2 hour unpaid lunch)

Things to consider

• This apprenticeship is a Level 3 Sports Turf Technician role, and will require previous experience working with different types of sports turf and in an outdoor environment.
• Due to the rural nature of the position, having your own transport is strongly recommended.

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?

So, you’re looking to find out more about apprenticeships? Great! Did you know Plumpton College is one of the country’s leading land based apprenticeship providers?

An apprenticeship is a real job that combines hands on work with the opportunity to train and develop your skills, knowledge and behaviours in your chosen profession. 

At least 20% of your contracted hours will be spent in training and development, either with us at college, via online learning or even in your workplace. The rest of your time will be spent applying your skills and knowledge in your workplace, doing the job you have been employed to do.

The apprenticeship will be delivered via a mixture of practical and theory learning at Plumpton College campus on a fortnightly basis (during college term time only)

Qualifications Awarded:

• Apprenticeship Certificate - Advanced Sports Turf Technician L3
• Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides (PA1)
• Level 2 Award in Ground Crop Sprayer - Hydraulic Nozzle (PA2)
• Level 2 in maths and English Functional Skills (if applicable)

Apprentices will learn:

• Supervise and undertake the preparation and maintenance of the playing surface in accordance with governing bodies requirements, rules and regulations.
• Evaluate performance and agronomic data of playing surfaces (e.g. weather data, soil conditions, performance quality standard). Recommends improvements to turf health and playing surface conditions.
• Monitor and control threats to turf health and apply sustainable integrated pest management practices (encompassing weeds, pests, and diseases).
• Supervise and implement processes, procedures and strategies for the effective usage of irrigation and drainage systems to maximise sports turf health and surface performance.
• Prepare sports turf machinery and supervise maintenance programmes for equipment and machinery.
• Agree the specification and implement resource and budget requirements for sports turf projects.
• Supervise and mentor operatives and report on staff performance.
• Supervise the adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly working practices.
• Ensure a safe working environment and the adoption of legal working practices including the reviewing of risk assessments.
• Maintain own personal development by keeping up to date with current industry practices.
• Communicate with stakeholders on the factors affecting the condition of the sports turf and manage expectations.
• Plan, prepare for and supervise the construction or renovation of the sports turf facilities.