Grounds Maintenance Operative
(40-hours per week)
The National Horseracing College seeks to employ a Grounds Maintenance Operative to join its enthusiastic, vibrant, and hardworking team. As one of only two specialist horse racing colleges in the UK, this third sector provider delivers training for people in both racing and other equine industries. Located in the scenic grounds of a private estate near Doncaster, it achieved Ofsted Grade 2 for overall effectiveness and Grade 1 for both Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development in December 2022.
A Grounds Maintenance Operatives’ primary responsibilities involve the upkeep of the college grounds, including green spaces, woodchip gallop, fibre sand arena and paddocks. This includes repairing post, stud, and rail fences, as well as stocking barns and paddocks with hay, straw and haylage. Additionally, you will be expected to be proficient in the operation of various tools and machinery, such as tractors, trailers, strimmer’s, blowers, and pedestrian/ride on mowers. Knowledge or experience in spraying with PA1/PA6 certification is desirable.
We require the candidates to demonstrate a genuine interest in grounds maintenance and a willingness to learn about working in an environment catered around horses and learners. Completion of a horse handling course in a similar setting is desirable, but full training can be provided for the right candidate.
Amenity tractor with trailed implements and loader qualification is desirable, but again full training can be provided for the right candidate. Due to the nature of the work, you must hold a full driving licence.
The work entails working outside in changing and inclement weather conditions and at times it can be physically demanding.
Hours of Work
40 per week, include a ½ hour unpaid meal break each day, and are shown below:
Monday: 6:30am – 3:00pm
Tuesday – Friday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
Please note that you work alternate Saturday mornings, 8:00am to 12:00pm and have the corresponding Tuesday afternoon off.
The salary is £25,396.80 per annum with a contributory pension scheme, an initial holiday entitlement of 25 days, plus Bank Holidays, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and Life Assurance (2 x salary). Meals can be taken in the canteen for a small charge.
The selected applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
The College meets equality and diversity, health and safety and safeguarding children and young people requirements.
Closing date for applications: 9th of January 2026