School Caretaker
Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire. Full‑time. Salary £28,000 per annum. Holiday 7 weeks during school holidays. Hours full time 7.30 am to 4.30 pm. Position permanent. Start date ASAP.
Job Purpose
Overstone Park School are recruiting an experienced, caring, and flexible team member for the‑day operation of the following: Security & Safety, Animal Care, Cleanliness, General Grounds Work & Maintenance, Nursery pupils’ minibus collection & drop‑off service.
Responsibilities
* Open building for staff and lock all doors and windows when not in operation.
* Open and lock up the school for users of the premises throughout the year.
* Care for the school’s farm animals during the week and weekends, keeping habitats clean, feeding and watering them.
* Perform repairs, maintenance, and decorating tasks on the premises.
* Drive the school minibus for runs and trips, checking and reporting findings daily.
* Monitor cleaning materials, tools, and furniture and reorder as required.
* Ensure all doors and windows are locked when the building is not in use.
* Secure the school with its burglar alarm.
* Arrange chairs and tables for meetings or assemblies and clear away afterward.
* Assist in setting up and clearing up all school events.
* Assist in the periodical deep‑cleaning programme as required.
* Assist in the clearance of snow, ice, and other hazards from paths, entrances, and essential areas.
* Be the key holder and main contact should the alarm be triggered at any time in the year.
* Adhere to contractual requirements and the school’s health and safety policies.
* Conduct all fire checks and record findings weekly.
* Be part of the school’s health and safety team.
Grounds & Estate Operative
Location: Estate. Contract: Full‑time | Permanent. Salary competitive (dependent on experience).
About the Estate
The Estate is a substantial rural estate comprising acres of landscaped grounds, woodland, parkland, formal gardens, open grassland, and agricultural areas including historic features, mature trees, water features and maintained public‑facing and private areas. We are seeking a hardworking, knowledgeable, and proactive Grounds & Estate Operative to join our team. This is a hands‑on role requiring practical grounds experience and a genuine appreciation for working within a large‑scale green environment.
Purpose of the Role
To support the ongoing maintenance, presentation, and environmental stewardship of the estate’s extensive grounds, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard throughout the year. The successful candidate will contribute to the preservation of natural habitats, biodiversity, and the overall aesthetic and operational quality of the estate.
Key Responsibilities
* Mow and maintain large areas of grassland, lawns and formal landscaped areas.
* Trim, edge, hedge cut and prune across extensive acreage.
* Maintain woodland paths, driveways and estate access routes.
* Clear leaves and prepare grounds seasonally.
* Plant and maintain trees, shrubs and flower beds.
* Care of ornamental gardens and green spaces.
* Manage invasive species where required.
* Support biodiversity initiatives and habitat management.
* Assist with woodland management and conservation tasks.
* Monitor tree health and report hazards.
* Maintain water features, ponds and drainage systems.
* Understand seasonal land management cycles.
* Repair fences and maintain boundaries.
* Undertake minor landscaping projects and improvements.
* Repair outdoor structures and fixtures.
* Assist with estate event preparation (marquees, signage, access routes).
* Clear snow and grit during winter months.
* Support agricultural or estate operational needs where required.
* Operate ride‑on mowers, tractors, strimmers, hedge cutters and other grounds machinery.
* Perform routine maintenance and care of tools and equipment.
* Adhere strictly to health and safety procedures when operating machinery.
Experience & Skills Required
* Proven experience working on large estates, parks or extensive grounds.
* Strong knowledge of grounds maintenance practices.
* Experience operating grounds machinery and equipment.
* Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
* Good understanding of health and safety procedures.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
* Horticultural or land‑based qualification (NVQ or equivalent).
* Chainsaw certification (e.g. NPTC).
* PA1/PA6 spraying certification.
* Knowledge of conservation and biodiversity practices.
* Experience working on heritage or historic estates.
Personal Qualities
* Practical and hands‑on approach.
* Strong attention to detail in maintaining presentation standards.
* Reliable, punctual and hardworking.
* Respectful of the rural environment and estate property.
* Takes pride in maintaining green spaces to a high standard.
What We Offer
* Opportunity to work within a large, scenic rural estate environment.
* Varied and engaging work across multiple landscapes.
* Long‑term stability within an established estate team.
* Competitive salary depending on experience.
Person Specifications
* Reliable, punctual, honest with high integrity and a good team member.
* Flexible, environmentally aware, able to work accurately and safely.
* Able to work with ponies, small farm animals and small animals housed inside the school.
* Carpentry and general maintenance skills essential.
* Able to use a hand and ride‑on lawnmower and other garden tools.
* Good interpersonal skills.
* Adaptable to organisational change.
* Work independently and on own initiative.
* Accountable for tasks completed and open to constructive criticism.
* Commit to health & safety training where required.
* Uniform will be provided (2 polo shirts, fleece, 2 pairs of black work trousers).
* Clean driver’s licence required.
* Successful applicant will complete a DBS upon a successful interview and all relevant checks.
Safeguarding Statement
The school is committed to the responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people as outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children. We recruit candidates who share this commitment and implement robust selection procedures to ensure the right people are appointed.
Pre‑employment Checks
* References.
* Occupational Health pre‑employment screening.
* DBS check.
* Barred list check.
* Section 128 check.
* Overseas criminal records check.
* Identity check.
* Right to work in the UK.
* Evidence of qualifications applicable to the role.
* All job offers conditioned on satisfactory completion of checks.
False Information
Please note that providing false information is an offence and may result in rejection of application or dismissal, and could be referred to the police.
Contact
v.brown@opschool.org.uk.
Overstone Park School,
Overstone, Northampton, NN6 ODT.
Phone: 01604 969232.
About Overstone Park School
A non‑selective independent school registered with DFE and ISI for boys and girls aged 5 to 18 years.
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