George Watson’s College is looking for a Grounds and Gardens Operative to provide a range of frontline grounds maintenance services across the school campus. This position is available on a fixed term contract basis for 6 months (April – October), contributing to the wider high-quality and Estates provision for George Watson’s College.
The Grounds and Gardens Operative will ensure compliance with all Health and Safety requirements, including COSHH, in relation to all aspects of grounds and pitch maintenance while adhering to the schools code of conduct.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please click the Apply for this job button. Please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mr Scott Muir, Head of Estates and Property Services.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Tuesday 31 March 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed
Main Responsibilities: To undertake daily maintenance and upkeep of all school grounds, planted gardens and on occasions pitches using the appropriate work methods and machinery associated with various tasks such as turf preparation mowing, strimming, weed control, planting, watering, leaf clearing
To ensure that all grounds areas are kept clean, tidy and safe at all times, by removing litter and debris, reporting maintenance jobs to other Estates colleagues and ensuring compliance with all Health and Safety requirements as required.
Support the needs of the school for numerous events that require additional work out with the normal working week. An example of this would be preparing for the schools ‘Open Morning’ and other events.
To maintain and install all appropriate sports pitch equipment (e.g. goal posts, rugby posts, tennis nets, cricket nets and other sport equipment and protective covers as necessary) in line with the School’s timetable and other sports or external requirements.
To provide a general maintenance and horticulture service for the gardens and hard landscaped areas across the School’s campus, including the effective upkeep of all grass and lawns, hedges and plant displays, car park and various surrounding areas, to ensure that the School’s grounds are well presented and give an excellent impression of George Watson’s College at all times.
To be responsible for the general day-to-day maintenance, cleanliness and serviceability of all grounds maintenance machinery and equipment including tractors, lawn mowers, strimmer’s, other horticultural equipment, and hand tools.
Ideal Candidate: Essential:
- Previous experience using grounds machinery
- Understanding of the importance of Health and Safety in relation to all aspects of grounds maintenance
- Full current UK Driving Licence
- Able to work independently and as part of a team, willing to help others whenever necessary
- Able to effectively carry out the physical tasks associated with the main responsibilities of the post
- Positive attitude, and flexible approach to working
Desirable:
- Experience within a horticultural environment and plant knowledge
- Awareness of the responsibilities of working in an environment with young people
Package Description: Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh
Contract Type: Fixed term for 6 months
Hours of work: 39 hours per week
Salary: £27,276 - £28,813 (Based on 39 hours per week)
Benefits: Seven weeks annual leave (two to be taken at Christmas and New Year, automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)
