Opportunity for an Estates Horticulture and Grounds Technician in Waterlooville, working within a brand-new SEN school for children on the autism spectrum, full-time hours (08:00–16:00, Monday to Friday, 52 weeks per year), uniform provided. Salary £28,000pa.

A brand-new SEN school for children on the autism spectrum is opening in September 2026 following an exciting refurbishment project. We are seeking an experienced and proactive Estates Horticulture and Grounds Technician to join the estates team and help maintain the school grounds to an exceptional standard.

Reporting to the Facilities Manager, the Estates Horticulture and Grounds Technician will play a key role in maintaining all external areas of the school site, ensuring a safe, professional, and welcoming environment for students, staff, parents, and visitors.

About the Role

The successful Estates Horticulture and Grounds Technician will be responsible for grounds maintenance and estate care across the school site. Duties will include sports pitch preparation, seasonal planting, landscaping, hedge cutting, grass cutting, woodland maintenance, and maintaining hard surfaces.

This is a varied and hands-on role suited to someone with strong horticultural knowledge, practical maintenance skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.

The role is primarily based at the Kennington school site, although occasional travel to other LTC Schools and properties may be required.

Key Responsibilities

Grounds Maintenance

• Maintain all areas of the estate to a high standard
• Carry out grass cutting, hedge trimming, weeding, and seasonal planting
• Prepare and maintain sports pitches and pitch markings
• Maintain hard surfaces, landscaped areas, ponds, and woodland spaces
• Support the school’s horticulture department with seasonal activities and garden preparation
• Assist with landscaping improvements and enhancement projects across the site

Equipment and Machinery

• Safely operate grounds maintenance machinery including tractors, strimmers, hedge cutters, and other equipment
• Carry out routine servicing and maintenance checks on machinery
• Keep equipment clean, safe, and fully operational
• Record and maintain equipment inspection logs

Site Safety and Estate Support

• Carry out planned and reactive grounds maintenance tasks
• Manage external waste, litter picking, skips, and safe disposal procedures
• Support winter maintenance including gritting, snow clearance, and ice prevention
• Assist with general estate maintenance tasks when required
• Escort contractors on site and ensure safeguarding and work standards are maintained
• Support school events, assemblies, parent evenings, and exam setups

What We Are Looking For

The ideal Estates Horticulture and Grounds Technician will have:

• Previous experience in grounds maintenance, horticulture, landscaping, or estate maintenance
• Knowledge of sports pitch preparation and grounds care
• Experience using grounds maintenance machinery and tools safely
• Good understanding of health and safety procedures
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• A proactive and positive attitude
• The ability to work independently and within a team
• Flexibility to support wider estates and maintenance duties when required
• A full UK driving licence is desirable

Health and Safety Responsibilities

The Estates Horticulture and Grounds Technician will be expected to:

• Follow all Health & Safety regulations and procedures
• Complete relevant training including Manual Handling, COSHH, Fire Safety, Safeguarding, and First Aid
• Carry out and review risk assessments where required
• Maintain high standards of personal presentation and professionalism at all times

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a new SEN school at the beginning of its journey and contribute to creating a safe, inspiring, and well-maintained environment for young people on the autism spectrum.

You will become part of a supportive and professional team where your skills and expertise will directly impact the school community every day.

Benefits:

• Holiday: 26 days + bank holidays (pro-rata for the remaining of 2026)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance programme
• Free car parking
• Pension Scheme will be advised in our offer paperwork
• Cycle to work scheme

Apply for the Estates Horticulture and Grounds Technician Role

If you are an experienced Estates Horticulture and Grounds Technician looking for a rewarding full-time role in Kennington, we would love to hear from you.

You can also message Kate on 07771 598 549 or email hello@megalorecruit.co.uk for further information.

Megalo Recruit supports a huge number of nursery and preschool settings across London and the Home Counties, all offering great prospects and opportunities. Should this particular role not be of interest to you, pop us a call and we can discuss other opportunities that may better suit your requirements like nanny work (if you have experience). We do not charge for our services, we never send your CV to prospective employers or contact referees without your consent.