Key duties and responsibilities

The Rockhampton Grammar School was founded in 1881 and is an independent co-educational day and boarding school, educating and caring for students from Prep to Year 12, as well as the Early Learning Years. The School is the largest independent boarding school in Queensland and the second largest co-educational boarding school in Australia. It is a leading school in regional Queensland and one of the foremost schools in regional Australia. The Rockhampton Grammar School has achieved great success in the academic, cultural, sporting and vocational fields over the past 143 years. The School has a total enrolment of over 1,400 (Prep to Year 12) students who are exposed to our broad curriculum, giving effect to our commitment of Grow in Character and Scholarship. 

At RGS, we employ motivated people who want to work together to produce excellent outcomes for our staff and students. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission.

POSITION TITLE:  Groundsman

DEPARTMENT:  Grounds

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, Permanent

REPORTS TO:  Grounds Supervisor

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Groundsman will provide ‘all round’ support to further improve the grounds, gardens and grassed areas of the School, ensuring that the surrounds are welcoming and add to the overall ambience of the School.

You will be required to be flexible in an often changing work environment and you will, at times, undertake the full range of duties as scheduled by the Grounds Supervisor or their delegate. You will be required to work independently and as a team, as required.

You are responsible for:

• • Maintenance of all garden beds, this shall include weeding, mulching, fertilising, planting out and replacing as necessary;
  • Landscape and establish new areas and gardens, as directed;
  • Maintaining lawns, this shall include mowing ovals and lawns and edging all lawns;
  • Pruning of all shrubs and trees at the appropriate time;
  • Watering of garden areas;
  • Blower vacuuming of paths, walkways and entrances;
  • Apply pesticides, herbicides, insecticides or other chemicals to soil, weeds, plants or other surfaces, as required;
  • Clean tennis courts and swimming pool;
  • Clean and maintain drains and ensure drains are properly operational;
  • Clean and maintain drainage pits ensuring pits are not blocked;
  • Repair divots and maintain line marks on ovals;
  • Prepare cricket wicket;
  • Maintain and repair irrigation, involving:
  • Operating and servicing drip systems and irrigation pumps;
  • Repairs and servicing sprinkler heads and underground pipes;
  • Undertaking general services across the School (e.g., office moves for staff, set up for events and functions, assist with furniture relocation);
• Performing minor maintenance and servicing of tools and equipment used in the performance of duties;
• Providing effective assistance to contractors when required;
• Ensuring all documentation (e.g., job cards, timesheets, consignments, material safety datasheets, and goods received) is promptly and accurately completed/maintained;
• Being proactive in identifying areas for improvement and provide recommendations to the supervisor;
• At all times giving regard to season and weather events in the planning and conducting of duties;
• Any other duties as directed by the Grounds Supervisor and Facilities Manager.

N.B This position description contains the most important duties and tasks regarding the job to be done. It is not an exclusive/exhaustive list.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES/KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of plant type and species, landscaping methods and technique;
• Knowledge of Work, Health and Safety requirements and demonstrated ability to work in compliance with WH&S provisions;
• Ability to plan, organise, resolve problems and prioritise work to meet strict deadlines and the ability to accommodate urgent and unplanned work with limited guidance, often without direct supervision in a collaborative team environment;
• Demonstrated work ethic and attention to detail with the ability to liaise with staff and clients at all levels
• Ability to act on initiative, dealing with unexpected problems that arise;
• Willingness to take personal responsibility for standard of work carried out;
• To undertake any training relevant to your role;
• Manual handling and physical activity is an inherent requirement for this position. A high level of physical fitness and health is a requirement and must be maintained.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The School takes child protection seriously, and as a staff member or volunteer of The Rockhampton Grammar School, you are required to meet the behaviour standards outlined in our Practice and Behaviour Guidelines. You will receive a copy of these guidelines as part of the induction process.

Therefore, as a part of your duties and responsibilities, you are also required to:

• Provide a welcoming and safe environment for children and young people;
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people to whom we provide services;
• Ensure that your interactions with children and young people are positive and safe;
• Provide adequate care and supervision of children and young people in your charge;
• Act as a positive role model for children and young people;
• Report any suspicions, concerns, allegations or disclosures of alleged abuse to management;
• Maintain valid “working with children” documentation;
• Undergo periodic “national criminal history record” checks;
• Report to management any criminal charges or convictions you receive during the course of your employment that may indicate a possible rick to children and young people.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The successful applicant will be subject to a “Working with Children Check and Criminal Records Check” where applicable. The School undertakes several screening processes to ensure the appropriate protection of children and young people in its care. This includes reference checks, identity checks qualification check and professional registration checks.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Relevant Certificate or Trade qualifications preferred, but not essential;
• Experience in maintaining gardens, grounds and building of a large facility;
• Experience in irrigation systems;
• Current ChemCert Chemical Accreditation Certificate (Preferred, but not essential)

REQUIRED LICENCES/CERTIFICATES 

• Working with Children Check;
• Police Check;
• Manual Driver’s with an LR (light rigid) or higher License.
• LF Forklift Licence (Preferred, but not essential)

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position - please 'apply now' through the RGS Website: Current Career Opportunities | The Rockhampton Grammar School (rgs.qld.edu.au)

Please submit the following compulsory items:

• Cover Letter, indicating why you are applying for this position and detailing your teacher aide experience and why you are the best candidate for the role;
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae with the contact details of two work related referees;
• RGS Application for Employment Form.

Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00pm Monday 25th November 2024.

Enquiries should be directed to Rodney Johnson (Grounds Supervisor) on 07 4936 0623.

*Note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

*Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

*The Rockhampton Grammar School reserves the right to amend this Position Description at its discretion in accordance with any Safeguarding of Children, legislative and/or operational requirements.